Insect Detective

by
Steve Voake
Illustrator: Charlotte Voake

'There are more insects living in the world than all the other animals put together – that's about 200 million insects for every single person!'

And this clear, well thought-out introduction will certainly kindle your curiosity. A range of insects are introduced – wasps, solitary bees, ants, dragonflies – and their behaviour described.

Additional factual sections provide further information, there's a summary of how insects differ from other creatures, also suggestions for further insect investigation.

This beautifully designed book is a mixture of education and inspiration; there's a refreshing enthusiasm to the text ('LISTEN – just by the fence – can you hear that scratching sound?') and the illustrations' lacy, delicate lines and colours draw you into this amazing miniature world.

Publisher: Walker Books

Charlotte Voake

Born and raised in Wales, Charlotte says that book illustration is "the only thing I ever wanted to do." Skipping formal training in art, she studied art history at London University and worked at an art gallery before embarking on a freelance career in illustration. "I don't know that I'm a funny person," says author-illustrator Charlotte, "but it seems when I begin to draw that the characters change, and they take on this amusing and amused look." Indeed, her illustrations are widely loved for this very quality of gentle wit, not to mention their quiet observation, airy exuberance and utter charm.

Charlotte Voake
Steve Voake

Steve Voake grew up in Midsomer Norton, near Bath. Before becoming a full time writer, Steve was headteacher of a village school in Somerset. He is the critically-acclaimed author of The Dreamwalker's Child, The Web of Fire and The Starlight Conspiracy and, in the words of The Sunday Times, 'sets readers an example of how to write skilfully and thoughtfully.' He lives with his family in Somerset.

Steve Voake: Faber and Faber