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. If you feel inspired, you can continue learning by hopping over to the American Museum of Natural History. Their latest feature film, Serengeti, highlights life in northern Tanzania. If you pay attention you will find the dung beetle and the role they play amid the wild ecosystem of lions, zebras, elephants, crocodiles and other remarkable animals! Serengeti is playing through July 9, 2023.
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.
