If you've ever been grossed out by bugs, you're probably not alone. But you may not have thought about just how important insects are to the functioning of the planet we all share. In this fascinating deep dive into the world of bugs, author Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson shows us how insects keep the world running the way it's supposed to. They pollinate trees, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring that our agricultural endeavors succeed and that the food chain functions as it should. They help plants and dead animals decompose so that the nutrients and minerals can be returned to the soil. They were integral to the development of technological advances we take for granted, including everything from ink to antibiotics. Without insects, the world would be a very different place indeed. In fact, it wouldn't even be a world that we could live in. A fascinating read for the scientifically inclined.(This title may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)