This book was SO cute and I cannot wait to get my hands on anything else related to this one. This adorably illustrated book stars a ten-lined June beetle aka. Watermelon Beetle aka. Burt. He may not fly like some other bugs, or run fast, or be strong, and he may not stink up the place to scare predators like the stink bug, but he can do other things… maybe… But when his friends are in trouble, there is no one more Burtier than Burt to step up and prove that you don’t have to have super powers to be a super friend. Read this book!!! You’ll laugh, you’ll relate to the “ordinary” bug, you might even learn some fun facts about June beetles (not just Burt).

I received an ARC but my opinions are all mine (and my childrens’)

Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this picture book!
Burt is a hugger, June Beetle, and winner of the local watermelon lookalike contest 3 years running! (okay I made that last part up, but he does look like a watermelon!) Burt can't fly, sprint, climb, or shoot poison out of his face, but that doesn't mean he's any less useful than the other beetles. This book follows Burt as he finds what his hidden superpower is through trial and error. Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite is a charming, hilarious, and cute picture book about all of the cool superpowers different types of beetles have. Ashley Spires slips in educational content like zucchini in brownies. The illustrations are adorable, and I already want books about all of the super bugs and beetles! I really enjoyed Burt, and would definitely recommend it to any kids who like animals (specifically bugs and beetles), laugh out loud books, or just learning!

This adorably fun book by The Most Magnificent Thing and Binky the Space Cat author Ashley Spires is all about Burt, a ten-lined june beetle whose superhero power is hugging. He can't defend himself with a stinky smell, he can't lift 50 times his weight, and he certainly doesn't bite: that's not how you make friends! No, this friendly, lovable bug likes to chase porch lights and flail his legs in the air. But when his friends find themselves caught in a spider's web, it's Burt to the rescue in the best way possible! Ashley Spires makes bugs absolutely adorable and hilariously witty in this fun story that includes loads of bug facts and bold, cartoony illustration. Endpapers show a variety of bugs and their special traits; dialogue and narration in the book also focuses on positive, albeit, fictional character traits, which lends itself to a good discussion on embracing our differences and enjoying a wide group of friends. Hand this to your kiddos that may not be ready to tackle Science Comics yet, but who are ready to enjoy learning about the sweetest watermelon-looking huggable bug ever. Display and booktalk with Elise Gravel's Disgusting Critters series for more laughs (and facts!). Visit Ashley Spires's author website for information about her books and animation.

This was a cute, colorful, and educational look at an insect: a June beetle. The idea here is that insects have superpowers, but Burt has none. He doesn't seem to be able to emulate anything other insects famously do - like carry many times his own weight, or flying super-fast. But when it comes down to it, he finds he can use what attributes he does have to help his friends.

The story was great and I commend it fully. The ideas were fun and interesting, the story taught something while not making it feel like a lesson, and the artwork was engaging.

This juvenile graphic novel is adorable as well as informative. While the story is about Burt the Beetle they talk about what makes other bugs special and even though Burt doesn't have any special bug powers he still has the ability to save his friends. Very cute and fun tale.

A tiny coming-of-age tale of Burt, a June beetle, that is bound to warm your heart, make you giggle as well as inform you of some very weird and interesting insect trivia. And oh, your kid will probably enjoy it more than you. I definitely enjoyed it as an adult and am looking forward to gifting copies of this book as part of my cool aunt duties.

I don't think I've ever seen a June Beetle, and I'm not a particular fan of bugs. But I love gardening, and animals facts, and well-told stories in general, so this was right up my alley. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this lovely read.

I can already tell my students are going to love this new book by Ashley Spires, Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite. It has all of the humour of Elise Gravel's disgusting critter series (all the facts, too!), but wraps it up in more of a graphic novel style plot, which kids will really appreciate. I actually laughed out loud a couple of times. Her illustrations are clever. and the vocab level seems to be really good. I can't wait to use this in the classroom. Thanks to NetGalley and KidsCanPress for making a digital ARC available!

Burt is not sure if he is worthy of being a bug. He doesn't seem to have any special abilities, but he does. So what special abilities does he have? You will have to read and find out. The artwork is earthy tone which goes along with a book about different bugs.

This was an adorable kid friendly read about how important you are to anyone, yourself included, when push comes to shove. Burt's positive attitude and determination through it all, is inspiring.
Definitely some lessons worth reading and sharing.

**Thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

This book has such great insect facts and great humor! It had me laughing even as an adult! I also love the moral of the story, that the beetle is a valuable friend despite not having some flashy talent, implying that everyone is important and can use what they have to be kind to others.

I was provided with a digital copy of this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.

This book is likeable, colorful, and entertaining -- a nice mingling of storytelling and science, and sure to please readers from a wide range of ages.

I received an electronic ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley.
Spires slides science seamlessly into this story of a June Beetle named Burt. He doesn't think he has any super powers and feels blue at times when he sees what other insects can do. Readers are invited to see this world from an insect size view. They see the interactions amongst the bugs and get to be part of it. The cartoon style works well for elementary level readers. Burt is a likeable character and readers will be delighted when he figures out his super power too.
Spires also adds informative text at the end with facts about each type of insect. The short paragraph style works well. Great for a read together portion of this book or to challenge readers to learn more themselves.

An adorable comic book about a watermelon beetle who doesn't know what makes him special. He soon learns that he has what it takes to be a super-bug!

Cute art style, easy to read, super enjoyable.

This delightful picture book not only tells a charming tale about Burt the Beetle, it also informs the reader about several other insects as well. Children who read this for the fun story will find themselves intrigued by insects in general and will likely clamor for nonfiction as well. Burt is concerned that he doesn't have a super power like other insects, until in the end, he discovers that he is important too. A romp through finding yourself and encouraging others as well. Highly recommended.

Bert the Beetle Doesn't Bite by Ashley Spires is a fun way to learn about Bert and the other inhabitants of his world. This is a great introductory look at denizens of the back yard.

4.35 Stars
This is such a cute, cute book! I need to add a disclaimer that I’m not a fan of insects. Still, I picked it up because Burt, on the cover, was too sweet to ignore. The illustrations and humor are the highlights of the book.
The book gives kids insights into types of beetles and insects by portraying them as cute and innocent little creatures (which they actually are). The information is just enough to get kids excited and talk about insects instead get terrified of them.
The underlying message deals with how everyone has a special ability, whether we know it or not. Each kid is special and deserves the same kind of love and encouragement to grow.
Overall, it’s an engaging book for the little munchkins. Let them learn to love themselves and treat others (including insects) with care.
Thank you, ARC from NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for the ARC.

This story is absolutely perfect for children growing up it will teach them that you don't need to have special abilities to save the day. This was a sweet pile of naivety and innocence that I desperately needed read this book to your children!!!

Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite was both amusing and informative - a winning combination for a kids book! It passed the toddler test, as I read it with my daughter. We liked the superhero aspect, too - and learned a lot about all the different characteristics insects have, and what makes them special.
The comic book style was engaging and the illustrations were so charming!

Well, I don't have tons to say about this book except I LOVED IT!! I'm someone who loves bugs (much to my friend's chagrin) and I've taught my daughters to love them too. We've always seen these bugs around but I never really gave them much thought until this book. How incredibly adorable to shed light on a beetle like Burt...I'm completely infatuated with the way the author wrote about all kinds of bugs and their strengths (and weaknesses) but was particularly enamoured with the main character. Thanks for sharing this, will definitely buy for friends with kids!

Burt the Beetle is an adorable, lovable and friendly guy. The book is narrated in a way that tells the reader interesting and cool facts about how special other bugs with funny asides from our protagonist, Burt. Spoiler alert- Burt ends up being special, too!

Great for kids PK-2. Kids who like the Bad Guys, InvestiGators and Dragon will enjoy this book. Wholesome fun with minimal poop jokes.