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Animals

Packs: Strength in Numbers

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Packs: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer
Format: Book
Who Its For: Kids

Take a look at nature and you will find groups-herds, flocks, swarms of creatures big and small. In Packs: Strength in Numbers, Hannah Salyer celebrates this unity and diversity found in the animal world. With her illustrations of dusty bison on the march, or wolves streaking through snow-quiet forest, she gives us a close up view of just how animals, birds and insects work together to survive and thrive, in hunting, traveling, growing food, singing, protecting the young. This book contains loads of information about the habits of these creatures which will satisfy the curiosity of little naturalists, and big ones too (for example, did you know that a herd of wildebeests can have up to a million animals, and is called an implausibility? Me either!) The book ends with a gentle reminder that working together is always better for creatures and humans alike.

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Being Frog

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Book Cover of "Being Frog" by April Pulley SayreBeing Frog by April Pulley Sayre
Publication/Release Date:
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Frogs are fascinating, and Being Frog by April Pulley Sayre is a beautiful look at these amphibians for young naturalists. Stunning photos and simple rhyming text show a tiny frog egg growing into a tadpole, then a tiny froglet able to leave the water. Readers then follow one day in the life of a green frog in a North American woodland pond: we see the frog swimming, climbing, hunting, missing its prey, and trying again. The author Sayre uses simple language to show that frogs are living creatures with their own needs, habitats, and behaviors- not playthings, but wild animals. An author’s note gives more information about how she observed and photographed the frogs over many months to create this lovely book, which is perfect for the youngest nature-lovers.

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The Art of Racing in the Rain

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The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Format: Book
Who It’s for: Adults and Young Adults

 

This story is about Denny Swift, a race-car driver and rep. for a BMW dealer in Seattle Washington and his dog Enzo. Told from Enzo’s perspective and his belief in the legend that a dog “who is prepared” will be reincarnated in his next life as a human. Enzo also loves watching T.V. documentaries and racing.
Denny adopts Enzo from a farm as a pup. Denny and Enzo begin their journey together where Enzo struggles to hone his humanness and Denny soon meets and marries Eve. Eventually they have a daughter named Zoe. Enzo is devoted to Denny, Eve and Zoe.
Life has many difficulties and sometimes the unthinkable happens. Enzo describes to the reader his life with Denny and his family, the bond he has with each of them and the great struggle they go through when Eve develops brain cancer. In addition, to a surprise and shocking custody struggle of Zoe with Eve’s parents and Denny.
Enzo gleans his knowledge through the television shows and documentaries that he watches. He has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, but cannot understand why a dog does not have thumbs. He does his best to communicate with his family even though he cannot talk.
Enzo sees that life, like racing, is not simply about going fast.

This book is one of the best I have ever read. The story told through Enzo’s point of view. It is happy, sad, traumatic and charmingly funny.
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Creaturepedia: Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth

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Creaturepedia: Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth by Adrienne Barman
Format:  Book
Who it’s for:  Children

This delightful children’s book is recommended for children ages 5-8 or kindergarten-3rd grade.  The clever cover illustration immediately draws one in to the fun and knowledge waiting inside.  This book covers more than 600 creatures of all kinds—animals, insects, birds, sea creatures, reptiles and even vanished species and dinosaurs.  These wonkey-eyed critters have such intriguing expressions on their faces—surprised, curious, sleepy, fierce, loving, sad, mean, bored, flirtatious, suspicious, intelligent, silly, cunning and more.  Some appear to be looking at the camera when the flash went off.  The eyes are everything.  The creatures are listed in categories such as big-eared, vanished, camouflaged, striped, show-offs, spotted and other categories.  The facts of each one are brief and can lead to interesting questions that beg for more information.  This book is beautifully illustrated by the author, Adrienne Barman.

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Humanimal: How Homo sapiens Became Nature’s Most Paradoxical Creature

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Humanimal: How Homo sapiens Became Nature’s Most Paradoxical Creature by Adam Rutherford
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Adults

Many of us humans like to believe that we’re somehow more, or better, or at least fundamentally different from other sorts of animals. Others contend that no, there’s nothing that elevates us above any other creature (other than possibly our egos). Humanimal doesn’t campaign for either camp, but explores the evidence on both sides.

The book begins with a comparison of humans’ and other animals’ practices relating to tool use and to sexual behaviors. It then wends its way through the evolution and current manifestations of several characteristically human features, from our DNA to our languages. Presented in short, topical chapters, Humanimal is a celebration of both our animal nature and our human uniqueness. Find it in the catalog.

The Shallows

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The Shallows
Format: DVD
Who its for: Adults and Teens

Summer’s almost here! So while you’re planning your big, beach vacay, let’s talk about sharks!

In the movie The Shallows, despite the danger of surfing alone, Nancy decides to hit the waves. When a great white shark suddenly attacks, Nancy is forced to swim to a giant rock for safety. Left injured and stranded 200 yards from shore, Nancy must fight for her life as the deadly predator circles her in its feeding ground.

The Shallows sets the bar for what a shark attack thriller can be. Marketed as horror film, the movie is largely grounded in survival drama but also fantastical in its action and suspense. One of the things I appreciated most about this movie is that it gave the shark a purpose, a reason for its aggression that is almost believable.  I preferred this to the more common idea that sharks are mindless, bloodthirsty monsters (that roar?  I’m looking at you, Jaws).  Not to mention, the cinematography used in this movie is just…pretty. While you’re sweating on the edge of your seat, holding tight to your limbs, be sure to enjoy the vibrant colors and slow motion effects that make the film both terrifying and aesthetically pleasing.  Other than the CGI shark, Blake Lively’s performance is easily the best in the movie (of course she is pretty much the only person in the movie so that isn’t saying much).  If you’re feeling brave, dip your toes in and check out The Shallows. Find it in the catalog.