Bug Life

Bug Life invites readers into the fascinating world of insects and other invertebrates that are often misunderstood as gross or creepy. Despite this perception, these creatures are essential to our survival. In this love letter to bugs, biologist, linguist, and bug enthusiast Karyn Light-Gibson introduces an array of our notable neighbours, from bees to bedbugs, caterpillars to butterflies, earwigs to isopods, ants to mantises, ladybugs to katydids, and many more.

With informative glee and striking illustrations, Light-Gibson identifies the many bugs we encounter every day and delves into their significance in science, history, art, literature, culture, cuisine, and even warfare.

For every human, there are 1.4 billion insects in the world, playing a vital role in our ecosystem. While a small percentage of bugs can be dangerous or spread disease, the vast majority are our allies. They serve as indicators of environmental health, pollinators of our food, and as a key part of the food web we rely on.

Even the most wary readers will gain a new perspective on the tiny creatures around them and develop a serious appreciation for just how important—and cool—bugs are.