A 2023 Cybils Award Finalist
DIRT AND BUGSY: BUG CATCHERS
Meet Dirt and Bugsy–best buds who catch all kinds of bugs–in this fun early reader!
Dirt and Bugsy are neighbors, best friends, and bug catchers. They love bugs: Bugs that crawl. Bugs that fly. Bugs that slide. Bugs that hide. But when it begins to rain one day, their brains buzz with a plan: They will build a bug barn to keep the bugs dry! Together, they gather supplies and make a structure to shelter the insects from the storm.
Written by Megan Litwin | Illustrated by Shauna Lynn Panczyszyn
Penguin Young Readers (2023) | ISBN: 9780593519929 HC/9780593519912 PB
REVIEWS:
‘‘Bugs, friendship, and fun — what more could burgeoning readers want?” — Kirkus Reviews
“A fun backyard adventure with a universal emphasis on problem-solving.” — Booklist
“An excellent choice for nature lovers and newly independent readers due to its short, concise, and repetitive sentences. A fine addition to any primary classroom or elementary library, as well as a read-aloud to share with a loved one at home…” — School Library Journal
themes
Insects, nature, sorting, problem-solving, friendship
activities
With discussion ideas, curriculum connections, and activities for both home and the classroom.
A bit more about Level 2
DIRT AND BUGSY: BUG CATCHERS is a Level 2 Penguin Young Reader, aimed at the “progressing reader” (or F & P Text Level I). Here is a bit more about what reviewers had to say about the readability:
“Rudimentary sentences and phrases, subtle rhymes, and repetitive language encourage hesitant readers to stay engaged as a simple plot emerges…The story’s conclusion is satisfactory in every way—no small feat in this genre.” - Kirkus
“The text primarily uses short sentences featuring repeated words and phrases, but occasionally longer sentences appear, challenging kids to push their reading skills through context clues.” - Booklist
“Megan Litwin, a former classroom teacher, knows how to capture burgeoning readers’ attention and imaginations with her exuberant story of two boys who love being outside, playing and working together, and catching bugs…Repeated words and phrases, sprinkled with rhyming pairs, not only serve to build the story but also excitement and confidence in young readers.” - Celebrate Picture Books blog