Friday, 11 September 2015

Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

 10th September 2015, Tundra, 96 pages, Hardback, Review copy from NetGalley

Content: insects, dirt, humour 

Summary from Tundra 
A bug flies through an open door into a house, through a bathroom, across a kitchen and bedroom and into a living room ... where its entire life changes with the switch of a button. Sucked into the void of a vacuum bag, this one little bug moves through denial, bargaining, anger, despair and eventually acceptance -- the five stages of grief -- as it comes to terms with its fate. Will there be a light at the end of the tunnel? Will there be dust bunnies in the void? 

Nayu's thoughts.  
Now, I'm generally not into insects, but I was curious about how the bug got in the vacuum, and if/how it got out. I was captivated by the expressions of the bug, I felt so sorry for it when it was on its own and had to occupy itself with the vacuum's contents. The shade of colours fitted the feel of the inside of a vacuum (lots of dust, some dirt, some very odd bits and bobs). 

I loved having an ebook proof copy because (now I think this is the right book) I could make the pictures larger and look at them in more detail, which isn't possible with a paperback book without a magnifier. I think this gives readers plenty to think about a) what goes in their vacuum and b) what life is like for creatures they don't see that often, unless they live near lots of bugs and/or are bug enthusiasts. It's a clever way of exploring the complex emotion of grief, perfect for readers of all ages to understand without having to witness a story about another bug dying.

Find out more on Melanie's website

Available to pre-order at most bookstores including NRC affiliate Foyles

Suggested read
If you love reading about bugs and other creatures you'll love the hilarious omnibus, The Phoenix Presents Gary's Garden by Gary Northfield (Children's, 5 years +, 9/10E)

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