Insect Superheroes

When kids read about bugs, they are likely to notice that many qualities that mighty insects and arachnids have also fit the characteristics of some of the superheroes they admire. Speed, strength, unique abilities to repel their enemies all bring to mind Marvel wonders like Spider-Man, the Wasp, Ant-Man, and the Black Widow. Cool, and maybe just a little creepy.

Something that Daka Hermon (opens in a new window) knows a little about. The author of middle grade horror titles Hide and Seeker (opens in a new window) and Nightmare King (opens in a new window), Daka is also a writer for Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends on Disney Junior and the author of National Geographic Readers: Marvel’s Spider-Man Bugs Out! (opens in a new window)

While Daka writes horror, she claims to be a big scaredy-cat and can’t even watch horror movies. Do her fears also extend to bugs? She’s here to tell us!

Spider-Man Bugs Out! by Daka Hermon

I have two vivid memories from childhood — watching Saturday morning Marvel cartoons with my younger sister and chasing lightning bugs on hot summer nights with my neighborhood friends. I realize now that those wonderful and unforgettable experiences contributed to my desire to write National Geographic Readers: Marvel’s Spider-Man Bugs Out! (opens in a new window).

Growing up in the South, I can’t say I was big fan of all the creepy crawlers I encountered, but I do recall lying in my bed at night listening to crickets chirp. I’d marvel at how something so small could be so loud and jump so high. I remember being amazed by ant colonies that worked together to carry away cookie crumbs from my picnic. And I often anxiously watched as daddy-longlegs performed super feats like crawling up my walls, across ceilings and walking on water with their super long legs. Later I’d learn those arachnids were not the villains I made them out to be. They’re in fact harmless and important to the ecosystem.

Fun Fact: There are over one hundred arthropod-inspired Marvel superheroes with insect and arachnid abilities. Spider-Man is my favorite.

In researching this book, I discovered that insects, though small, are powerful in many ways, like my favorite Marvel superheroes. I hope this book raises awareness of insects and inspires kids to take a closer look at the smallest creatures among us. 

Here are some fun and creative ways kids can learn more about bugs that live near and far.  

Things to do

Be curious. Observe. Investigate.

Map It Out: Pick a location on a map and research a bug in that area. 

Friend or Foe: Observe bugs in their habitat before interacting and learn more about bug behavior, investigate how some bugs can be harmful and dangerous, not helpers.

Marvel Match: Make a list of bugs and match them to Marvel characters. 

Ready, Set, Draw: Find a bug and draw it as a superhero.

Creepy Crawler Crafts: Use craft materials to create existing bugs or new, strange bugs.

Resources

• Daka Hermon website (opens in a new window)
• Start with a Book: Bug Buddies (opens in a new window)
• Start with a Book: Heroes and Superheroes (opens in a new window)