When Eden, a Black and Jewish ten-year-old, saves a wasp nest from destruction, she finds that her mitzvah has earned her the friendship of the Wasp Queen. The two discover that with a little ingenuity and empathy, they can communicate. Their conversation sends Eden, whose mixed heritage has inspired her passion for activism and tikkun olam, on an adventure to the Institute for Lower Learning — a subterranean sanctuary devoted to the peaceful coexistence of humans and insects. But for all it’s wonder, its full of secrets and danger, too.
It’s the Institute’s secrets that nine-year-old August is after. After some disastrous encounters with insects, August is one pest-related humiliation away from becoming an outcast. He’s ready to use the Institute’s secrets to squash every bug into oblivion. But Eden and the insects are ready to protect the Institute — despite August’s plans. Filled with humor, adventure, and heart, The Big Dreams of Small Creatures is about friendship, empathy, and learning you don’t have to be big to make a big difference in the world.