Author: Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Pete Whitehead

ISBN: 0310709555

The following review was contribubted by:  E.Dian Moore &  To read more about Dian Moore’s reviews click HERE

To read Dian's interview with the author CLICK HERE

Based on Proverbs 12:18, The Tale of the Poisonous Yuck Bugs, teaches kids the penalty of unkind words.

Fun, tongue-twisting words and ridiculous creatures are put together with rhyme, and this charming story with its colorful illustrations brings to life the damage that insults and name-calling can bring. Two ugly bugs live their life making all of the other creatures on the island of Gak sick with the poisonous words they speak. Soon, no other creatures will come around them, and they are left only with each other's company.

Left to their own devices, the two bugs quickly turn on each other, calling each other names such as twerpulous twerp, and unwittingly break the unspoken rule that yuck bugs never say bad things to those of their own kind. Quickly, a shouting match ensues and the two yuck bugs begin to die from the sickness they bring on themselves with their horrible words.

Just as all seems lost, a beautiful utterfly happens on the scene and begins to compliment the bugs, something they've never heard. She shows by example, kind words can heal, and the two yuck bugs are soon back on their feet.

Fascinated by the effects of using nice words, the two yuck bugs begin to compete, trying to outdo the other with giving compliments.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the outrageous illustrations and the word combinations provided by the author and illustrator of a entertaining book, which teaches a good lesson without letting on that its being taught.