The Natural Genius of Ants, Betty Culley
The Natural Genius of Ants, Betty Culley
List: $18.00 | Sale: $12.60
Club: $9.00

The Natural Genius of Ants

Author: Betty Culley

Narrator: Alejandro Ruiz

Unabridged: 5 hr 8 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/10/2022


Synopsis

A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story from the award-winning author of Down to Earth.

"Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end.” –Booklist, Starred Review
 
Harvard is used to his father coming home from the hospital and telling him about all the babies he helped. But since he made the mistake at work, Dad has been quieter than usual. And now he is taking Harvard and his little brother, Roger, to Kettle Hole, Maine, for the summer. Harvard hopes this trip isn’t another mistake.  
 
In the small town where he grew up, Dad seems more himself. Especially once the family decides to start an ant farm--just like Dad had as a kid! But when the mail-order ants are D.O.A., Harvard doesn't want Dad to experience any more sadness. Luckily, his new friend Neveah has the brilliant idea to use the ants crawling around the kitchen instead. But these insects don't come with directions. So the kids have a lot to learn--about the ants, each other, and how to forgive ourselves when things go wrong.

About The Author

Betty Culley is the acclaimed author of the middle-grade novel Down to Earth, which received a starred review from Booklist, calling it “captivating,” and the YA novel in verse Three Things I Know Are True, which was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick and an ALA- YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee. When writing The Natural Genius of Ants, Betty kept an ant farm and cared for a carpenter ant queen. She’s worked as a pediatric nurse and lives in a small town in central Maine. You can find her online at bettyculley.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by (Katie) Paperbacks on September 25, 2024

Unfortunately this book I just couldn't get in to. I've never been a fan of bugs for one thing, well except for lady bugs when I was little. I did like the relationship between father and son. The story was quite a bit slow paced for me as well and there was a relationship that was mentioned later o......more

Goodreads review by Alex on September 13, 2022

This was a fantastic book for elementary aged kids. We loved it so much that when we finished it my 6 year old asked if we could start it over again tomorrow.......more

Goodreads review by Nicole on February 21, 2024

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction The Natural Genius of Ants is a heartwarming story of friendship and learning to forgive yourself, even in what may seem like unforgivable circumstances. Ever since Harvard's dad made a mistake at work, he hasn't been the......more

Goodreads review by Mark on February 25, 2022

What worked: Grief is a major issue, although Harvard’s father is responsible for the death of an infant. Harvard and his younger brother Roger spend the summer in their father’s remote, small hometown. The hope is that his father will be able to forgive himself for a fatal mistake and finally return......more

Goodreads review by Annie on May 15, 2022

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader. The Natural Genius of Ants is a well illustrated and engaging coming of age novel aimed at middle grade readers written by Betty Culley. Released 10th May 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Children's imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in h......more


Quotes

★ "Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end." —Booklist, starred review

"Quietly and emotionally intelligent, this tale satisfies." —Kirkus Reviews

"This hopeful story that explores the reality of hardship and mistakes amid themes of forgiveness and resilience.” —Publishers Weekly