A grab bag of bio-wonders.
A ramble through “the totally bizarre, ultra-epic, sometimes disgusting world of biology.”
With unflagging zest the hosts of American Public Media’s Brains On! podcast take on dozens of such need-to-know topics as whether plants can perceive sound, “why…frogs’ tongues stretch so far,” why we dream, and “are dogs self-aware?” Along with introducing real scientists working in the actual Dog Cognition Lab and elsewhere, the authors—depicted as small cartoon figures throughout—cast sidelights on historical hoaxes, tuck in “mystery photo” close-ups, and also pair up lots of unlikely adversaries in smack-down–style contests. For the latter, they lay out facts about each and leave it to readers to judge winners: “Which stinker is cooler: Durian or Corpse Flower?” The survey includes breezy ventures into the animal and plant kingdoms, quick rides through select systems of the Bodyland amusement park, and a closing voyage to the teeming realm of microbiota for ganders at microscopic mites, fungi, and bacteria (but not viruses). Even scientifically savvy readers may find the small-print bibliography more than a bit on the technical and scholarly side. Still, it’s always better to challenge an audience than underestimate it. Recurring cast members in the illustrations present White; other cartoon figures include people of color.
A grab bag of bio-wonders. (index) (Nonfiction. 10-13)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-316-42829-3
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
“In 1875 there were perhaps fifty million of them. Just twenty-five years later nearly every one of them was gone.” The author of many nonfiction books for young people (Bridges; Truck; Giants of the Highways, etc.) tells the story of the American bison, from prehistory, when Bison latifrons walked North America along with the dinosaurs, to the recent past when the Sioux and other plains Indians hunted the familiar bison. Robbins uses historic photographs, etchings, and paintings to show their sad history. To the Native Americans of the plains, the buffalo was central to their way of life. Arriving Europeans, however, hunted for sport, slaughtering thousands for their hides, or to clear the land for the railroad, or farmers. One telling photo shows a man atop a mountain of buffalo skulls. At the very last moment, enough individuals “came to their senses,” and worked to protect the remaining few. Thanks to their efforts, this animal is no longer endangered, but the author sounds a somber note as he concludes: “the millions are gone, and they will never come back.” A familiar story, well-told, and enhanced by the many well-chosen period photographs. (photo credits) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-689-83025-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2000
Here is an adventure in a unique setting. The lively text and lovely watercolors document three and a half months of a summer the artist and author spent at the South Pole, as part of the National Science Foundation Antarctic Artists & Writers Program. Hooper describes everyday life aboard the research ship Laurence M. Gould, a sturdy orange icebreaker that scientists use to travel between the islands to study the wide variety of animals who come each year to breed and raise their young. An assortment of penguins, elephant seals, giant petrels, huge skuas, and leopard seals hold center stage. Scientists are less important than the serious business of successfully raising young in the short summer season. The author captures the drama of the ice-cold ocean, alive with life: “Swarms of barrel-shaped blue-tinged salps, stuck together in floating chains. Minute creatures with red eyes. Sliding through the water in a curving path like a ribbon.” The artist provides striking paintings of the landscape and the animals in soft washy colors, and quick pencil sketches. The ice is lemon gold with mauve shadows, and the sea a silver gray in the 24-hour day. Animals are expressive and individual. The krill, the tiny shrimp-like creatures that form the backbone of the ocean food chain, appear in luminous glory. The author concludes with a page on global warming, a map of the islands visited, and an index. From cover to cover a personal and informative journey. (Nonfiction. 7-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-7922-7188-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: National Geographic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2000
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