Reviews for Icky Bug Alphabet BD Book

The average rating for Icky Bug Alphabet BD Book based on 2 reviews is 2.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-02-27 00:00:00 Wendy Laws The Icky Bug Alphabet Book is definitely fun, detailed and informative (both as an alphabet book and as a general introduction to insects, to bugs), but I have to say that I personally find the title rather (no, quite) misleading (as in my opinion, none of the insects featured and presented by Jerry Pallotta are what I would consider in any way "icky"). The title actually thus does manage to majorly rub me the wrong proverbial way, as in my opinion, we should be teaching children that bugs and insects are an important part of the animal kingdom, of the cycle of life, and not "icky" and/or potentially disgusting (one of the main reasons so many of us often desire and strive to squish and squash bugs on sight is likely because we have simply been taught and tend to believe that all bugs, that all insects are horrible, vile creatures). And while the information, the details presented in and by The Icky Bug Alphabet Book certainly does NOT do or show the latter (in fact, rather the opposite is the case, as the featured insects are generally depicted in a more than balanced and positive manner), the title does have the tendency to assume disgustingness, to assume that insects are by nature uncanny, strange and offence inducing (well, that is at least my personal opinion, and I still find this to be the case). And this factoid, this sad truth, is very much frustrating and unfortunate, as it undermines the many positives, or rather, it it has the potential to undermine the many positives that Jerry Pallotta and his The Icky Bug Alphabet Book attempt to present and teach (and for children who already might have an aversion to insects, or even mild squeamishness, seeing a book title that supposedly and prominently features so-called icky, read loathsome, vile bugs, could perhaps prevent them from even wanting to consider this book, and thus miss out on a fun, educational and really in no way creepy and crawly reading and letter/biology learning experience). Three stars!

Review # 2 was written on 2019-05-06 00:00:00 Bob Evans First of all, most of the "bugs" in this book are actually INSECTS, and quite a few of them are ARACHNIDS. There is a disclaimer at the back of the book; had it been at the front, I wouldn't have wasted so much time wondering if the author was an idiot who didn't realize that a spider is not an insect. And, lastly - I resent the implication that bugs are ICKY. While I would not encourage children to handle insects, I would certainly not attempt to foster the idea that they are disgusting pests needing exterminating. Pallotta does a fair job of presenting fascinating facts about each insect . . . so, why the off-putting title? Sorry, but even Ralph Masiello's lovely, detailed artwork cannot save this one.