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Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature
A first introduction to the natural world that looks at the myriad ways in which plants and animals have adapted to give themselves the best chance of survival. Natural World explores and explains why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published July 5, 2016
15 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 13, 2016
* I was sent this for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
When I got this book I was immediately excited becuase upon first look it was filled with information and wonderful full page images. I was not disappointed, this is truly a solid collection of facts, and even some I'd never heard of or known. I would say that this is probably aimed at Children, but I think it bridges the gap easily into the adult market too as it's so jam-packed. I definitely learned a lot about some of the animals and habitats within this collection, and it's filled with stunning visuals too.
The artwork of this book is done by Owen Davey who definitely deserves praise as there are a LOT of images. We have scaled-up versions of microbes all the way up to pictures of the Blue Whale and pretty much everything in-between. Owen has his own distinct style which blends geometric shaped with softer digital and hand crafted textures, so the animals look both clear, and detailed.
On the whole I would hugely recommend this for anyone with children or even any adults who just want an introduction to various elements of nature. An enthralling and beautiful book just brimming with details. Highly recommended. 4.5*s
** note. the only reason this didn't get a 5*s was becuase some of the text is very small at times and some is on a dark background making it slightly harder to read. It was fine for me but for younger children or people with poor vision they may need a little help.
When I got this book I was immediately excited becuase upon first look it was filled with information and wonderful full page images. I was not disappointed, this is truly a solid collection of facts, and even some I'd never heard of or known. I would say that this is probably aimed at Children, but I think it bridges the gap easily into the adult market too as it's so jam-packed. I definitely learned a lot about some of the animals and habitats within this collection, and it's filled with stunning visuals too.
The artwork of this book is done by Owen Davey who definitely deserves praise as there are a LOT of images. We have scaled-up versions of microbes all the way up to pictures of the Blue Whale and pretty much everything in-between. Owen has his own distinct style which blends geometric shaped with softer digital and hand crafted textures, so the animals look both clear, and detailed.
On the whole I would hugely recommend this for anyone with children or even any adults who just want an introduction to various elements of nature. An enthralling and beautiful book just brimming with details. Highly recommended. 4.5*s
** note. the only reason this didn't get a 5*s was becuase some of the text is very small at times and some is on a dark background making it slightly harder to read. It was fine for me but for younger children or people with poor vision they may need a little help.
September 20, 2018
This is a lot of charts and things, rather than a book you would read right through. It has great illustrations and a neat color coding system for whether a page is about habitat or species or adaptations.
Overall it can serve as a solid introduction to living things, especially focusing on animals and plants.
Where I think it could come in really handy is in augmenting a biology curriculum for children. That is not just for information to cover, but also each page has various jumping off points for students to think "That's interesting!" and to want to learn more.
Overall it can serve as a solid introduction to living things, especially focusing on animals and plants.
Where I think it could come in really handy is in augmenting a biology curriculum for children. That is not just for information to cover, but also each page has various jumping off points for students to think "That's interesting!" and to want to learn more.
October 13, 2016
Woods loooooves this book. Sad to be returning it to the library, but maybe it will make our "to purchase" list. A lot of the info is advanced for him but it's a great book even for 2 year olds. He loves to ask "what's that?!!" about everything in the book. So even though we aren't, reading the science portions he's still learning and it's great. Just, don't read it at bedtime lol. His curiosity went up with every page and my ability to keep chipper went down. It's a tiring book for an adult to work through with a very inquisitive two year old! But that's a good thing :)
Want to read
November 19, 2020so pretty. lots of easy to follow info!
February 8, 2017
Reviewed for School Library Journal:
Gr 3 Up—A "cabinet of curiosities" in book form meant to be browsed through rather than read cover to cover or used strictly as a reference. While some elements of the elegant design and illustrations are a bit retro, the volume contains a wealth of up-to-date information and facts about habitats and species. Each chartlike page displays some aspect of nature, from the many varieties of feathers or leaf shapes to the ecosystems of the Arctic and rain forest. The slipcover folds out into a wall poster of birds, insects, and migrators, and three colors of ribbon bookmarks emerge from the binding to facilitate navigation. Color-coded arrows visually refer readers to other pages on related subjects. The digitally created illustrations resemble traditional media with a subtle, sophisticated palette, adding to the symbiosis of old and new design techniques. The index lists species names but not some of the concepts mentioned, such as photosynthesis or camouflage. There is a chart devoted to skeletons and skulls yet neither word appears in the index. VERDICT A unique choice as a gift book or for libraries interested in branching beyond wildlife basics.—Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Gr 3 Up—A "cabinet of curiosities" in book form meant to be browsed through rather than read cover to cover or used strictly as a reference. While some elements of the elegant design and illustrations are a bit retro, the volume contains a wealth of up-to-date information and facts about habitats and species. Each chartlike page displays some aspect of nature, from the many varieties of feathers or leaf shapes to the ecosystems of the Arctic and rain forest. The slipcover folds out into a wall poster of birds, insects, and migrators, and three colors of ribbon bookmarks emerge from the binding to facilitate navigation. Color-coded arrows visually refer readers to other pages on related subjects. The digitally created illustrations resemble traditional media with a subtle, sophisticated palette, adding to the symbiosis of old and new design techniques. The index lists species names but not some of the concepts mentioned, such as photosynthesis or camouflage. There is a chart devoted to skeletons and skulls yet neither word appears in the index. VERDICT A unique choice as a gift book or for libraries interested in branching beyond wildlife basics.—Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
May 19, 2017
Gorgeous. Beautiful illustrations, lots of great information presented in easily digested pieces. Does a great job of explaining fairly complicated ideas in relatively simple language and well-designed infographics. Like a DK Eyewitness book, it should appeal both to people who want an overview of a subject and those who have a short attention span. There is more depth and artistry and a stronger design sense here though, so it will also appeal to adults.
November 17, 2016
This book is amazing. It is marketed as a children's book, but I feel the layout (old-fashioned classroom science charts) and the amazing but soft-colored artwork help make it appealing to adults as well. The information is accurate and engaging but the experience of just holding the book and thumbing through it was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2019
This books is brightly and beautifully illustrated, full of interesting facts about the natural world. This is appropriate for adolescents and adults alike (though not really suitable for young children). The details in this books is just enough without being overwhelming, it also covers a pretty good range of subjects so you can see which interests you more. Very enjoyable and well done.
March 11, 2021
I'm always on the lookout for these kinds of books. I love nature books that use the art to really educate readers about their environments and traits. This one was one of the more text heavy books I've read, but the information was really good and the illustrations are beautiful.
I highly recommend for nature lovers, young environmentalists, and anyone interested in animals.
I highly recommend for nature lovers, young environmentalists, and anyone interested in animals.
November 18, 2020
God, what an absolutely perfect little book. The theme of "curiositree" is just so on point! If there's a book that sparks curiosity about the natural world, then it is surely this one. And I am just so in love with its visual conception - wow.
May 28, 2024
An amazing, visually stunning book compiling facts about nature and wildlife. It never goes too specifically into each field, but is a great starting point for those who want an introduction to the great diversity of nature. A fantastic, worthy read.
July 27, 2017
Insanely gorgeous illustrations and packed to the brim with science. Love the exploratory, choose your own adventure sort of feel. Very clever. Doesn't matter if you're 5 or 50, this is a cool book.
June 14, 2018
Outstanding.
June 3, 2019
Pretty.
May 6, 2020
Beautifully illustrated. Part of our homeschool curriculum. At first I thought it was too complicated for first grade, but over the year, both my kids (6 and 4) really enjoyed it.
March 7, 2017
Mesmerising. Will help.
February 27, 2017
Beautiful illustrations and lots of good information in short form, making it a good fit for visual learners.
July 23, 2016
Owen Davey is fast becoming one of my favorite animal illustrators. There is something quite beautiful and engaging about the clear lines and muted colors in this book. Each illustration works with a page full of facts about the featured animals, providing a bursting reference of information.
Fascinating and highly recommended for browsing.
Fascinating and highly recommended for browsing.
August 2, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway, and it is such a lovely book! The illustrations are gorgeous, and the information was fascinating. My daughter and I have looked at it for hours. The cover folds out to be a large poster, which I am thinking about framing. I would love this book even if I hadn't gotten it for free. I am so pleased I did though!
September 10, 2016
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Gorgeous illustrations and text that is simple enough for my 9 year old granddaughter, but still challenging enough to interest her for years to come. The book is beautifully made as well with three ribbon markers and heavy high quality glossy paper. Highly recommended for elementary to middle school children and anyone who loves beautiful books
August 29, 2016
This is a sit down, read and wonder book. Beautiful Illustrations and great accurate science information. I have found my 7 yo son sitting for long periods in awe. Truly an heirloom book for the home library.
January 8, 2017
I know I was given this book because I like to troll people at parties (and often my husband) by claiming that snakes are bugs, germs are insects, ect.
My favorite is the badger. Obviously.
My favorite is the badger. Obviously.
April 3, 2017
A cool selection for budding naturalists, environmentalists, and anyone interested in habitats, biomes, plants, and animals. Lovely illustrations and a great general introduction to Earth's natural world.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews