FAIRFAX, Va.  – The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) announced the release of its free e-book that teaches children about bugs, entomology and the pest management profession. The digital book, “The Pest Detectives,” is written by Susan Carraretto, author of the popular mom blog 5MinutesforMom, and is illustrated by Colleen Madden.
 
“The Pest Detectives” follows the adventures of Millie, an 8-year-old budding-entomologist, as she solvesreal-life pest mysteries with her father, a pest professional. Readers can join Millie as she shares stories of past pest investigations logged in her scrapbook, and as she embarks on a new case to determine the secret behind Mrs. Romero's pest problem. Along the way, Millie educates readers on a variety of pests and offers prevention tips through colorful illustrations and stories.
 
“Members of our industry can all agree on the importance of teaching children about the fascinating world of insects and the vital role pest management professionals play in keeping our families and homes safe from the property and health risks posed by household pests,” said Missy Henriksen, executive director, PPMA. “The Pest Detectives” is the latest addition to the growing library of educational resources available for consumers on Pestworld.org.
 
Author Susan Carraretto founded 5MinutesforMom, rated a Top Family Blog by the Wall Street Journal, with her twin sister Janice.
 
“Creating this e-book in partnership with the Professional Pest Management Alliance has been a wonderful experience,” said Carraretto. “I wanted to write something my kids would enjoy reading and I love how the story and visualization of Millie came to life through the illustrations.”
 
“Susan is an exceptionally strong writer who knows how to captivate her audience and we were really excited to work with her to share a glimpse of what a day in the life of a pest professional can entail,” Henriksen added.
 
The e-book is available for free on the PPMA-funded NPMA consumer website, PestWorld.org, in the iBookstore and the Barnes and Noble Nook store. It is also available in the Amazon Kindle Store. Paperback versions of the e-book will soon be available for purchase at the NPMA Bugstore.
 
PPMA Guardians and Contributors will all receive a complimentary version of the printed book and can post an exclusive web badge on their web sites offering the e-book to their visitors.