Stanek, acclaimed author of the popular children’s books The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches and Journey Beyond the Beyond, has selected an irresistible combination for this age group–lovable critters and heart-warming stories. In this book, he collects two favorite Bugville Critters stories – Stay After School and Have a Bad Day – to create a unique reading experience. The witty narrative, with bountiful critter jargon, boisterous interjections, and plenty of humor, makes for a fun read-aloud, and colorful artwork captures the antics of the critters with playful perspectives and hilarious details. Nonstop action, good-natured critters, and a comical view of going to school and making friends will attract critter aficionados, older siblings, moms, and dads alike.

In this story, Lass has to stay after school but she doesn’t want to. She’d rather go outside and play with her friends. She is surprised when she has fun and makes a new best friend. Later, Lass has a bad day. Her friends don’t want to play with her, and she feels so sad and lonely. Things get even worse when she encounters a stranger. But her bad day does have a bright spot–you’ll see.