Bugs in danger by Mark Kurlansky, illustrated by Jia Liu

Kids have heard plenty about the plight of the bees and the need to save monarchs (at least, I hope they have, but you never know). But why do bees matter? And what about all those other bugs, especially the ones that are scary, stingy, or just weird and ugly?

Kurlansky investigates three major groups in the insect world, bees, beetles, and butterflies, while discussing how vital they are to our world. This isn't a quick browsing book about the interesting aspects of a few weird bugs; it's a thorough investigation into the origin, behavior, habitat, and importance of insects.

Kurlansky starts with a chapter detailing the history of bugs and the scientists who have studied them. He talks about evolution, pollination, and how bugs interact with the world and the world interacts with them. In the section on bees, six chapters explore the anatomy and behavior of bees, their place in history, and human dependence on them in modern times. The beetle chapters look at the benefits and uses of beetles like ladybugs and the deep attachment humans have to fireflies. The final section, on butterflies, explores the human connection to things they can see and perceive as beautiful, looking at how moths are overlooked. There is, of course, a focus on monarchs and their survival in the changing world.

The conclusion brings together all the information and discussions about insects into a cohesive whole and asks the question, can we survive without insects? There is a section on taking action and I was very pleased that Kurlansky recognizes he is talking to kids, and that climate change and environmental disaster cannot be avoided by eschewing straws, using reusable grocery bags, and recycling. First and foremost, stop killing bugs! Every kid can learn not to needlessly tromp on these important and harmless insects. Some of the things he suggests, like planting butterfly gardens and avoiding light pollution, will need adult assistance and cooperation, but fall more into the category of "how to attract and provide habitat for bugs" rather than "things you must do or the world will burn even though you have no control over them." Many of the projects he suggests would be great research or school projects kids could work on as a class.

Throughout the book, Jia Lu's attractive black and white sketches show the intricacy and beauty of insects in all their many forms. Kurlansky includes a child-friendly bibliography, although I was surprised to see several books from the 80s and 90s (some of which I just weeded!) as well as a list of more adult sources and an index.

Verdict: This is a slow-paced and quiet book, as much a reflection on insects as an informational tome on them. Not every kid will be interested or willing to work through it and it is very text-heavy, although it comes in around 150 pages. However, for kids interested in science or teachers looking for a nonfiction read-aloud to older classes, it's an excellent choice.

ISBN: 9781547600854; Published November 2019 by Bloomsbury; Purchased for the library