Beetle Boy

M. G. Leonard Press Reviews

‘I loved Beetle Boy. It is at once engaging, creepy (bound to be), funny and full of excitement. Truly great storytelling.’ Michael Morpurgo

‘I predict Beetle-mania.’ The Times

‘It’s a cracking mystery adventure, with plenty of Roald Dahl-esque humour to engage readers.’ Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

‘[A] fast-paced, witty whodunnit … Full of Dahl-esque characters, funny plot twists and entomological details.’ BBC Wildlife Magazine

‘An ingenious read.’ Press Association - Children's Book of the Week

‘The comparisons with Dahl are well deserved. As well as being brilliantly written, Beetle Boy is poignant, original and has that sinister edge so many of Dahl’s greatest tales have.’ The Sun

‘Her dialogue is dark and punchy and her plot thrilling: in the end you can do nothing but hail her as an original new voice in children’s literature.’ The Times - Children's Book of the Week

‘Roald Dahl meets 101 Dalmatians in a rollicking ride, full of adventure’ Daily Express

‘. . . what really makes this book memorable is the supporting cast, researched in fascinating detail . . . The discovery that a seemingly powerless band of creatures can be possessed of such skill, beauty and strength should keep this gem on many a bedroom and library shelf for years to come.’ The Guardian

‘If you’ve always regarded beetles as something unpleasant to be chased away from picnics, then this romp of a mystery thriller may change your attitude . . . by the end young readers will have absorbed a huge amount of information on this resilient species.’ The Daily Mail

‘Parents be warned: this enchanting story is likely to make beetles very popular pets.’ The Sunday Telegraphy

‘Like Roald Dahl’s capers, this story has an edge of desperation and darkness that makes its animal interactions and adventure all the more exciting.’ Amanda Craig, New Stateman

‘Leonard’s exceptional debut is exciting and educational.’ Mail on Sunday