This sweet children's book reminds readers that you don't need to kill bugs, while acknowledging the fear that some children may have towards these unfamiliar creatures. With nice clean fonts and detailed illustrations, this book is easy to read and will be perfect for young children who are preparing to be able to read. The messages are important and well done, and I definitely think this would be a great book for a preschool to grade 2 classroom library, though I know some of my Grade 3s and 4s could benefit from reading it too! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

I hate to admit that my son loves to smash bugs. I was looking forward to reading this to him in the hopes that it would discourage him from this behavior.

Although the book itself is not religious, the author’s note explains this is written from the perspective of Buddhism and, really, shock at Western culture. The book’s main reason for not killing bugs is because they have feelings.

Toddlers are not the best at understanding empathy or anyone’s feelings but their own, especially another species. I was really hoping this book would touch on the importance of bugs to the ecosystem and the different functions they serve. The book did not touch on that at all, and without it, I don’t think it is useful.

The rhyming and illustrations were nice though.

Thank you, NetGalley and Shambhala Publications for the ARC.

First of all, I love the diversity in the characters!
As someone who grew up hating bugs, I know how easy it is to fear the crawlers around us (despite knowing that they are often harmless and some are even helpful). I really appreciate this book's environmental message about not harming the bugs in our lives. I think it's such an important one to teach younger kids to care for these animals just as they would for more traditionally "cute" animals.

Cute picture book! This would be a great story to share in spring with my class as bugs start to come out more and we spend more time outside.

What a beautiful way to teach kids that they can be a positive influence on friends.

The overall story of being kind to all living things is more than enough reason to stick this in every library.
The illustrations are fun and cute. I loved the multicultural representation.

I cannot wait to put this on our shelves! My daughter is already asking for a set of wings like Bu's,

A picture book about one child who educates others to be mindful of the bugs living around them. It teaches the message that bugs are living creatures, and should be left alone (or helped when needed) and never killed or toyed with.

Thank you Netgalley for the review copy

This was a sweet rhyming book that maybe was trying to do too much? I thought the book was sweet as I started reading, because I thought it was one geared towards littles who are afraid of bugs, but then it does become deeper and go on to talk about being compassionate and helping all creatures. I think something that would have elevated the story would be, instead of having the 3-4 little stories of Bu and friends not killing/helping out bugs, but going beyond multiple bug stories and having one of those little moments being about friendship and being kind to people as well. Either that or making the story’s primary focus being about not being afraid of bugs.

“Living beings are simply not toys. They don’t want to play with little girls or boys”
Cute book about the importance of bugs and importance of kindness. It showcased a few different bugs/insects and the safest way to “play” with them. The message was touching:
All beings need love.
The illustrations were nicely done.
Great message and my 5 year old loved it!

An adorable little character named Bu and his new friends are in the park together. They encounter a variety of bugs that his friends do not want to dispense kindness to. Bu intervenes and persuades them to take a closer look stating that these little creatures have feelings too so they should be treated with respect and compassion.

The book sparks conversations of how both humans and bugs can live peacefully together and learn from each other. Through different scenarios kids are taught that bugs won't harm you and we can coexist with them happily.

Written in rhyme the story is an important one. The illustrations are very expressive and kid-friendly. It teaches kids how to love and esteem the lives of the bugs that we find in our world. The story has a very positive and important life lesson. We all can be superheroes as we save lives not destroy them.

I like how it starts rhyming immediately. I like how it teaches children that sometimes the things they are afraid of, are just as afraid of them. Teaching children to leave bugs alone and not kill them is great! Spreading the message that a superhero saves a life, not destroy it. The artwork was easy for a child to understand.

This is a lovely book that teaches children mindfulness, compassion, and the power of being a good influence. Follow a group of kids at the park as they learn how to be respectful and loving towards all beings. The author's note at the end shares the importance of this practice from a buddhist perspective, but it's relevant for anyone and everyone.

Thank you to Shambhala Publications and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy for us to review. My family enjoyed this one!