The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection

Synopsis:

“Enjoy this witty, heartwarming exploration of father-son relationships and growing up male in today’s culture through the lens of a boy yearning to forge his own identity. 

Chuck Whipplethorp has a lot to live up to. He is Charles Whipplethorp the Fifth after all, named after his seriously cool ancestors who were explorers, soldiers, and scientists—his grandpa even discovered a new species of insect! One day Chuck looks at his stay-at-home dad, huddled over his laptop, and asks: “Dad . . . when I grow up, am I going to be as boring as you?” With a little help from his nurturing father, Chuck finds his own source of strength and individuality through creativity, and helps him to discover that “greatness” comes in many forms. 

The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection offers a multigenerational family portrait with humor and heart, while unpacking gender roles and acknowledging the universal desire young readers feel to belong and make a mark in the world.”

Review:

I really enjoyed this story that felt reminiscent of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Although Chuck doesn’t want to move to Australia. I think I’m getting that vibe because the characters are drawn only in pen and ink, similar to Alexander. What I love here is that the characters’ surroundings are washed in beautiful bright watercolors. But, Chuck feels frustrated, he wants to be cool like his ancestors. He’s afraid of growing up to be boring, like his dad.

What I love is that Chuck tries to replicate all the amazing feats that his ancestors accomplished before him. But, in the end, he learns that his passion leads him in another direction. And with creativity, he figures out a way to be not boring at all! The bright colors lead Chuck on his adventures climbing mountains and searching for the ocean. And there’s a full page spread toward the end of the book that kids will absolutely love!

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Verdict:

The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection is about one boy honoring his family’s legacy while creating his own path with creativity!

If you’re interested in purchasing The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection by Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergeland, please use my affiliate links for Bookshop.org or Amazon.com. When you purchase from either of these links, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

Need to Know:

Title: The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection
Author: Ben Brashares
Illustrator: Elizabeth Bergeland
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 11, 2021
Page Number: 40 pgs.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.