It was also shortlisted in the Australian Book Design Awards. The wonderful cover and design are by Astred Hicks.

Mind-controlling Bugs is a 48-page illustrated hardback non-fiction book for kids ages 6 and up. It’s filled with fun, creepy facts about weird parasites and real-life zombies. Wasps that turn caterpillars into bodyguards, parasites that target other parasites and heroic bumblebees which will sacrifice themselves to protect their colony from infection.

It’s published by Hardie Grant Explore and illustrated by Astred Hicks.

Order it via online retailers.

/books/mind-controlling-bugs/

It is a 48 page illustrated hardback non-fiction book aimed at children 6-12 years old and features descriptions of real-life zombies and weird parasites. The cover and illustrations are by Astred Hicks. I think the cover in particular looks amazing and it has strips of holographic foil, which make it look shiny, shiny.

I first started submitting stories for publication way back in 1991. 34 years later I was able to walk in to a book shop and see my book on display for the first time.

Readings Kids in Carlton in Melbourne had a pile of the books on display and I signed copies.

You can find the book at book shops and online retailers around Australia. Readings is one of the best places to get the book.

https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781741179187/mind-controlling-bugs–aidan-doyle–2025–9781741179187#

It’s going to be released in the UK and US in early July.

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