The Nest - Kenneth Oppel

A children's novel by a well-known author.  In some ways a typical children's novel with uplifting, affirmative theme - disability positive, accept your imperfections.  The interesting thing in the book is the relationship the author builds between the main character and the queen of a wasp nest.  The communication is cleverly handled, as well as the initial establishment of contact.  The image of a nest of wasps slowly building a replacement baby for the family is quite bizarre.  That little mix of horror/ Hitchcockian nightmare is what makes the book interesting.