World of Wonders / Aimee Nezhukumatathil - 5*****

[Book Concierge]

I think this fits just for the story of the axolotl ...


World of Wonders – Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Illustrations by Fumi Mini Nakamura
5*****

Subtitle: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

I loved this collection of essays about the natural world. Nezhukumatathil’s writing transported me to various scenes – from tropical jungles to Arctic oceans to urban parks and my own backyard. I recalled (and relived) my childhood joys of fireflies, of exploring “the woods” (an empty lot near our home), and of absorbing the information my father shared with us on our various camping trips about the natural world, from identifying trees by their leaves and bark, to how to tell the difference between the harmless king snake and the venomous coral snake. (By the way, when we camped, we slept outdoors; we didn’t have a tent.)

I was saddened to learn that some of these marvelous wonders of nature no longer exist “in the wild,” but hang on by a thread only in captivity (or pet stores). And I treasure the fact that I was exposed to the greater experience of the outdoors and all its denizens by my parents and grandparents.

Nakamura’s illustrations are marvelous! Just look at the cover for a sampling. I only wish that the book included them in color rather than black & white. But that’s a small quibble.

I got this book from the library to read for my book club, but I’m going to buy a copy to keep (and maybe a few more to give as gifts). And I look forward to reading more of her writing.



LINK to my review

[KateNZ]

Oh I have this and need to pick it up! Thanks for the reminder!