Bug-e at four stars!!

Trouble in Bugland by William Kotzwinkle, previously percolated here, is a 152 page gem of a book which only just arrived yesterday, in very good condition considering that I purchased it used. This 2nd soft-cover (which is the 2nd edition, 2nd (1996) printing) was listed by the publisher as Out of Stock, but I found this used copy available through the usual suspects. The only thing that gives it away as a previously owned book is the inscription on the inside cover, from Susan to Jenna 1/97. Personally, I like buying used books. I like adding them to my library shelves, imagining that they are happy to be home, mingling about with my other friends.


Before I started reading, I skimmed through the pages, devouring Joe Servello’s illustrations, taking care not to allow any spoilers to invade my sight. His color, and Pen & Ink drawings bring Kotzwinkle’s words to life in the period detail depicted in this Victorian era setting (some of Servello’s published credits are The Return of Crazy Horse; and Fata Morgana, both books written by Kotzwinkle).




I read these delightful tales last night, and immediately fell into the imaginary boundaries of Bugland. The characters are all arthropods, mostly insects. But the writing is so spectacular that you soon forget these characters are not human. Inspector Mantis, as the name implies, is a Praying Mantis, and the Sherlock Holmes extraordinaire of Bugland.

In the tales within the pages of this little book, Inspector Mantis thwarts a series of fiendishly evil antagonists, all invertebrate animals, in their attempts to cause mayhem. A four star enjoyment.

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While Joe Servello is a profusely published illustrator, I could not find anything other than a listing of his publications, on-line. I would have liked to have shared some clearer drawings from 'Bugland' with you. But as it is, all I can do is share some of the snaps I took myself from out of the pages of my own copy.