Beetle Boy

A boy turns into a beetle, unnoticed by all but his best friend.

3.5/5 Goodreads · 61 ratings

32 pages· 2,044 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Gregory Sampson wakes up as a giant beetle, yet no one notices except his best friend, Michael. As Gregory struggles to understand his bizarre transformation and seeks a way to return to his human form, he confronts questions of identity and the longing for recognition. Why has he changed, and why does no one else see it? In his quest for answers, Gregory discovers the true meaning of friendship and the deep human need for love and acknowledgment. Will he find a way back to his old self, or is he destined to remain a bug?

From the publisher

Gregory Sampson wakes up one morning and finds that he’s become a giant bug! A purple-brown beetle, to be exact. But no one notices the metamorphosis – not Gregory’s parents, not his little sister, not his teachers, not even the kids at school. Only his best friend, Michael, sees the change. And Michael wants his friend back just as much as Gregory wants to be his old self again. But why did he go from boy to bug? And why don’t people seem to care? As Gregory searches for answers – and a way to recover his identity – a poignant story unfolds about the need for love and recognition.

At a glance

Format: Library Binding
Pages: 32
Words: 2,044
Reading age: 6–99+
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~420L

Themes & topics

Books about metamorphosis Books about identity Books about love

What readers & critics say

Reviews

“In this tongue-in-cheek story . . . Durand strikes a delicate balance between real and surreal elements in his imaginative artwork.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

“Not surprisingly, David . . . lists 'Metamorphosis' as his inspiration; Kafka’s tale of insect angst translates splendidly to a story for younger audience. Durand’s illustrations express equally silliness and pathos, making Gregory as endearing as a beetle as he is as a boy.”

Kirkus

Critic

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