A Heartwarming Tale for All Ages - “BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy” by Janis Pardue Hill, PhD, Lands with a Message of Wonder, Connection, and Kindness

What do a tiny bug, a backyard patio, and the bond between a father and son have in common? They come together in a tender and beautifully illustrated new children’s book that is already capturing hearts. “BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy” by Janis Pardue Hill, PhD is more than just a charming story, it is a celebration of curiosity, empathy, and the quiet magic found in everyday life.

Inspired by true events, “BUG” follows the simple but enchanting story of a little bug who chooses a sunny patio as his unexpected home. What starts as a fleeting encounter turns into a daily routine, as a boy and his father begin to care for and watch over their tiny visitor. Day after day, Bug returns, flitting away only to come back again, creating a silent, steadfast friendship that leaves a lasting impression.

“Sometimes, the smallest moments create the deepest memories,” says author Janis. “When my son and grandson told me about this bug they had grown attached to, I knew it was a story waiting to be told. There is something universally touching about seeing life through the eyes of a child and how even the tiniest creature can teach us about love, patience, and wonder.”

Janis, a lifelong educator and storyteller, brings a poetic warmth to this gentle narrative. Her words, paired with delightful illustrations, invite young readers and their parents to slow down, observe the world around them, and treasure the unexpected friendships that come along the way.

Perfect for children aged 3-8, “BUG” is ideal for story time, classroom reading, or as a quiet companion before bedtime. Beyond its endearing storyline, the book subtly encourages appreciation for nature and living things, reminding us that all creatures, big and small, have a place and purpose.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or simply someone who appreciates heartwarming tales, “BUG” is a story you’ll want to read and share again and again.

“BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy” is available now at amazon.com.

Janis Pardue Hill, PhD, a retired university professor and lifelong educator, holds a BS in English education, an MA in literature, and a PhD in Curriculum Theory. She has taught in secondary and university classrooms, as a Program Coordinator in the Louisiana Department of Education, and as a Curriculum Coordinator in the Ouachita Parish School System.

Dr. Hill retired from Louisiana Tech University in 2010 to dedicate herself to family, with the publication of her father’s notes and journals her top priority. She spent the last two years of her father’s life talking with him and interviewing him about the plethora of journals and notes he had recorded after he returned from the war about his experiences on the Bataan Death March and in Japanese POW camps. That memoir, entitled “Telling His Story: POW #1000 The Bataan Death March and Japanese POW Camps,” was published on December 2, 2022; and since that time, Dr. Hill has spoken at numerous events, including the 2023 Louisiana Book Fair where the memoir was one of the featured books. “Telling His Story: POW #1000” is currently in republication. “BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy” is her first children’s book.

Dr. Hill and her husband, Charles A. Hill, Jr., have two children, Trey and Amy; three grandchildren, Jack Hill, Harper Bourgeois and Emma Bourgeois; and a son-in-law Bartley Bourgeois. Dr. Hill and her husband live in North Louisiana.

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