Blue Peter Book Awards 2022Often human scientists try and solve a problem or invent a new tool and they realise that animals have already invented it for them. In this book you will meet the animal inventors who have shared their super inventing powers to make amazing things for humans. We have invented ways of solving problems, making unbelievable materials, ways of getting around and working out how to survive on our own for millions of years. Sometimes when a human inventor gets stuck, they come to the animal kingdom to see if we can help them out. In this book you will meet the cr me de la cr me of animal innovators who have created or are in the process of inventing things that people use every day.Meet the shark who invented a pair of swimming shorts so fast, they were banned from the Olympic games. And meet the snail who has invented a house that stays cool inside even in the desert.
Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals, Built by Animals introduces us to the creatures who have inspired the materials and techniques that are used in the building world today. Meet the animals behind the most amazing building tech, humorously brought to life by Yeji Yun and expertly explained by WWF educator Christiane Dorion. This book dives into theworld of biomimicry and answers questions like: How can we use more solar energy to power our homes?How can we grow plants in the desert?How can we pump water to the top of very tall buildings?How can we clean polluted rivers?From the bee's honeycomb shape that strengthens structures to termites' that build their nests with natural air-con, these creatures did it first! And, at the end of the book, find out who wins big at the Animal Builder Awards! Will it be the prairie dog, the peacock, the beaver, or the firefly? Built by Animals explores this amazing STEM subject in a deceptively simple way, showing children that the f
New title in the internationally best-selling, and Blue Peter Book Award-winning series. Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals, Built by Animals introduces us to the creatures who have inspired the materials and techniques that are used by humans in the building world today. Meet over 26 animals behind the most amazing building tech, humorously brought to life by Yeji Yun and wittily and expertly explained by WWF educator Christiane Dorion.This book dives into theworld of biomimicry and answers questions like: How can we use more solar energy to power our homes?How can we grow plants in the desert?How can we pump water to the top of very tall buildings?How can we clean polluted rivers? From the bee's honeycomb shape that strengthens structures to termites that build their nests with natural air con, these creatures did it first! And, at the end of the book, find out who wins big at the Animal Builder Awards! Will it be the prairie dog, the peacock, the beaver or the fire
Powered by Plants explores the world of plants and how their properties are increasingly helping to shape the cutting edge of human technology and design.Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals and Built by Animals, Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology.Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly studied and copied, inspiring innovation in science, design, engineering, and technology.This book guides readers through a startling collection of fascinating vegetation, from towering cottonwood trees with wind power potential to slippery, meat-eating assassins of the plant world and the fast-growing aquatic plant which helps propel ships farther using less energy. Learn surprising applications and spin-offs of both exotic species including th
The perfect book for long wintery evenings—not just under the Christmas tree! Why do we decorate Christmas trees? Do all children receive gifts on the same day?Come find out as Monika Utnik-Strugala captures the smells, tastes, and unforgettable traditions about the most popular, exciting, contemplative, and unqiue Christmas customs and legends from around the world. Find out why celebrate Christmas on December 25th, who invented the first glass ornament, why people build nativity scenes, and more!A truly international collection of legends and traditions are included in the volume such as - Glögg, Kutia, Lutefisk, Jansson's Temptation, Julskinka, Bûche de Noël, Hallaca, Kourabiedes, Christmas Pudding, Panettone, Christmas carols, talking animals, and The Nutcracker!With the atmospheric illustrations by Ewa Poklewska-Koziello, this is an ideal companion for the Christmas season.
"Pecos Bill is a cowboy who was raised by wild animals, once roped a whole heard of cattle at one time, and invented Texas chili. Learn more about this wild cowboy."
Funny and counter-intuitive, If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal reveals how human intelligence may actually be more of a liability than a gift, and how the animal kingdom, in all its diversity, gets by just fine without it.At first glance, human history is full of remarkable feats of intelligence. We invented writing. Produced incredible achievements in music, the arts, and the sciences. We’ve built sprawling cities and traveled across oceans―and space―and expanded to every part of the globe. Yet, human exceptionalism can be a double-edged sword. With our unique cognitive prowess comes severe consequences, including existential angst, violence, discrimination, and the creation of a world teetering towards climate catastrophe. Understood side-by-side, human exceptionalism begins to look more like a curse. As scientist Justin Gregg persuasively argues, there’s an evolutionary reason why human intelligence isn’t more prevalent in the animal kingdom. Simply put, non-human animals don’t need it
