In Search of Goliathus Hercules

Gr 4–6—Henri Bell lives with his Great-Aunt Georgie on a farm in America in 1890. His father has been missing for three years, last seen in Malaya, and his mother has stayed in London. There is little there for him to do except look through Georgie's button collection, at least until he discovers that he has a secret: he can talk to insects. With the help of Dom, a Musca domestica (common housefly), he learns of a vicious new species in the insect world: Goliathus hercules. Soon after, Henri joins Maestro Antonio's traveling flea circus, where his secret is soon found out. He also finds himself on the run from his great-aunt's evil neighbor, who is following him. He searches for Goliathus hercules, which takes him on a quest halfway around the world, hoping to be in time to stop the species from being used in a sinister plot. This book is well thought out and a joy to read. Children will find Henri and all of his insect friends to be relatable characters. It is a grand adventure, one full of excitement and plenty of questions to keep readers engaged.—Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy Lib., Houston, TX