The Very Clumsy Click Beetle (Eric Carle's Very Series)
Eric Carle first publishedThe Very Hungry Caterpillarin 1969, fully intending to create a series of interactive creature books for children. The belovedbusy spider,quiet cricket, andlonely fireflybooks followed, but the artist's quest was not truly complete untilThe Very Clumsy Click Beetlewas born. Carle, who says he'd rather watch a bug attempt to climb over a pebble than join an expedition to Mount Everest, appreciates the small things in life: the Eyed Elator (Alaus oculatus), to be exact--unremarkable except for that when this beetle falls on its back, it can't roll over to get up. Instead, it will stretch and release a snap mechanism that clicks and flips the beetle through the air, and ideally, back onto its feet.The very clumsy click beetle has no trouble with the clicking and flipping part, but it does have trouble landing on its feet. The young beetle tries and tries again, encouraged by an ambling turtle, a slithering snail, and a scurrying mouse. Finally, when a curious boy approaches, the beetle takes coaching from a wise old click beetle ("QUICK, CLICK and FLIP!") and succeeds. Children will love thebright, bold, tissue-paper illustrationsthat tell this story of perseverance, as well  as--of course--the unusual clicking sound (emanating from an electronic chip  with built-in battery and light sensor) that accompanies this playful book. (Click to see asample spread. Copyright 1999 by Eric Carle. Permission of Philomel Books.) (Preschool and older)--Karin Snelson