Grub

Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending. On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed – and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change – and his transformation is spectacular! With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle – one of the world’s largest – with its giant pincers.

About the Author :
Sandra Severgnini’s fascination for the amazing world around her inspires her and brings sensitivity and humour to her illustrations.

Review :
“It is perhaps inevitable that readers will be reminded of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar but Grub, as a book about metamorphosis more than holds its own as it has more detail and in a completely different way, is just as beautiful.” “Grub immerses us in the world of the forest floor as we take a journey of discovery on the way to the final, surprising, metamorphosis.” “The illustrations are realistic and beautiful. One can almost ‘smell’ the forest odours. This is an excellent non-fiction picture book ideal for young nature lovers aged 5 years and old.” GRUB will take you down to the forest floor where a hive of activity is present. Grub is busy munching and other insects are going about their day. He asks them questions as they travel by, hoping they know what he might become. He marvels at beautiful wings, long legs and the song of another insect, but is unsure of his own future. Each insect explains what they were, either caterpillar, larva, or nymph, before they became their final form. This is a great way for young entomologists to make their first steps in the fascinating study of insects. The illustrations alternate between Grub asking his questions from his log and the plant life around it, to the next page being a clear depiction of how the visiting insect once was. When Grub finally does make his own cocoon I too wondered what he might become. The result is a spectacular surprise, with the final page providing Five Fabulous Facts about this creature. My favourite part of this story is the hardcover format’s endpapers. You open the book to find caterpillars, larva and nymphs, and it ends with beetles, cicadas, butterflies and ladybirds. A wonderful surprise of a book! Whatever you do, read this book! Read it, then read it to your friends, then read it to any child nearby. GRUB is a brilliant picture book, and an excellent work in literature. The illustrations and the text meld beautifully to absorb the reader both visually and aurally “It’s good to see a growing number of beautiful picture books that explain our natural world to young children. The latest is Grub by award-winning Queensland illustrator Sandra Severgnini. With superb illustrations and real warmth, she tells the story of a grub who wonders what he will turn into. You’ll have to read the book to discover the impressive insect he turned into.” Click here to read “An unforgettable and beautifully presented book” “An enjoyable story based around the age old question,’ who am I’? Delightful” “Every now and then a book comes along that I can’t put down because I am completely enthralled by the illustrations. This is one of those books” “Grub is a fantastic introduction to the processes of metamorphosis. The bright and detailed illustrations are stunning and offer a glimpse of a rainforest and all its biodiversity. This book will support children’s interest in metamorphosis through story and inspire wonder and curiosity. For children 3+” “Grub” is an entertaining colourful scientific picture story book. For young students “Grub” is the good introduction to the living world and life cycles. As the book includes not only insects but also flowers, leaves and habitats. “Grub” is a book perfectly suited to young school aged children is a book and is well worth having in the school library.” “packed with a number of important themes, including metamorphosis, life cycles and self-awareness.” “This book is a great way to explain change, life cycles, and metamorphosis to children.” “Although often touted as "unique" and "groundbreaking" it seems to me that most picture books, especially informational/nonfiction science books, stick with the same small number of topics. Take, for example, metamorphosis. Other than a few series nonfiction titles, there's really not much that shows a larvae turning into anything but a butterfly, certainly no other grub books (feel free to correct me if you've got something I've missed!). So I was delighted to discover this informational book that features a plain white grub and a fun refrain finding out what he will turn into!” “Children will be mesmerised by the information put in this book, and use it as a springboard to seek out further facts. A stunning addition to the non fiction world for younger readers.” “Sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery.” Grub continues on its triumphant way - it's our featured outreach book this month and so far over one hundred three and four year olds strongly approve!” “The Illustrations of insects in their habitats are both wonderful and informative.” “Grub is the gorgeous story of the growth and development of a grub who wonders what he will morph into.”