The Prairie Gardener's Book of Bugs: A Guide to Living with Common Garden Insects

Geoffrey Harder is a public services librarian and manager, Knowledge Common, in the Science and Technology Library of the University of Alberta.

Written for the layperson but with enough detail and accuracy to be of
use to all, The Prairie Gardener’s Book of Bugs is the perfect
companion for both the amateur and expert prairie gardener. Both green
thumbs and those less fortunate will use this first-rate reference tool
to identify and deal with insects that fall into either friend or foe
categories. Detailed drawings and practical categories designed for
quick identification of prairie insects make the book an invaluable
resource to have on hand. The diagnostic charts of common plant symptoms
and identifiers easily point even the most novice of gardeners toward
possible pest identities and recommended remedies.

Of particular note is Part 1, “Living with Bugs,” which provides
the groundwork for understanding and appreciating the often beneficial
relationship we share with the insect world. It would be all too easy to
leave out this section and focus only on the damaged caused by
creepy-crawlies. However, Bryan and Staal choose to educate the reader
in an entertaining and cheerful style, counseling that bugs are often
do-gooders in our ecosystems and gardens, as opposed to malicious
invaders to be feared.

The authors, seasoned educators and authorities on prairie gardening,
are to be commended for producing a valuable work that is sure to be
consulted often by gardeners of all stripes.