November 15, 2022
The titular characters collect and protect bugs in this early reader. Against blocks of cartoonlike green grass and blue sky--with bugs hovering around them--two boys face readers with big smiles. Dirt has light skin and a head of floppy russet hair, while Bugsy has dark skin and an Afro. The text explains that "Dirt and Bugsy are bug catchers. They catch all kinds of bugs." Bright islands of artwork against the next two white pages show nicely detailed drawings of bugs that "crawl," "fly," "slide," or "hide." Rudimentary sentences and phrases, subtle rhymes, and repetitive language encourage hesitant readers to stay engaged as a simple plot emerges. The boys are enjoying outdoor time with bugs when it begins to rain. They build a shelter--"a bug barn"--and diligently search for, seize, and house hiding bugs. The story's conclusion is satisfactory in every way--no small feat in this genre. A welcome endnote, artistically rendered to look handwritten on lined paper, advises kids on how to be responsible bug catchers ("Find a good bug-catching jar"; "Go outside. Look around in good buggy places...")--and bug releasers. Bugs, friendship, and fun--what more could burgeoning readers want? (Early reader. 5-7)
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December 1, 2022
PreS-Gr 1-Dirt and Bugsy are thrilled to be bug catchers. They team up every day to explore nature and collect all different kinds of bugs. The boys have never met a bug that does not fascinate them. One rainy day, Dirt and Bugsy decide to take their hobby to the next level and build a "bug barn" to shelter all of their found creatures. As they gather jars, sticks, and other materials, Dirt and Bugsy create a welcoming abode for all their tiny critters before they gleefully set them free at the end of the day. Vibrant colors from Panczyszyn's illustrations capture the boys' joyful mood throughout this fun, simple story. The smiles on their faces epitomize the simplicity in finding beauty in nature and enjoying the company of a friend who shares the same outdoor hobby. The book ends with a guide in a childlike font on "How to Be a Good Bug Catcher." VERDICT An excellent choice for nature lovers and newly independent readers due to its short, concise, and repetitive sentences. A fine addition to any primary classroom or elementary library, as well as a read-aloud to share with a loved one at home.-Kerra Mazzariello
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May 1, 2023
Grades K-2 In Litwin's easy reader (geared toward progressing readers), Dirt and Bugsy's bug-catching expedition is interrupted by rain. The two boys shift gears, creating a sheltered "bug barn" and transporting their catches to new "rooms" made of natural materials, such as rocks and twigs. Panczyszyn's cartoon illustrations support the text and depict grime-smudged Dirt as a fair-skinned redhead and Bugsy as Black with an afro and ladybug T-shirt; the detailed renditions of the bugs themselves truly shine. The text primarily uses short sentences featuring repeated words and phrases, but occasionally longer sentences appear, challenging kids to push their reading skills through context clues. Though the story lacks factual information about actual insects, tips on "How to Be a Good Bug Catcher" are appended. A fun backyard adventure with a universal emphasis on problem-solving.
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