Bartholomew and the bug - Neal Layton

Bartholomew leads a quiet life, but is a kindly sort of bear, so when he meets the fly-bug, who is in a terribly tremendous hurry to find the bright lights, he decides to help him get to the big bright city. The story has human pathos, and is refreshingly original.

Many of Neal's ideas come from his childhood, and now he's grown up, from being a parent. He has illustrated more than 60 books to date, working with authors such as Michael Rosen and Cressida Cowell, and won several prizes including a Gold Award for 'That Rabbit belongs to Emily Brown'. He also writes his own books including the pop-up book'The Story of Everything' and the best selling 'Mammoth Academy Series'. His books are currently in print in more that 16 languages worldwide. He now lives in Southsea, Portsmouth with his wife and two daughters. He likes living by the seaside.

A light hearted take on mortality, as well as the old truth that travel is a broadening experience
Kirkus

Zany and appealing, like an infant midnight cowboy
Daily Echo

Neal Layton's appealing and colourful illustrations are set alongside typewritten text, which rises and falls to reflect Bartholomew and the Bug's Adventures
Child Education

This story about mortality is writ lightly, and like Bartholomew, readers will enjoy the light side of life
Books For Keeps

Illustrator Neal Layton does wonderfully messy, child-friendly drawings against hip, graphic backgrounds
Daily Mail

From the quiet and sombre hills to the jazzy, brilliantly lit city, Layton cleverly contrasts the bear and the bug, whilst celebrating their friendship and their choices
The Guardian

...deliciously humorous....
Books for Keeps