Beetle Boy

by M. G. Leonard Narrated by M.G. Leonard

Overview

Darkus is miserable. His dad has disappeared and now he is living next door to the most disgusting neighbours ever. A giant beetle called Baxter comes to his rescue. But can the two solve the mystery of his dad's disappearance, especially when links emerge to cruel Lucretia Cutter and her penchant for beetle jewellery? A coffee-mug mountain, home to a million insects, could provide the answer - if Darkus and Baxter are brave enough to find it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Beetle Boy:A Spring 2016 Kids' Indie Next List pick* "Debut novelist Leonard gives readers a rare glimpse into the world of insects, mixing adventure, mystery, and science to create a story that's much more than just a novel about bugs. Even the most squeamish will be charmed." —Publishers Weekly, starred review"I loved Beetle Boy. It is at once engaging, creepy (bound to be), funny and full of excitement. Truly great storytelling." —Micharl Morpurgo, author of War Horse"Engaging . . . The story moves quickly, and the characters are both wacky and entertaining. Educators looking for fiction that connects to and supports science curricula may find a new favorite in this" —School Library Journal"Leonard unravels the madcap plot in sporadic bursts of frenzied action and humor. Overall, a charming and (at times) affecting romp through beetle land." —Kirkus Reviews"Fans of madcap adventures and anthropomorphised sidekicks will enjoy this fast-paced series opener." —Booklist"Hand this to students who like to laugh and who like their mysteries combined with adventure." —School Library Connection"If I didn't already devote most of my waking hours to beetles, reading this book would make me want to . . . " —Max Barclay, Coleoptera Collections Manager, Natural History Museum, London"M.G. Leonard does a fantastic job weaving a page turning mystery with cool facts about science and bugs . . . If you love Roald Dahl, Lemony Snickett, or even 101 Dalmatians you are truly going to enjoy this book." —YA and Kids Books Central (online)"[M.G. Leonard's] dialogue is dark and punchy and her plot thrilling; by the end you can do nothing but hail her as an original new voice in children's literature. I predict Beetle-mania." —The Times (UK)"What really makes this book memorable is the supporting cast, researched in fascinating detail . . . The discovery that a seemingly powerless band of creatures can be possessed of such skill, beauty, and strength should keep this gem on many a bedroom and library shelf for years to come." —The Guardian (UK)"Leonard's rich storytelling channels the spirit of classic children's fiction with a wholly original slant . . . It's a cracking mystery adventure, with plenty of Roald Dahl-esque humor to engage readers . . . A truly exciting debut." —The Bookseller (UK)"Parents be warned: this enchanting story is likely to make beetles very popular pets." —Daily Telegraph (UK)"If you've always regarded beetles as something unpleasant to be chased away from picnics, then this romp of a mystery thriller may change your attitude . . . . By the end young readers will have absorbed a huge amount of information on this resilient species." —Daily Mail (UK)"Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl." —Booktrust (UK)"A detective story with a twist, this is an exciting and original story that will appeal equally to boys and girls and — if I'm anything to go by — to any adult who loves a cracking story. Prepare for the Battle of the Beetles!" —The Bookbag (online)

Kirkus Reviews

2015-11-03
A young teen searches for his father with the assistance of unusual beetles in British documentarian Leonard's debut novel, a series opener. Five years after the death of his mother, 13-year-old Darkus Cuttle must confront the disappearance of his father. As the media frenzy and police investigation wind down, the boy moves in with his eccentric explorer uncle. One evening after school Darkus meets a "somehow friendly"-looking rhinoceros beetle he later names Baxter. The duo finds "beetle mountain," a pile of teacups and mold home to peculiar beetles. In turn, their discovery draws the attention of Lucretia Cutter, the Mad Scientist of Fashion, known for her deadly beetle obsession. Leonard unravels the madcap plot in sporadic bursts of frenzied action and humor. With the help of friends, Darkus soon plots to save the beetles from the villainous Cutter as he learns the reasons behind his father's disappearance. Throughout his quest, he encounters a whole range of offbeat characters, ranging from the grotesque (the violent and inane cousins Humphrey and Pickering) to the tragic (Novak Cutter, Lucretia's ill-treated actress daughter). As Darkus builds a beetle army to match Cutter's ferocity, emotional resonance recedes in favor of entertaining set pieces. Overall, a charming and (at times) affecting romp through beetle land. (entomology dictionary) (Fantasy. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940179014881
Publisher:	W. F. Howes Ltd
Publication date:	06/02/2016
Series:	Beetle Boy , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

Read an Excerpt

From BEETLE BOY:Looking up from underneath, Darkus could see the features of the beetle’s face. He couldn’t have said why but it looked somehow...friendly. Its bulbous eyes glistened like blackberries, and it was holding its mouth open as if it was trying to smile. Although the beetle appeared to be pitch black from above, underneath it had orange hair sticking out of the gaps between its shell—Darkus had a feeling that wasn't the right word—and body. It was almost cute. And then he realized: this was the creature from Uncle Max’s window, the day he’d moved in. The six legs, the horn, the size—it all fit."I've see you before, haven't I?"As if to answer his question, the beetle began crawling up Darkus’s arm."What are you up to?" Darkus asked, intrigued now.The beetle crawled along to his elbow and up to his shoulder."Hey, where are you going?" He laughed. He was beginning to like this insect.Turning to face forward, the beetle hunkered down on Darkus's shoulder, exactly where a pirate would have put a parrot.

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