The Natural Genius of Ants

A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story from the award-winning author of Down to Earth.

Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end." -Booklist, Starred Review

Harvard is used to his father coming home from the hospital and telling him about all the babies he helped. But since he made the mistake at work, Dad has been quieter than usual. And now he is taking Harvard and his little brother, Roger, to Kettle Hole, Maine, for the summer. Harvard hopes this trip isn't another mistake.

In the small town where he grew up, Dad seems more himself. Especially once the family decides to start an ant farm--just like Dad had as a kid! But when the mail-order ants are D.O.A., Harvard doesn't want Dad to experience any more sadness. Luckily, his new friend Neveah has the brilliant idea to use the ants crawling around the kitchen instead. But these insects don't come with directions. So the kids have a lot to learn--about the ants, each other, and how to forgive ourselves when things go wrong.

Author: Betty Culley
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/10/2022
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780593175774
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 04/18/2022
Booklist 05/01/2022 pg. 44