The Delicious Bug
on Goodreads (110)
What’s inside...
On a quiet and peaceful day in the forest, beaky birds, lemurs, and a tomato frog are by the pond. Two chameleon friends, Willy and Wally, are eagerly awaiting their lunch when they both catch a bumblebug with their tongues at the same time. This leads to an argument and subsequent chaos that disrupts the forest's peace. However, through teamwork, they narrowly escape danger and realize the importance of cooperation. Janet Perlman's adaptation of her animated film, The Delicious Bug, prompts discussions on friendship, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the friendship between the two characters change throughout the story, and what do you think made it change?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters in the story?
What did the characters learn by the end of the book? How can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
Why do you think the author chose a bug as one of the main characters?
How do you think the story would be different if it happened in our neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they think the story might be about just by looking at the cover. This activates their imagination and sets the stage for active engagement.
While reading, pause at critical moments to ask your child to predict what might happen next. This builds suspense and keeps them invested in the storyline.
Relate the characters’ experiences to your child’s own life by asking them if they have ever faced a similar situation and how they felt about it.
After reading the book, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene. Discuss why they chose that particular scene and what it means to them.
Use expressive voices and faces for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and entertaining. This helps children understand character emotions and enhances their empathetic skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'The Delicious Bug', the characters learn to understand and empathize with each other's fear and hunger, which deepens their relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and needs of others, fostering better relationships and cooperation in school and at play.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: When faced with the dilemma of the bug, the characters come up with a clever and amicable solution that benefits all, showcasing innovation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions during conflicts or challenges with their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Despite initial conflicts, the characters realize how valuable their friendship is, leading them to prioritize it over their dispute.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of maintaining friendships and how working through disagreements can strengthen bonds.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story highlights how each action taken by the characters impacts others, leading them to be more considerate in their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to consider the outcomes of their actions on their surroundings and people, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: The resolution of sharing the bug amongst themselves underlines the theme of generosity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of sharing and can encourage them to practice generosity in their daily interactions with friends and family.