Bringing Nature Home was written by entymologist Douglas Tallamy, and though the book has much about insects, it is not a book about insects. It is a book about ecology. Tallamy’s work with insects has lead him to become something of a native plant guru, because plants, and the insects who feed on them, and the insects/animals who feed on those insects (and so on), are completely interlinked. Thus, he thoroughly explains the problems with invasive plant species and the threats they pose to our entire ecosystem. Fortunately, he also explains what the reader can do to help (hint: plant native plants in your garden).

The second part of the book is a little less interesting in showing relationships within an ecosystem, but great if you want pictures and explanations of specific plants and insects. I read it all, but it is a little dry. That said, one of my favorites were the tortoise beetles that carry their own feces like a an umbrella above their heads. If you were a bird, would you want to eat that?