Seen as a sampler for the set of four this belongs to, we get a presentable beginner's guide to what is newly (and somewhat annoyingly) called "minibeasts" – we get the usual garden critters such as spiders, snails, ladybirds etc – but also barnacles. It's nice that we're told twice not to touch the things when exploring, but are intelligently invited to go out for a look-see, taking notes on looks, behaviour and locale to work out what the things we find are. We don't get a full view of any one bug, as this skims the surface quite a bit, but it makes the surface inviting, and this should easily lead to more interest in insects etc further down the line.

This book is ideal to give to your 5 to 9 year old before going on a hike. It teaches them in very simple ways not be scared of bugs and learning easy ways to study them. My daughter loved it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for receiving an e arc

This is a simple science based approach for bugs
I personally loved that the pictures were actual photos of the bugs as opposed to illustrations. There are question prompts to help guide young readers in making different observations.

Bugs by Charis Mather is a bright, engaging introduction to the tiny creatures kids love (and sometimes fear). Aimed at younger readers, it blends simple explanations with fun facts, encouraging curiosity about the natural world rather than overwhelming with detail.

What really works is how interactive the book feels—it doesn’t just list insects, but teaches kids how to observe and identify them, turning a simple backyard search into a mini adventure. The colourful visuals and friendly tone make it especially appealing for early readers and help build confidence in exploring nature.

It does stay fairly surface-level, so older readers or those wanting deeper scientific detail might find it a bit light. But for its target audience, that simplicity is part of the charm.

Overall, it’s a fun, educational, and accessible read that sparks curiosity—perfect for young nature lovers just starting to discover the world of bugs.