Just in time for the holiday season, author Janis Pardue Hill brings families a heartwarming story of friendship, curiosity, and compassion in her new picture book, “BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy.”
Inspired by a true story, “BUG” tells the heartwarming tale of an unexpected friendship between a young boy and a small insect that chooses their patio as its home. Drawn from the real experiences of the author's son and grandson, the story highlights the joy of noticing life's little wonders, the beauty found in everyday moments, and the importance of kindness toward all living things. With gentle storytelling and vivid imagery, Hill encourages both children and adults to view the world with compassion—reminding us that every creature, no matter how tiny, has value.
“The story of Bug came from a real experience,” Janis shares. “My son and his little boy noticed a tiny bug who just wouldn't leave their patio. They fed him, talked about him, and grew attached. When I heard about their connection, I knew this was a story worth sharing—one that celebrates kindness, curiosity, and love.”
With its cozy, heartwarming tone and a storyline that encourages wonder about nature and connection, “BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy” makes for an ideal family read-aloud this holiday season. Parents and grandparents will find it a comforting bedtime story that sparks gentle conversations about empathy and care for all creatures.
The book beautifully captures parent-child bonding moments—whether through reading together, observing nature, or simply slowing down to notice the small things that make life magical.
Educators are also recognizing “BUG” as a valuable resource for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The story aligns with key SEL competencies such as empathy, self-awareness, and relationship-building. Teachers and parents can use Bug's gentle narrative to encourage discussions around curiosity, respect for living things, and emotional connections.
“Books like 'BUG' help children develop compassion in an organic way,” notes one early childhood educator. “It's a perfect story to pair with lessons on kindness, observation, and gratitude—especially during the holidays.”
While perfect for holiday reading, the book's core message endures throughout the year: even the smallest creatures can teach us the biggest lessons about love and care.
Janis, a lifelong educator and storyteller, infuses her writing with insight drawn from years of teaching literature and inspiring young minds. Her storytelling bridges generations, connecting grandparents, parents, and children in meaningful moments of shared imagination.
“BUG: The Story of a Special Bug and His Little Boy” is available now at amazon.com, also visit Janis' website www.janisphill-bug.com
About the Author
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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