Japanese Giant Hornets Horrify!

Gr 3–6—As the titles indicate, these books focus on the more gruesome aspects of insects. Most include information about the ways they cause pain to other animals or humans; the offering on giant wetas, though, emphasizes their impressive size rather than their aggressive qualities. More general data about habitats, body parts, and life cycles is presented, and each spread includes a "Terrifying Truths" inset, though these extra facts are often not especially scary. The authors note each insect's potential danger to people; the parasitic qualities of human botfly larvae are particularly impressive. Some titles also look at ways the insects help people; for instance, bullet ants' stings can treat rheumatism. Useful photographs include close-ups of physical features along with depictions of insect attacks. Dark backgrounds with splashes of black contribute to the intentionally spooky mood.