This fast-paced novel follows a squad of Army Ants (the six millimeter tall variety) as they are driven from their home in the wake of a surprise attack from the malevolent Wasp Empire before being pursued across the Backyard. On their journey, the ants overcome a variety of enemies and obstacles, growing closer as a team while learning the fine art of improvisational theater.
The primary characters include Vince, the first-person narrator and protagonist just out of boot camp; Phil, the technically expert but socially inept communications expert; Sarge, the venerable, battle-scarred leader; Gunner, the tough, tattooed field lieutenant; Zak, the enigmatic commando with a penchant for chaos; and Slab, the monstrous ant able to bend aluminum with his bare hands but possessing the intellect of a carrot. Their home is the Backyard, a teeming jungle that stretches all the way from the house to the garage, drawing borders ranging from the fence to the sandbox.