M. G. Leonard 
Beetle Boy 

In this "hugely entertaining adventure with . . . characters worthy of Roald Dahl, " a boy searches for his father with help from an extraordinary beetle (The Guardian).Darkus Cuttle can’t believe his eyes when a huge insect drops off the pants leg of his horrible new neighbor. It’s a giant beetle-and it seems to want to communicate with him. But how can a boy be friends with a beetle? And what does a beetle have to do with the disappearance of his dad and the arrival of the terrifying Lucretia Cutter, with her taste for creepy fashion?The first book of a trilogy, Beetle Boy is a darkly hilarious adventure full of exotic beetles, daring schemes, and true friendship."Truly great storytelling." -Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse"Leonard gives readers a rare glimpse into the world of insects, mixing adventure, mystery, and science . . . Even the most squeamish will be charmed." -Publishers Weekly"Thrilling . . . An original new voice in children’s literature." -The Times"Enchanting." -The Daily Telegraph