The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and thirty-nine

Just a few days ago my daughter and I opened a box of books that Random House sent me, and when we saw the cover of this book we both said "awwww!" It is a really sweet title, and would make a wonderful book to read at bedtime or nap time.

Buglette the messy sleeper

Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Picture Book

For ages

Random House, 2011, 978-1-58246-375-9

   Buglette is a very tidy little insect. During the day, she sweeps and scrubs, tidies and arranges. Her leaf is always immaculate. However, at night Buglette is so restless that in the morning her leaf is always a mess. Her bedclothes end up in a disordered pile, and her books and pillow are akimbo. Mama Bug wishes fervently that Buglette was more like her siblings who are “such neat little sleepers.”

   After a particularly bad night, Mama Bug worries that Buglette’s “messy sleeping” will attract the attention of the crow. The idea that such a thing might happen greatly frightens Buglette’s siblings, who decide that the solution to the problem is to “put a lid on Buglette’s messy sleeping.” Which is what they do, quite literally. They never imagine that their actions could backfire in a dreadful way.

   With a truly delightful main character, and an engaging story, this tale about a restless sleeper is sure to charm young readers. Even readers who normally don’t like insects will find it impossible not to be captivated by Bugette with her purple hat, purple antenna ribbons and purple shoes.