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4.8 out of 5
96.36% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply brilliant
Beetle Boy was a fantastic middle grade novel that will certainly appeal to fans of Roald Dahl. It takes its readers very seriously as it proved to be a surprisingly educational novel that introduces young readers to just how wonderful beetles are. All the species mentioned in this book are real and Leonard went to great lengths to highlight interesting features about them. The book even contains a glossary that explains all the technical terms in a way that makes them easy to understand. I think that this is really it's strongest point as it really builds a sense of discovery, showing young readers that insects are fascinating and not something to be afraid of.The plot is fast paced and provides a double-adventure for the young characters. On one side is Darkus's investigations into his father's disappearance and on the other is a mission to save the inhabitants of "Beetle Mountain" from being killed by a greedy collector. Both plots are really engrossing and very easy for a young reader to follow, containing nice amounts of tension and being creepy and gross in places but never in a way that felt inappropriate for the target audience.The novel also ends really well. While it leaves a lot open for the the sequel, it still ties up this stage of the plot quite nicely. I felt that this is really effective as it made me want to read on to find out what the evil Lucretia Cutter's master plan is, and how Darkus and his friends will combat it.The characters in the novel are all really strong and well rounded. The four young protagonists - Darkus, Virginia, Bertolt and Novak - all have very distinct personalities and work very well together. The themes of teamwork and friendship are very important within the story and it was fun watching the group planning the rescue of the beetles. However, its the beetles that truly steal the show. Baxter is especially lovely, proving to be both a gentle giant and fiercely protective of Darkus. It's amazing how much character he can show and I loved how the book showed that, even though he looked intimidating, he was really harmless.The villain of the piece is also suitably terrifying. Lucretia Cutter is a bit like the Cruella De Ville of the entomology world but proves to have some dark secrets as the story progresses. I get the distinct impression that we'll be seeing a lot more of her in future books and I'm kind of glad about this. While she does exist to be evil, she is incredibly memorable.So, in short, Beetle Boy is definitely a story I'd recommend. It's funny, action-packed and filled with strong characters and fascinating facts about beetles. This is definitely a must read for any young reader.
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved by my Year 6 class!
Beetle Boy – 5 Stars – review by Aeryn Y6This is my new favourite book. The story is both intriguing, sad and funny which makes it a great read. The illustrations were also amazing. I could not have been more excited when the book took a good turn. I am 10 and my teacher read this to me. She picked the best book possible.Beetle Boy by MG Leonard – review by Poppy Y6This book made me laugh and shocked me and everything in between. I always liked Beetles but I never realised how much! There is a lot of scientific information about beetles within the story and I definitely learnt more about Beetles. I recommend this to anyone in KS2.Beetle Boy – review by Anna Y6This book is intriguing right from the start. I have learnt so much about beetles that I thought I would never know. The mystery of Darkus’s missing father is central to the strory which embarks on a fascinating adventure of beetles, friends, evil and pranks. It is quirky in a hilarious way - I didn’t want the book to end! It was page turning, a new mystery and more clues on almost every page. The adventure reeled me in and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. I recommend this for age 8+.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, warm and beetletastic
My 8yr old son and I have been reading this book for the past few nights, it is fun, relatable and we couldn't put it down.I cant wait to find out what has happened to the main characters Dad, who goes missing from a locked vault! Baxter the beetle is adorable, my son is now obsessed with getting one for a pet.Will definitely be reading the other books in the series.
5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter loved it, I mean really loved it
This book is fab! My daughter loved it, I mean really loved it, we are going to call our new cat Darkus (after the main character!) But as an adult, I really enjoyed it. The writing is superb, really clever with wonderful descriptions and Dahl-like throw away lines. It is very original and funny, and I laughed out loud a lot, but I also loved the adventure and mystery, and the more emotional side to the book, particularly the way MG Leonard managed the way children cope with trauma and relationships. I loved the beetle! What a wonderful character. Every book should have a beetle! What was lovely as well was my daughter tends to like girlie books with fairies and unicorns etc. so this was really refreshing and different. I would highly recommend this book. I had to read it to my daughter cos she's only five, and it's perfect for older, independent readers. But if you're a grown-up, read it too! We are definitely going to read Beetle Queen! Five stars!
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read - a fantastic talent providing fantastical characters, heartwarming plot and a hint of other worldly- ness!
My 9 year old daughter has just finished reading this book. She absolutely loved it - apparently it is her favourite book of all time, even better than Harry Potter!! She was so moved by it that she wants to write to the author and was so excited when I told her there would be a follow up book. She is currently creating some Top Trumps cards based on the book for a school homework so the enjoyment continues.I bought this at my local Waterstones as the cashier had read the book and caught me looking at it at the check out. She explained that the author was originally local (Hemel Hempstead). She went on to say that the content was a mixture of Roald Dahl - esque fantastical ideas with JK Rowlings' touch of magic and "other world". Well she sold it to me - as you can see my daughter loved it and I have just bought the Kindle edition to read myself!
5.0 out of 5 stars There’s a glossary of beetle related scientific terms at the end .
Using the Christmas break to scout for great book to share with my year 5 class, I read this with fervour and enjoyed it tremendously. I know the kids will be drawn in quickly by the quirky characters and the down to earth dialogue. It’s a great story, full of mystery and threat (with wit and humour to help you along) a bit like the Series of Unfortunate Events - but original and refreshing nonetheless. I loved learning more about beetles ; the glossary at the end is helpful although I did a lot of googling as I was curious . Loved it .
Great Adventure Story
At first I wasn't sure I would continue read the book. But, the further I read the more interesting the story became. After that, I looked forward to picking up story and continue reading. It was a great adventure story that I recommend to anyone regardless of age (I'm 75 years old).
Five Stars
Very nice book and imaginitive. Recommended for boys and girls. Find your love for insects.
Beetle boy
It was amazing I absolutely loved it at the last three chapters I couldn't stop reading it was that exciting.
Good one
Kids favorite
Good read for boy
Well written and exciting book for young boys interested in insects and technology, but a chapter book for advanced readers.
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