Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug

One suspects that every day looms large for Hank: he's a pill bug, tiny even for the insect world. Groenink (Rufus the Writer) contributes sunny digital drawings textured like screenprint art and dotted with explanatory captions (a near miss with a skateboarder is "too close for comfort!"), playing with scale and framing as the self-sufficient hero goes through his morning; Hank's "exercise stick," which initially seems as tall as a climbing wall in close-up, is revealed to be a twig. Most of the story focuses on Hank's playdate with his best friend: a human girl named Amelia, who wears an aviator cap and scarf in tribute to her famous namesake. Kuhlman (Great Ball of Light) doesn't provide any backstory for this unusual friendship, and there's something lovely and inviting about this matter-of-factness as the two enjoy an afternoon of aeronautically themed pretend play. Big, it seems, doesn't need to refer to revelations, drama, or physical size; it can speak instead to the significance of having a friend who is deeply simpatico. Ages 3-7. Illustrator's agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (Sept.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—It's a simple life for Hank the pill bug: he awakens from under his home beneath a rock, shimmies through the tall grass, nibbles on leaves, plays dead to avoid a scary grasshopper, and meets new and old friends among the mushrooms and sticks. Hank's life gets much more exciting, however, when he meets a new friend, Amelia, who makes Hank her copilot as she soars over the Atlantic Ocean in her airplane! Hank climbs aboard her helmet as they zip through the yard, letting Hank see his world in a whole new way. Running, zooming, and flying through the grass, they wave to the queen of England and barely miss the Eiffel Tower! All that action makes them hungry, so they stop at a cafe, Le Velvet Bug, to enjoy a snack before voyaging back to America. Amelia and Hank make a daring landing back home, where they reflect on their special and imaginative adventure as new friends. Back across the sidewalk, past the grasshopper, and down the stick, Hank arrives home, where he nestles again at last. This thrilling selection is an ideal choice for storytime. Whimsical mixed-media illustrations enhance the playful appeal of the tale. This debut picture book features a strong female character of color. VERDICT A lively suburban romp that captures the essence of friendship and play, with text and thoughtful details that are interspersed evenly enough to hold the attention of younger readers.—Natalie Braham, Denver Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The energy of art and text move seamlessly down to nighttime—and a young reader's nap or bedtime. Excellent layout, text, and illustrations make for a thoroughly satisfying story."—Kirkus Reviews starred review

"A striking aspect of the dynamic digital artwork is the shifting sense of scale, which demonstrates clearly that size is a relative concept. An eye-catching picture book with an intrepid little hero."— Booklist starred review

"Big, it seems, doesn't need to refer to revelations, drama, or physical size; it can speak instead to the significance of having a friend who is deeply simpatico."— Publishers Weekly starred review