The Very Clumsy Click Beetle

In the world of children's books.....this guy is king! (and no, I'm not getting paid to say this :D) I'm such a huge fan of this talented author who has generated a plethora of extremely appealing concept books - all with eye-catching illustrations and entertaining features. This one has a clicking noise that comes at a pivotal point of the story (oh man, I hope I didn't just spoil this for any of you). How appropriate for this little click beetle who spends the entire book trying to learn to click and flip (rough life, huh? But, who am I to argue with survival mechanisms?). This book is more than just clicks though. There is a wonderful theme of perseverance running throughout this story, vivid illustrations that make you want to run your fingers over and over them, lots and lots and lots of repetition (yes, even though this can drive adults absolutely CRAZY, kids thrive on it). Also, Carle's books typically include a grammar lesson (shhhh.....don't tell the kids). Here we have so many wonderful verbs introduced by the supporting characters: a turtle who ambles, a snail who slithers, a mouse who scurries. Who else but Carle could make the story of a simple click beetle beautiful and fascinating? Do me a favor. Buy every one of his books and keep them on your bookshelves forever. Your future nature-loving child will someday thank you for it.

I like that this story encourages "trying again". When you're 2 the day can be fraught with little failures. What better role model to have than a very persistent click beetle?

Book in great shape...needs new batteries, but I knew that. It is a terrific addition to my author study on Eric Carle. I teach 2nd grade in Boston. Very Prompt delivery. First to arrive. I am still awaiting all the others. Thanx

The valuable take-away lesson of this book is "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." My three year old loves this book. We have borrowed it again and again from the library this year. When the beetle finally succeeds at flipping over after many failures, he makes a clicking sound as he does it, which delights my son. We are big Eric Carle fans.

I'm a Branch Manager of a Public Library and we have found that this book is very good for the children that comes over for school visits. It is so funny to be reading them the book and they start hearing the Beetle make it's sound they start looking around the room trying to find out where it is coming from then they cant believe that it came from the book. Every year when school starts back this is the book that i read to my Kindergarden classes. I suggest that everyone should get this book and watch the look on your childs face when you read this book to them.