What's a stinkbug to do if it can't make a stink? At every stinking contest, stinkbug Bud pales in comparison to his more-pungent kin. While the others emit scents of smokestack, dead fish, or dog doo, Bud stands out with his scent of flowers. Or pine tree. Or new car. Even his name lacks a certain je ne sais quoi when compared to the likes of P.U. Bottoms, Lord Stinkington, and The Fumigator. Time and time again, Bud's not-so-stinky fragrances land him in last place—and make him feel like an outsider. When a bee named April follows her nose to flowers but instead sees Bud dancing (and smelling) up a storm, she invites him to her hive for a dance party. The other bees initially turn up their noses at the stinkbug. But when they see Bud's dance moves and smell his most fragrant scent of all, everything eventually starts coming up roses. Rash's bold art mixes gouache, ink, and digital techniques to create a rich, colorful world. Between double-page spreads and a few large comics-style panels (all with textured backgrounds), there's minimal white space. For a story about an outsider, this one stands out in that Bud's struggle with what a stinkbug should be is mostly internal. The only real bully in this story is Bud himself.Get a good whiff of this olfactorily original celebration of individuality. (Picture book. 3-7)

Bud the stinkbug has a problem. While insects such as P.U. Bottoms and Lord Stinkington can create a glorious, reeking range of odors, from eau de dog doo to eye-watering garbage truck, Bud-s emanations lean toward candy canes and meadow flowers, and he fails every stinking competition. Still, he practices tirelessly, inventing his own dance as part of his training. Bud-s smooth moves and disappointingly floral scents attract a passing bee, who invites him to a nearby hive party, and he comes away with newfound friends and a reassuring message: -Maybe stinking isn-t your thing.... But you sure can dance!- The book ends abruptly, but with a crowd-pleasing focus on all things rank, Rash (Archie the Daredevil Penguin) creates a playful twist on familiar themes of fitting in and finding one-s talents. Thickly lined gouache-and-ink illustrations ramp up the humor, from the expressive, goofy cast to small groovy details (the bees- white go-go boots, the daisy petals encircling the title). Filled with active commands (-Stomp your feet!- -Waggle your bottom!-), this will be a winner for readalouds. Ages 4-8. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 1 When you are a stinkbug who doesn't stink, your life can be frustrating. That's the case for Bud, a mostly happy stinkbug, except when it comes to stinking contests. His competitors P.U. Bottoms, Lord Stinkington, and the Fumigator can make the nastiest smells like dog poo and sour milk. Bud, however, can only produce nice smells like fresh baked bread and pine trees. Dismayed at his lack of stench, Bud seeks out the help of Major Funk, a high-ranking stinkbug, who encourages him to get his stink going by dancing. Bud practices and practices, but only makes nice flower smells. The lovely aroma attracts April the bee and she invites Bud to her hive for a dance. The other bees are not happy to see Bud, sure he will stink up the place, but soon they are won over by Bud's awesome dance moves and the aromatic flower smells he makes. Delighted that he has a new skill that was so appreciated by the bees, Bud goes home to teach the other stinkbugs to dance. The cartoon illustrations are delightful and every page is covered with color. VERDICT Perfect for reading aloud or independently, this book will delight young audiences and remind them that it's okay to be yourself and find your own thing. A great addition to picture book collections. Jayna Ramsey, Douglas County Libraries in Parker, CO