How to Be a Dung Beetle

Shrink to the size of a garden bug and enter the world of a dung beetle in this first graphic novel for kids.

This nature graphic novel, made in collaboration with the Royal Entomological Society, is a perfect introduction to dung beetles for bug-obsessed little ones aged 5-7.

Follow a newly hatched dung beetle as he learns to roll his own ball of dung, and visit a savannah teeming with fascinating bug characters along the way, in this first graphic novel. Narrated by a wise old grasshopper, offering tips and tricks on how to be a dung beetle and featuring laugh-out-loud moments, this tale of savannah life is a perfect introduction to dung beetles for bug-obsessed kids.

This bug book for kids offers:

• A graphic novel format to engage children in nonfiction topics.
• Content made in partnership with the Royal Entomological Society, providing scientific information about insects.
• An engaging story about a newly hatched dung beetle as he learns how to navigate pond life.

Roly loves living in a dung ball: it’s safe, warm, and comes with all the dung he can eat! But soon he starts to wonder about life outside the dung ball. As soon as Roly has grown into an adult dung beetle, he bursts out into the big, wide world, where he learns how to avoid predators, how to roll his own dung ball, and where to find the best dung for his dinner. Soon, he’s on his own pooper scooper adventure to clean up as much dung as he can!

More in the series

Learn all about insects through a fun and engaging graphic novel format in this series made in collaboration with the Royal Entomological Society. If you enjoyed How to be a Dung Beetle, why not follow the life of a ladybug with How to be a Ladybug or take to the skies in How to be a Dragonfly?

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs