Steve Sapp

I received an Advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

As a student of cultural history for over two years in college, I was excited to read A Folk Take From Earth: Bodhi Bug and Orca.

The book is a small hardback intended for children, which re-tells the folk tale of Bodhi Bug as he goes in search for in-light-in-mint (enlightenment). He meets bugs, animals and fish on his journey, which tells of each animals wisdom and their own knowledge (fish know about the sea, for example).

The book takes us through the tale and on his journey, meeting different bugs, and progressing through trials seeking enlightenment. The ending is great for such a long tale.

The pictures are simple charcoal drawings in black and white of each creature Bodhi Bug meets.

Unfortunately, I did not feel that this book was presented in the correct format. I think it would have made a GREAT over sized color picture book with a short story for small children.

With the extended text of this folk tale, the story drags on to the point where both my daughter gave up half way through the book. It is too labored and detailed and too confusing.

I would sincerely love to read this book again in the format I described. Otherwise, I would recommend this book for young adults and older adults only as it's too detailed and slow for small children.… (meer)

This is a touching tale about a bugs transformation and the cycle of life and renewal. Bodhi goes in search for in-light-in-mint (enligtenment), The story is an awareness of changes on earth and awareness of how it affect the animals and sea creatures. Bodhi bug becomes a butterfly or dragonfly it seems to be, by the end of his adventure. It is a very spiritual/ earthy based story with undertones of Native Indian story telling from the Northwest area of Northern continent. Excellent storytelling with neutral colorless illustrations which leaves more to the imagination! Perfect for kids story time, readers required by schools and to learn of the life cycles .… (meer)