Santiago: True Tales of a Little Bug in a Big World

Santiago: True Tales of a Little Bug in a Big World is an anthropomorphized tale of a praying mantis called Santiago who hitched a ride into his humans' house on a hydrangea bush and it's told from the point of view of the little mantis.

Released 5th June 2019 by author Jennifer Vitanzo, it's 187 pages and available in paperback format.

This is an engaging tale about the trials and everyday dangers insects face in and around human dwellings. The book is sprinkled with lots of photographs of Santiago the mantis (and other animals, stuffed and real) which lived with the author. It's a well written and humorous narrative. It should be noted that it does follow the life cycle of mantids and includes the death of the main character.

This would make a nice summer vacation read for youngsters or a read-to-me selection for younger children. It would also be a nice library selection or gift for a young person interested in entomology.

Four stars. I wasn't completely ok with the anthropomorphism, but since it's aimed (mostly) at kids, i'll keep my grumbles to myself. I do appreciate that the author specifically advises against keeping exotic/wild animals as pets.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.