Gregory Sampson wakes up one morning to discover that he has turned into a beetle, with a large, purple brown body, six legs, and antennae.  A big problem for any boy.  He has to deal with extra arm (leg?) holes in his shirt, and falling helplessly onto his back. But the worst thing is that nobody notices!

In a bizarre day, delightfully portrayed by Delphine Durand’s surreal cartoon illustrations, Gregory tries to get his family, his teachers and his schoolmates to recognize that he has changed.  No one does, except his best friend Michael.

Lawrence David has created a very clever story that works on several levels.  If an adult and a child were reading it together (and of course they should!) both would find questions that need to be answered.  Why don’t all these people see Gregory as a beetle?  Why is it only his friend who agrees with him?  How does Gregory really see himself, and why is everyone oblivious to that?

Some very powerful comments about a child’s sense of identity and self are made in this story, and how fragile those can be in a world that just doesn’t see them.  It is also very funny as Gregory and Michael find ways to adapt to the new possibilities.  The extra arms help his 3 times tables, while the antennae make heading goals at soccer a breeze!

This is a wonderful story that can be enjoyed just for its humour, or as a reminder that what children see and what adults see are not always the same thing.

Review by David Beagley 

© 2002 David Beagley