Starred Review ALA Booklist (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Starred Review This follow-up to 2020's charming Bug Boys holds largely to the same formula isodic adventures starring tweenesque beetle besties Rhino-B and Stag-B d it's this first return that highlights the series' greatest gift: comfort. Each stand-alone chapter opens with the same promise, that wherever the boys are headed, whatever discoveries await, they will be exploring something new, be it an unknown region of their anthropomorphic-bug world or an unfamiliar emotion that they d, likely, young readers e contending with. They will face it together, innocent smiles etched into their simple yet expressive beetle features, and most importantly, they will return home, safely changed. In "The Ultimate S'mores," the boys ponder their respective growth, together and apart; "Little Bugs in the Big City" has the duo contrasting their quaint Bug Village with the metropolitan Centipede City; and when they're introduced to bats in "Wave's World," they learn to appreciate life from a new perspective. Knetzger's art, helped by Lynde's colors, makes every setting inviting, every character friendly you look closely enough d the result is the coziest kind of book-magic. As Rhino-B reflects: "I like the endings where everyone goes home . . . and things don't change too fast. And everybody gets just enough of their happy ending . . ." Readers will be glad to be back and sorry to say goodbye til next time.

Kirkus Reviews

Bug BFFs marvel over natural wonders in their bucolic microcosm.In this graphic-novel sequel to Bug Boys (2020), beetle best friends Stag-B and Rhino-B have more quiet adventures told in tiny vignettes. The duo ventures out of their quiet home, Bug Village, seeing new surroundings with wide-eyed awe and contemplating their roles within these settings. In "The Ultimate S'mores," the pair go on a camping trip, and Stag-B feels inferior when compared to Rhino-B's outdoorsy know-how until they decide to talk about their feelings, which helps Stag-B realize his own valuable strengths. In "The Pearl Dragon's Castle," the bugs explore a mysterious tower that seems to change uncannily with every step they take. They encounter a strange lavender dragon who claims to need help, leading them on a journey from frustration to collaboration. In the final tale, "Wave's World," they help a bat find a lost magical earring; riding on its back and gazing at their village from aloft, they admire the beauty of the night. Knetzger's tiny tales are rambling and often surreal, thoughtfully examining both the beautiful complexity of nature and one's place therein. With a muted, earth-toned palette, her illustrations firmly anchor readers in this intricately whimsical world. Perhaps not a splashy crowd pleaser, this sophomore effort may fare best when put in the hands of those seeking that which is both philosophical and introspective.A dreamlike and existential rumination. (Graphic fantasy. 9-12)

School Library Journal (Wed Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)

Gr 25 Tales of friendship and adventure abound in this second series installment. In Bug Village, two young beetle best friends, Rhino-B and Stag-B, go camping, participate in a role-playing game, attend a bug library conference, and roam the great outdoors with friends new and old. The stories offer up fun shenanigans with a side of introspection, exploring themes of growing up, identity, and change. Readers will enjoy the natural settings and playful character design, which is very similar to the TV show Adventure Time . VERDICT A thoughtful look at best friends and big emotions. Hand to fans of the first in the series or to anyone in need of an uplifting read.