post written by Emma Filbrun

Title: Bomby the Bombardier Beetle
Author: Hazel May Rue
Major Themes: Insects, Beetles, Creation, Animal Stories
Synopsis: A father Bombardier Beetle teaches his son how to protect himself from attack, and also where beetles came from.

I remember seeing Bomby the Bombardier Beetle in a catalog when I was young. I was very intrigued by the idea of the book, but never had a chance to read it until I found it a couple of years ago in a book fair, halfway around the world from where I was raised! Last week I read it aloud to my children as part of our morning homeschool time. The younger ones, especially, seemed to enjoy it!

Bomby is a young Bombardier Beetle. His father is teaching him everything he needs to know to be safe. He wants to be a wise Beetle, so he listens carefully. When his father teaches him how to shoot his cannons, he pays close attention, and soon he knows how to take care of himself. When the next Tiger Beetle comes along, he will know what to do with it!

One day, Bomby’s father takes him to visit his Great, Great, Great, ever-so-many Greats Grandfather, to hear the story about how Bombardier Beetles came to be. They hear the Creation story, and Father listens very carefully, as well as Bomby, because he wants to be able to relate the story accurately to following generations.

We found Bomby the Bombardier Beetle a fun way to learn about these fascinating creatures. All of us, I believe, would like to see one—though maybe not be on the receiving end of its blast of boiling gases! I liked the way the Creation story was worked in, as well.

No warnings!

Keywords: Insects, Beetles, Creation, Animal Stories, Realistic Science Fiction