One of the books in The Bug Parables series, Stink Bug Saves the Day: The Parable of the Good Samaritan, written by Bill Myers and illustrated by Andy Smith, is a modern-day, comic-book version of the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan. In this version, the Roly-Poly family sets out on a vacation. Their vehicle breaks down and they are left stranded at the side of the road. While waiting for help, bandits attack; Mom and the two kids flee to safety, but Pop is beaten, badly wounded and left to die at the side of the road. Several different types of insects see Pop but they pass him by. The Stink Bug, the least likely bug to offer help, is the one that makes sure Pop gets medical attention.
There are three books in the series, each one a retelling of a well-known parable, and each one featuring different bug characters. While the retelling of a Bible story using insects as the main characters seemed odd to me at first, I can see how it would be appealing to kids. The illustrations are bright and colorful and bring the insects to life. The book is set up like a comic book, making it very kid-friendly.
What I Like: I like the illustrations. They show some creativity and imagination. These are insects anyone could love!
What I Dislike: Nothing. At first, I didn’t really like having insects as the main characters, but then I thought, why not?
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: The publisher suggests 4-8 as the recommended age group, but I think kids up to the age of 10 would enjoy this book, as well.
Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 031071219X; Hardcover: $9.99.
Special Info: Visit the author’s website.
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