Big Rig Bugs by Kurt Cyrus Grades PreK-1 32 pages Walker Books April 2010 Hardcover     In this unique picture book, a group of familiar insects do all the heavy lifting as author/illustrator Kurt Cyrus compares these bugs to various types of construction equipment. When a worker at a building site throws a half-eaten tuna fish sandwich away, the clever bugs go to work removing the debris. While a “dozer” cricket clears the thicket where the sandwich lays, a team of ants begins sifting through the mess. Then earwigs and beetles move in to move and transport the remains. Other insects pitch in and before you know it, the sandwich is gone. As the litter is cleared away, the young reader sees what an important role various insects play in “recycling” food. Also, if you pay close attention to each illustration, you’ll discover a small illustration of the actual piece of equipment each bug resembles. With its big, bold color illustration, this picture book will appeal to youngsters who like insects as well as trucks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment. There’s also a subtle message embedded here about littering and why it’s not a good idea - bugs can’t always clean up the mess!     web reviews   Bob Walch/2010 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)