Beetle Boy (Beetle Trilogy, Book 1)

About this book

* "Even the most squeamish will be charmed." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A cracking mystery adventure, with plenty of Roald Dahl-esque humor to engage readers." --The Bookseller (UK)

"Truly great storytelling." --Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse

Darkus Cuttle can't believe his eyes when a huge insect drops off the pants leg of his horrible new neighbor. It's a giant beetle -- and it seems to want to communicate.

But how can a boy be friends with a beetle? And what does a beetle have to do with the disappearance of his dad and the arrival of the terrifying Lucretia Cutter, with her taste for creepy fashion?

The first book of a trilogy, Beetle Boy is a darkly hilarious adventure full of exotic beetles, daring schemes, and true friendship.

Reviews

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)