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This Book is Cute: The Soft and Squishy Science and Culture of Aww

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Ever wonder why some creatures just make you want to cuddle them? Join us in the science lab to ooh and aah over adorable animals and discover why CUTE is just so darn irresistible!

Those adorable big eyes. Those floppy ears! And that soft velvety fur. Welcome to the soft and squishy science of cute! In this book, we'll take a look at what actually makes something "cute," what happens inside our brains when we see something cute, and why we're biologically hardwired that way. We'll also explore why some brands, products, and characters have been such sensational hits through the ages.

Get ready for cute overload as we look at lots of a www-dorable images to explore why babies, puppies, and other small fluffy animals with round faces and big eyes are universally adored (and why others are less so). Flynn explains the psychology and physiology behind our responses and answers questions, such as What influence does our culture or environment have on our conceptions of cute? We'll also take an up-close look at crazes today, from the indisputably cutest animals ever to Internet sensations. Let the squealing commence!

112 pages, Library Binding

Published March 19, 2019

43 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Wassner Flynn

25 books14 followers
Sarah Wassner Flynn is a fitness and sports writer, a children's book author, a runner, and a mother.

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5 stars
16 (43%)
4 stars
14 (37%)
3 stars
5 (13%)
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1 (2%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
2,038 reviews60 followers
June 18, 2019
The information presentation by National Geographic is spot-on for appeal to the targeted age group - ages 8 to 12. They respond well to bits of information graphically arranged on a page with attention grabbing illustrations. This Book Is Cute does just that.

The subject of cuteness spans an assortment of emphasis..,
---In business - mini and micro products....food to technology (hi-tech), Icons from 1898 that endure because of cuteness or appeal. Example: Coppertone girl from 1953 and the Pillsbury dough boy from 1965.
---The bizarre - tiny kitchen cooking and cute desserts sure to please
---In science - Biotechnology to create small tomatoes and broccoli, kiwi berries and mouse melons. These take food engineering to a new level.
---Cultural cuteness - Kawaii in Japan, gnomes in Australia, and Suess in North America
conventional vs unconventional - A look at what is cute about platypus and bugs and a bit of defense of ugly animals
---Capture the cuteness - A how-to capture cuteness on paper or film
---Use and value of cute horses as therapy animals
---A bit of the "why" - science behind natural instinct to protect cute babies...survival of the cutest

My daughter is an educator and she and I both highly recommend this delightful book.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
Profile Image for K.L. Bernard.
Author 1 book22 followers
July 6, 2019
What do you think is cute? Of course we all think babies are cute but what about animal babies? Do you love cute baby bunnies, fuzzy caterpillars, or ladybug polka-dots? Are you a foodie that loves baby artichokes, mouse melons and buddha pears because they’re so darn cute? There are so many things we’ve deemed cute that it’s probably impossible to list them all here, but there are some simple truths that you might be interested in when it comes to babies, food, animals, toys and all things cute.

Toothless smiles, chubby cheeks and roly-poly legs are what makes babies so cute. The Emperor penguin chicks have a cute round body and soft fuzzy hair. Did you know that the pygmy hippo weighs the same as a human baby at birth. Wouldn’t you love to hug and cuddle with one? If you are not a fan of spiders you might be once you see the happy face spider. Its special smiley face emoji on its back lets you know how its always feeling. Have you seen all of the fun and cute mascots from around the globe? You will in this guide.

This handy guide has everything deemed cute. There are mini drones that can fit in your palm and even mini video game consoles. The back pages have artist activities for kids so they can learn to draw cute. Readers can test their cute IQ and learn from a photographer who captures cute. Wonderful images and illustrations show readers what’s cute but you may have something different in mind. There is something here for everyone. Parents, teachers and caregivers will love this guide because it will keep readers engaged for hours.
Profile Image for Stacy Renee  (LazyDayLit).
2,820 reviews100 followers
July 25, 2019
I received a free physical copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The world is full of adorable things and it is basic knowledge that most people love cute things, but have you ever wondered why? Why do babies and puppies make us feel all warm and lovey?

From puppy love to robot puppies, this colorful book covers just about anything and everything that could ever be considered "cute". It takes us around the world, showing us how "cute" is great for both your brain and for business!

Cute costumes, cute cameras, and even cute food fill this book that just might be too cute for its own good.
Also, axolotls are the cutest!

This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature
Profile Image for Moonbean.
1,707 reviews56 followers
April 29, 2019
More kittens & baby animals. Fewer photos of bite-sized drones (which are so NOT cute)

In fact, kittens weren't even represented. Not really. Which was a HUGE disappointment. Especially since cute kittens & cats rate above everything else on the interent.

In fact, I don't care about mini drones and cars for dogs. So not cute.

Not what I was expecting.

Boooooo!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Reid.
1,250 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2019
I learned waaaaay more than I thought I would from this book. I'd assumed this NatGeoKids book was just about fluffy objects and ideas. I was wrong! There is actually a surprising amount of cultural education and, as a culture-lover, this book rocked! Here's my full review: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Profile Image for Aeicha .
832 reviews110 followers
June 27, 2019
This irresistibly adorable book explores the fascinating science behind the world of “cute”. Readers will eagerly soak up all the engaging scientific facts and discussions, while being utterly delighted by all the impossibly cute images and pics.
308 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2021
I recommend this book for people that love reading facts
21 reviews
May 13, 2021
not the best still pretty good if you are interested in finding out why things are cute to people read this book
Profile Image for frogge.
33 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2022
I love all the cute adorable little things in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews