Two volumes containing a total of seven short stories by Ichikawa Haruko; each volume has its own title. Volume 1, Mushi to Uta. In chapter 1, Star Lover, a boy visits his uncle after a long absence to learn — among other unnerving facts — that his uncle apparently now has a daughter. In chapter 3, The Kusaka Siblings, an injured high school pitcher returns home and is confronted with the most unlikely of creatures. In chapter 4, Insects and Songs, an insect expert works to create new species.
Volume two, 25-ji no Vacances, contains three stories. Chapters 1 & 2, A 25-Hour Vacation: A brilliant researcher invites her brother out to celebrate his 20th birthday. However, her true goal lies in the pursuit of the rarest of creatures. Chapter 3, On Pandora: A mute freshman joins an academy on Pandora, Saturn’s Moon, and takes a keen interest in the delinquent senior Nijou. Chapter 4, A Lunar Funeral: A runaway genius gets taken in by a young man with far greater secrets.
