Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army & Other Diabolical Insects

Summary:

In this darkly comical look at the sinister side of our relationship with the natural world, Stewart has tracked down over one hundred of our worst entomological foes-creatures that infest, infect, and generally wreak havoc on human affairs.

Staff Review:

I love creepy crawlies. Everyone who knows me, knows that. My family has them for pets, we search for them in the yard, and occasionally eat them. You can only imagine what I thought when I saw this book. Amy Stewart describes our fellow friends, or enemies in this case, using brilliant analogies and imagery. This work covers a wide array of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. She takes you out of your comfort zone, and strives to give you a new way to look at the world around you.The illustrations are scientifically accurate AND amusing. The necessary scientific phrases are easily explained, making this a user-friendly book. Where else can you read about hornet spit becoming a power juice for athletes? Or zombie cockroaches? Have you ever been called a “bookworm?” Do you really want to know what the term means?  Those things alone should make you want to see what Wicked Bugs is all about. What a great read!

-- by Laura W.