To be a dung beetle you must be strong, be powerful, and never give up. Does creative and unique Doug have enough determination and grit to make it? Doug has trouble lifting heavy balls of dung. He just doesn't feel as strong as the other dung beetles. When Doug feels down that he isn't tough enough, a passing butterfly helps him see things in a different light, and he realizes that strength comes in many forms. This is an uplifting story of a determined dung beetle who finds his unique strength in creating beautiful things inspired by nature, flowers, friends, and the garden. “A budding artist searches for his strength…. The large-eyed insects composed of simple shapes appear friendly while the earth-toned dung beetles cheerfully complement the brights of the garden—and thus Doug's art as well. Encouraging and judgement-free.” ― Kirkus Reviews Published On: 2019-12-17 “Validating the work of young artists (and writers) is always worthwhile, and this iteration rolls along with plenty of alimentary appeal.” — Booklist ― Doug's Dung “Digital illustrations of buggy-eyed beetles have subtle elements, such as belts, that characterize each and add charm. The prose is succinct, with select bolded words that could lead to discussions after reading the book…. This book successfully focuses on resilience characteristics in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.” — School Library Journal ― School Library Journal “The series is perfect for young children who are working with issues of shyness, self-acceptance, and courage, and discovering new talents, skills and hard work. There is simplicity in the text and the illustrations are happy and bright and compliment the emotions and themes in each book. This series is sure to boost the self-confidence of children.” —Children’s Books Heal ― Children's Books Heal “A welcome addition to books about self-acceptance, courage, and reaching out.” ― Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center “A budding artist searches for his strength…. The large-eyed insects composed of simple shapes appear friendly while the earth-toned dung beetles cheerfully complement the brights of the garden—and thus Doug's art as well. Encouraging and judgement-free.” ― Kirkus Reviews Published On: 2019-12-17 “Validating the work of young artists (and writers) is always worthwhile, and this iteration rolls along with plenty of alimentary appeal.” — Booklist ― Doug's Dung “Digital illustrations of buggy-eyed beetles have subtle elements, such as belts, that characterize each and add charm. The prose is succinct, with select bolded words that could lead to discussions after reading the book…. This book successfully focuses on resilience characteristics in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.” — School Library Journal ― School Library Journal “The series is perfect for young children who are working with issues of shyness, self-acceptance, and courage, and discovering new talents, skills and hard work. There is simplicity in the text and the illustrations are happy and bright and compliment the emotions and themes in each book. This series is sure to boost the self-confidence of children.” —Children’s Books Heal ― Children's Books Heal “A welcome addition to books about self-acceptance, courage, and reaching out.” ― Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center Jo Rooks is an illustrator, author, and graphic designer living in leafy South West London with her husband and two children. She is passionate about reading with children and hopes to bring lovable characters and meaningful messages in her story books.
