Secret Stories of Nature
A Field Guide to Uncover Our Planet's Past
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In every part of the globe, in every pocket of the sea, in ancient ground beneath your feet, up tall mountains you can’t see, in stones, in plants, in birds and beasts, lie nature’s secret stories. This beautiful field-guide explores the histories and mysteries hidden in the wild, just waiting to be shared. Readers are invited on a journey around our wonderful world, through wild forests, over mountains high, to the bottom of our oceans and the earth beneath us. Each chapter investigates a different environment, and within, the pages tell the secret stories of the animals, plants, and natural phenomena of these habitats. Some secrets tell us of links between species, or unusual adaptations and features, others tell us how nature has evolved, and many hold the keys to understanding our planet’s past. Readers will come away with a wealth of knowledge and discover how looking at nature today can help us understand and unlock mysteries from long ago, from bygone weather to the dinosaurs. They’ll learn how resin and rock can preserve long-lost plants and creatures, how the rings inside coral skeletons can reveal weather patterns from the distant past, how layers of the seabed can indicate a previous mass extinction occurred, how ice can trap gases and tell us the make-up of our ancient atmosphere, and much more. The text also touches on how these secrets are often uncovered through scientific research, observation, fossil records, as well as using modern inventions and techniques like carbon dating. Spreads at the back of the book encourage readers to search for secrets in nature close to home and explore how we can all help protect the animals, plants and natural features of today so we can continue to enjoy and learn from them. The fascinating information is brought to life with meticulously detailed, vintage-style artwork from Vasilisa Romanenko, making this book a true treasure trove for the whole family to enjoy.
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Book Review: Secret Stories of Nature by Saskia Gwinn
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
The cover of Secret Stories of Nature immediately caught my attention with its vibrant and captivating design. This eye-catching appeal extends throughout the book, thanks to the stunning and dramatic illustrations by Vasilisa Romanenko. The liberal use of black as a background color adds a unique touch, making the artwork truly pop with vibrancy.
But this book is not just visually appealing; it is also a treasure trove of fascinating information about nature. Saskia Gwinn takes readers on a journey around the world, exploring various environments and uncovering the secret stories hidden within them. From wild forests to the depths of our oceans, each chapter delves into the mysteries and histories of the animals, plants, and natural phenomena found in these habitats.
The author seamlessly weaves together scientific research, observation, fossil records, and modern techniques like carbon dating to unlock the secrets of nature. Readers will learn about the incredible ways in which resin, rock, coral skeletons, seabed layers, and ice can reveal important information about our planet's past. These secrets not only shed light on bygone weather patterns but also offer insights into the evolution of species and past mass extinctions.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is how it encourages readers to search for secrets in nature close to home. The spreads at the back of the book provide ideas for exploration and offer ways in which we can all contribute to the protection of our environment and its inhabitants.
Although the text is informative and engaging, I found the font size to be a bit small, which might pose some challenges for younger readers or those with visual impairments. However, this minor drawback is overshadowed by the overall value and appeal of the book.
In conclusion, Secret Stories of Nature is a captivating field guide that will enchant readers of all ages. It educates and entertains with its wealth of knowledge and beautifully illustrated pages. This book would make an excellent addition to any young nature lover's library, sparking curiosity and inspiring a lifelong love for the natural world.
ARC Via NetGalley
