What do kids do when faced with a decision and a potential challenge? Many might consider taking the easy way out, but others might go for the challenge, even though they may lack some confidence at first. This is the lesson in Bug Goes Through the Maze, a children's book by K.M. Groshek.
 
Basic Book Facts:
 
Bug is driving down the road one day when he passes a cornfield. He has passed this cornfield many times, but today he is feeling adventurous. He decides he wants to explore the cornfield and see what fun could lie ahead. A pumpkin comes by and tells Bug that this isn't just a cornfield, it is a corn maze. There are many paths to take, but only one that will lead through the maze, all the way to the exit.

Bug feels nervous, but he decides to go for it. He walks through the maze where he is greeted by a flower who offers him some words of advice. He meets a scarecrow and this time, Bug offers some advice of his own; his confidence growing as he navigates his way through the tall stalks of corn. A final encounter with the pumpkin he met earlier and some more encouragement is all Bug needs- he makes his way to the exit, with a feeling of accomplishment.
 
Final Thoughts:

Bug Goes Through the Maze is a very good children's book that features a character named Bug: A small, Volkswagen- like car with personality and perseverance. This 39- page paperback book is intended for older elementary school- age children. It is the third in a series of children's books that features Bug and there are certain to be more books by author K.M. Groshek in the near future.

Bug Goes Through the Maze is a book about courage and not giving up when faced with uncertainty. Bug wants an adventure and he knows the corn maze will present a challenge. But there are so many possibilities. What if Bug picks the wrong path and cannot get out of the maze? Bug has doubts at a few points, but he continues on his way and receives helpful advice from new friends he meets on his adventure. He eventually sees the exit sign and enjoys the feeling of elation that success can bring.

The core message in this book is courage and perseverance, but there are other meanings/messages in this story. One is that life is a puzzle, and the corn maze is used to illustrate this fact. Choices need to be made on a regular basis, and multiple paths are often presented; some easy, some more challenging. The other message in the book is friendship- not only the importance of friendship, but also the fact that new friends can be made in the strangest of places, often the result of taking chances you may not have taken before.

Bug Goes Through the Maze, like the other books in the "Bug" series, is written with rhymes and cadence. The last words in the second and fourth lines rhyme, and this gives the book a certain rhythm that will make it a hit with kids. It makes the reading move along more quickly and it produces some memorable lines that will stick in children's minds.

The illustrations in Bug Goes Through the Maze are top notch and I like them even more than the illustrations in the other two "Bug" series books. Author K.M. Groshek is also an artist and she has created some very colorful, eye- catching illustrations in this children's book. The animated cartoon- like images, the detail of the corn stalks, the different characters, and many other features make the illustrations a key component of the book's appeal.

Overall, Bug Goes Through the Maze is an excellent children's book that makes a great accompaniment to the two other "Bug" books, offering similar illustrations and similar writing style. The rhymes, rhythm, and message are all strong in this book, and it ranks as yet another winning composition in this growing series.  


Note: This Book Review is Based on a Complimentary Copy I Received from the Author

Recommended: Yes