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Book Review: Steve The Dung Beetle On A Roll

Written By Susan R Stoltz

By Amanda Elshahawi, Creator, Enchanted Literacy July 30, 2024

Recommended Ages 3-12 years

With the perfect touch of realism and cute, this picture book makes the notorious dung beetle named Steve, the loveable hero. Did you know that by rolling dung balls, dung beetles...

- clean up the environment

- help control the number of flying insects

- helps keep the river clean

- helps pollinate the earth by spreading seeds!

A tiny creature, with a job worthy of being interviewed, Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs, dung beetles are fascinating. This picture book does them justice by highlighting so many ways in which the beetle helps the environment, the cool skills they have, and their lifestyle. Along the way, Steve interacts with other animals such as the pangolin, spotted hyena, dik-dik and African crested porcupine.

Illustrations pay attention to detail and bring the animals to life with each interaction. This book will be fascinating for little ones and adults to flip through and learn a little bit more about a small bug with a big impact. 

Amanda is a preschool teacher, mother and avid Central Park picnicker. She values community and is an advocate for families in the foster care system. One day she hopes to publish a children's book of her own. In the meantime, you can follow her Instagram, Enchanted Literacy, which encourages imagination and passion for reading.