Autorentext

Jules Howard is an author, zoology correspondent, and science presenter. As well as writing regularly for The Guardian and BBC Wildlife Magazine, Jules appears regularly on TV and radio, including BBC Breakfast. He has written numerous books for both adults and children on the natural world.

Klappentext

Find out the real story about the bugs all around us. Creepy crawlies do so much for us! They make honey, eat waste, help make chocolate and more.
 
And in this wacky book, these helpful critters are taking you on a grand tour of their homes! They just can’t wait to tell you about all the good they do. They’ll show you the special skills and features they have, explain why they’re so important to the ecosystem, and generally make their case for why they deserve a little more credit.
 
You’ll meet:
 

• the flesh-eating beetles who may sound creepy but are just misunderstood. In fact, they help museum staff clean up old specimens, and out in the wild, they make sure the world’s forest floors aren’t littered with dead creatures, saving us from very gruesome woodland walks

• the midges who are one of the only bugs able to pollinate cacao plants, and without whom there would be no chocolate!

• the wax moth caterpillars—one of the first species known to be able to safely digest plastic, who could hold the key to reducing this tough-to-break-down material  
  And many, many more!
   
  Without insects like the ones in this book, we wouldn't be here, but they are disappearing fast. This book introduces young readers to a loveable bunch of bugs, encouraging a new generation of mini-beast protectors. Support your child’s learning and gently introduce them to environmental issues with this colourful and fun book that’s packed with fascinating facts.
   

Inhalt

INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS AN INSECT?
CHAPTER 1: CLEANER-UPPERS
DUNG DESTROYERS – Dung beetle
GARBAGE GUZZLERS – Black soldier fly
MOSQUITO MUNCHERS – Emperor dragon
SKELETON CREW – Skin beetle
FURRY FEASTERS – Clothes moth
A WORLD OF INSECTS
CHAPTER 2: MENU MAKERS
HUMBLE HONEY MAKERS – Honey bee
CANDY BAR CRUSADERS – Chocolate midge
AMAZING GLAZERS – Lac bug
FIGGY FRIENDS – Fig wasp
FOOD OF THE GODS! – Jumping plant lice
A MOST MAGNIFICENT LIFECYCLE
CHAPTER 3: ECOSYSTEM ENIGMAS
WATERY WONDERS – Stonefly, Caddisfly and Mayfly
EARTH MOVERS – Termite
FANTASTIC FARMERS – Ant
CROWD CONTROLLERS – Common wasp
BRILLIANT BED BUILDERS – Leafroller moth caterpillar
INSECT CHAMPIONS52–53 CHAPTER 4: TEENY TINY TEACHERS
SUPER SCIENTISTS – Fruit fly
LIFE EXPANDERS! – Monarch butterfly
PEST REMOVERS – Parasitic wasp
PLASTIC PROBLEM-SOLVERS – Wax moth caterpillar
ANTI-FREEZERS – Water boatman
WORLDLY INSECT WISDOMS
CHAPTER 5: INSPIRING ICONS
STORY WRITERS – Gall wasp
TREND-SETTERS – Silkworm
ART AMBASSADORS – Cochineal bug
CELEBRATED SYMBOLS – Dung beetle
LET’S BE FRIENDS!
INDEX
GLOSSARY