Raining poop. Clouds of moths. Leafless summer trees. This bug-filled adventure is part history, part science, and part first-hand experience. It tells the story of the creepy, crawly, chaotic world of the spongy moth, an invasive species that’s been chewing through North American forests, annoying humans, and creating unpleasant outbreaks for over 150 years.

It is a cause-and-effect story that takes readers back to the 1800s to learn how a curious and well-intentioned amateur entomologist started this problem. Returning to today, readers meet a modern-day scientist who's been studying these pesky bugs for over 30 years. Along the way, they learn how acorns, mice, birds, mammals, weather, and fungi can play a role in a spongy moth outbreak.

Perfect for curious kids ages 8-12 who love weird nature facts, yucky bug stories, and real-life science. This book shows how even icky creatures can teach us something about our world.