"Nature runs on sunlight and water. Humans...use fossil fuels and toxic chemicals." Nature's adaptations have a lot to teach us about sustainable design and environmental stewardship. The authors discuss technological advances that have benefited humans (e.g., synthetic fibers, refrigerators, cell phones) and how these innovations are threatening the health of the planet. The approachable text, supported by lots of captioned photos, spotlights some of nature's more remarkable innovations and some engineering feats inspired by nature. A final chapter focuses on "Reducing Our Footprint." A reading list, websites, and links to relevant TED Talks are appended, as are a glossary and index. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 4--7--This fascinating title takes a deep dive into the wonders of nature. Four chapters are featured: "Inventions Gone Wild," "Nature As Engineer," "Asking Advice from Nature," and "Reducing Our Footprint." The text makes connections between familiar items, such as comparing the materials in a child's cocoa mug to the space shuttle's super-tough ceramic. There are surprising facts: Synthetic fibers won't decompose for 20 to 200 years and a plastic drinking straw will last 500 years or longer. Readers learn the history of how items were made with natural materials. For example, in Roman times, purple dye was made from snail slime, which was left out in the sun until it turned purple. Present applications of materials are also explained, and the text indicates that there is much more to discover. Readers might have a future job in biomimicry that doesn't currently exist. Color photos complement the text and depict white and BIPOC children. The back matter includes resources (print, online, and TED Talks), a glossary, and an index. VERDICT An appealing resource sure to spark an interest in biomimicry, from casual readers to budding scientists. Recommended for all libraries.--Helen Foster James, Univ. of California at San Diego

Learn how scientists and kids are working to save the planet. Biomimicry has been used across the fields of science and design, affecting things from apparel to urban planning. This title provides an overview of how both scientists and young people are using concepts found in nature to improve the environment, the food supply, and their health. Specialized vocabulary introduced in the text is printed in boldface italics, queuing readers to check out the glossary for definitions. Examples covered are fascinating: Some readers may know how burrs became the inspiration for Velcro, but how many have heard that the mosquito proboscis is the model for needles that deliver less-painful injections? For curious readers, the title may be too cursory, as the many facts are breezed past speedily, and some are not explored beyond the briefest mentions. For example, William Henry Perkin discovered mauveine, one of the first synthetic dyes, but the substance is referred to only as "black gunk" in the book. Readers who want to know more will be left on their own, especially as the list of resources is a single page of limited suggestions. The multiple full-color photographs that adorn each page can be equally uninformative, as when a weaver bird is shown in its elaborate home but both bird and nest are unlabeled. This fascinating topic deserves depth to match its breadth. (index) (Nonfiction. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.