A clever collection of inspiring ideas from nature, Design Like Nature highlights several global thinkers and inventors practising biomimicry (designing and producing materials, structures, or systems modelled on nature). It features compelling stories about visionary, budding scientists and their inventions that can help change our world for the better. Emphasizing the importance of looking back to look forward, the authors investigate four engaging themes in “Inventions Gone Wild,” “Nature as Engineer,” “Asking Advice from Nature,” and “Reducing our Footprint.” Readers can learn about fungi that can digest plastic, bio-minerals turned into natural concrete, non-electric fridges inspired by termite mounds, and more. Catchy headings like “cat-brained computing,” and “roaches to the rescue,” along with bright and chunked visuals and reading cues, will entertain readers and help inspire creative, sustainable thinking.

48 pp., 8 × 9.5", colour photographs and illustrations • Index

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Megan Clendenan has worked for women's rights, mental health and youth empowerment nonprofits as well as for an environmental law group, which is when she realized for the first time that the court system could be a way to help protect human health from pollution and toxic chemicals. She is the co-author of Design Like Nature, part of the Orca Footprints series, and the author of Offbeat, a novel for young readers. Megan lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family.

 

Megan Clendenan's profile page

Kim Ryall Woolcock has always loved books and biology. She has an honors degree in literature from UBC and a master's in biology from Duke University. A full-time science writer and editor, Kim lives on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, with her family. This is her first book.

 

Kim Ryall Woolcock's profile page

• Commended, Evanston Public Library Blueberry Award - Honor Nonfiction book
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“An essential STEM resource. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“This book is excellent introduction to biomimicry that will be useful for classrooms, home-schoolers, or parents looking to introduce these important concepts to their children.”

The Ormsby Review

★“Fascinating…An appealing resource sure to spark an interest in biomimicry, from casual readers to budding scientists. Recommended for all ­libraries.”

School Library Journal, starred review

“Fascinating.”

Kirkus Reviews

“The approachable text, supported by lots of captioned photos, spotlights some of nature's more remarkable innovations and some engineering feats inspired by nature.”

The Horn Book