Science Nature Books

I really like Newt.

I think Newt Gingrich is one of the most important political philosophers of our time. From the Conservative Opportunity Society to the Contract for America, he's been on the cutting edge. My complaint with this book is that while his heart is in the right place, the book is short on details, and the devil is always in the details.

Global warming/climate change is a real threat. It's caused by human activity. I've run the numbers, and it can't be significantly slowed, and certainly can't be reversed, without nuclear energy. That having been said, the word "nuclear" only appears in the book once.

Without nuclear energy, and because nuclear probably can't be brought on line soon enough to make a real difference, drastic changes in the American way of life will be necessary to slow down the process of global warming---smaller houses, fewer trips by airplanes, higher thermostats in the summer, lower in the winter. However, Newt and Terry never address these topics.

The placebos, compact florescent lights bulbs, bio-fuels, and others, which make us feel like we are contributing, but which actually deter us from taking effective action, are as close as we get to details.

I left the book feeling empty. Like Rodney King, Newt and Terry tell us "can't we all just get along" but don't give any real guidance about where we are going.

I'm a little disappointed. I still love Newt, but this isn't my favorite Next book.

The Devil is in the Details, and the details have been left out.

A lot of rehash of old ideas and trite science. I was disappointed, especially since i have been a big fan of Newt's philosophies and politics.

The basic theme of conservation and recycling is valid. But the presumption that man made Carbon Loading a primary cause of Global climate change is a concern. A concern because of the potental harm to the human condition if we are to take radical actions to midigate this UNPROVEN theory. Radical actions as promoted by the Left wing radicals - including Al Gore - would cause a major decline in world economy, putting more people into poverty.
The promotion of reforestation and managed forest land is good. But where to Human civilization meets nature, the answer cannot always be that nature trumps Human activity. Again that would cause a decline in the human condition. I agree there needs to be a balance and technology will certainly be our salvation.

I have great respect for the intellect of Newt Gingrich - his take on "global warming" is interesting if for no other reason it suggests that a public/private partnership will really be the only way the issue will ever be effectively addressed.

This book does drone on and on about what government is NOT doing. I mean ON and ON. Fine - I get it. What is the solution?

All in all, it is a good book - but I wish I had borrowed it from the library and not paid good money for it.

Gingrich and Maple have created a well thought out bipartisan plan to "save the earth" from exploitation by people who, knowingly or unknowingly are in the process of destroying the environment. Historically Dr. Terry Maple dragged Zoo Atlanta from the abyss and created one of the finest exhibits in the world. Dr. Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House and college professor has a vivid imagination for change (real change) and shows his adroit imagination in this work. These men offer many solutions from problems with animal waste to saving plants and animals for future generations to enjoy. I read the book and also listened to an audiobook version. Both are very enjoyable-I urge people of all ages to enjoy this very timely work. Douglas W. Matheson Professor Emeritus University of the Pacific. Stockton, CA

This book is an absolute gem. Michael's work is so throroughly researched (this fellow knows plants like no one else), and written with a lovely grace of love for the plants, for the land, all with Michael's totally unpretentious narrative & moments of humor. & Mimi's sketches are grand. I love it so much I bought 2 extra copies so there'd always be a copy in my office, at home and in my pack.
Use this book if you work with healing plants - or if you just want to feel a sense of place among the healing plants of the northwest.

Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West has been the book I most often refer to when trying to treat a certain ailment or disease.
I came across this book when I attended the California School of Herbal Studies in California. Moore's ability to pinpoint specific uses of herbs, but at the same time his ability to admit to being wrong is what attracts me so much to his herbals (not to mention his humorous and quirky writing style). I was once told that Moore was one of the few herbalists who have doctors running up to his front door asking for answers. I have no idea if this is true considering the stubbornness of most M.D.'s, but it wouldn't surprise me considering the extent of his knowledge. I can't recommend this book enough.

I like this book a lot, and I appreciate the style that Mr. Moore uses. He just cracks me up! One of the things that I find very appealing in this book is the comprehensive information that Mr. Moore offers, along with his own experiences with the plants. I wish it were a book that would help me identify plants better. The graphics are not conducive for someone like me to use it to identify plants in the wild. But if I know what I am looking at it is easier.

Author writes in accessible and entertaining style even with technical content. Very thorough book and I have not seen another that even compares. If you want to know about medicinal plants in the northwest, this is THE book to read!

I live by this book. It is a little technical sometimes but I love the author's humor and his indepth research. a wonderful book that is easy to look things up in. just love moore. haven't found a more complete book yet. Reverend Z

The book has some good content, but the auther him-haws around. I enjoy a good book that can get to the point and drive it home. This book does not do that. It jumps around a lot and is hard to follow in places. I wouldn't recommend this book to other readers.

..it's a great book. The personal anecdotes will speed you through a book more scholarly than it first appears. With the clean slate that North America presented the world upon it's discovery, it's amazing how well it's held up, considering all the different hands on the chalk!

Every now and then a book comes along that evokes our experience of the landscape, books by authors such as William Least Heat-Moon, John Hanson Mitchell, Donald Meinig, John Stilgoe, or J. B. Jackson. With Visions of Paradise, John Warfield Simpson joins the group and goes beyond. He offers a wide ranging and readable description of the forces that shaped our landscape from conflicts in landscape values to public policy and law. Visions is a wonderful book filled with personal anecdotes that engage. Anyone interested in cities, suburbs and environmental stewardship hould have a copy of this handsome book

Mr. Simpson's book is an unparalleled look at this nation's beginnings, transitions, growing pains, and its current situation. To understand today's problems and land-use ethics, one must read this book. Through elbow grease, endless research and a fascination with the land, Mr. Simpson has created a classic that anyone involved with the land must read. On a personal note, Ohio residents will find this book particularly interesting, the development of Columbus is used as a typical example of settlement and expansion.

I am not a 'landscaper' in the grand or even minimal sense (tending to let my own backyard become overgrown), but I do have a layman's interest in history. Perhaps for those reasons I found 'Visions of Paradise' to be an enthralling introduction to the history of our American landscape. Simpson was able to engage my interest quickly with his obvious feeling for and sensitivity to our culture's rather short-sighted treatment of the natural landscape. As a native midwesterner I was particularly interested in his regional references but really found the entire volume to be captivating. He truly helped me to understand the national landscape as 'ours' in a collective sense. For the first time I have an informed appreciation of our land and believe that I have a role, however small, in its future. I will never be able to take a trip by car or plane in the same way again - Simpson's book has helped me understand the importance of my examining the nuances of all parts of our landscape, and being able to take a stronger position regarding its appropriate uses (even my own yard, which I am now cultivating more carefuly).

My twins, age 4 1/2, love this book. Interesting history of weather phenomena, and some really great pictures!

I am an adult but have read about 35-40 DK Eyewitness books in the past 15 months. I'm catching up with a lot of the science I never learned in school, and the illustrations and simple style that is easy for young readers to understand while not talking down to adults like me are invaluable in building my knowledge of these subject areas.

I have a perverse interest in tornadoes, so I looked forward to reading this book. However, I think a better title for this book would have been "Extreme Weather". Of the 60-some pages of material in this book, only 4 each are devoted to the subjects of hurricanes and tornadoes. The remainder of the book is devoted to weather basics (also covered excellently in the book in this series called "Weather") and other severe and extreme weather conditions.

Despite this somewhat misleading title, I highly recommend this book and all of the DK Eyewitness books that I've read. A somewhat newer book in the series, "Natural Disasters", covers some of the same material plus non-weather-related calamities such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and disease epidemics. "Natural Disasters" was published recently enough to include coverage of Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004.

I"M INTERESTED ABOUT HRRICANES AND TORNADOES TOO
THIS DK BOOK WAS JUST SO EXCITING

[...]

This is a great addition to the Eyewitness Series. Kids will go nuts over all the information on tornados and hurricanes. It's right up disaster alley.

I purchased several books for "the talk" with my 8 year old, and this was by far the best one. It might be too open-minded for some (keep in mind that I live in San Francisco)--but it's very in-depth and answers questions on all relevant subjects in a way that is appropriate for this age group. It makes the talk a whole lot easier--with a pictorial (drawings) explanations. I think you'll be happy with just this one book. I returned the others.

Hands down, this is my favorite book for kids age 5 to 10 about sexuality, love and relationships! Robie Harris tackles this subject with warmth and humor - she understands her audience and your kids will return to this book over and over.

Parents will appreciate her tone and the matter of fact way she handles "the facts." Be sure to read it yourself before settling in with the kiddos - while there probably isn't anything you didn't already know, you want to be sure it reflects your values.

And remember, this should supplement the ongoing conversations in your family and isn't a replacement for the information and values your kids want and need to learn from you.

Definitely a discussion starter, not something to sit down and read all at once! I love the chapters because it's easy to flip to the section that will answer specific questions as they come up. Perfect for our inquisitive seven year old.

I have 4th and 5th grade girls. Although not quite ready to cover this subject with them, they were approaching the time when it would be taught in their school. I sat them down and went through the book with them, it answered their questions and the drawings seemed to satisfy their curiosity. Both girls have asked to look at the book again on their own and have come to me with questions. I highly recommend it as a gateway to discussions and better communication with your child.

I have read mostly positive reviews about this book and I agree. We used this book for my daughter's Kindergarten body project when she wanted to know about where babies come from and I had no problem reading it to a 5 year old and a 7 year old, mixed genders.

Though I know some have suggested that there is a political agenda in the book regarding abortion and homosexuality, I feel this book is unbiased and promotes proper family values for the following reasons:

1. There is a focus on the love aspect of relationships along with the physical aspects of sex and reproduction. There is no way a child will walk away from this book thinking sex is appropriate between strangers. It is clear, from the writing, that this is something to share within a serious relationship.

2. There is a mention of homosexuality. It is very brief. It does not encourage homosexuality and more than it discourages homosexuality. It does not go into graphic detail of how two men or two women have intercourse. It simply points that some people in same sex relationships have children together. This is fact and is stated as such.

3. Abortion is not glorified. It is mentioned that some people end their pregnancies through abortion. Again, this is stated as fact- not glorified or demonized. It is reality and is mentioned as such.

4. There is also a part that describes sexual abuse. It is very sensitive and is written to encourage children to seek out help if they are in a bad situation.

These are difficult, often controversial, issues. They are handled with loving care by the authors. Two thumbs up!

No fun prose but great illustrations of a whole bunch of animals. They are grouped in some general themes (hot, cold, nocturnal etc.) and to be clear all the written information is in the back and borderline useful - but each page is covered in beautiful illustrations of animals. I am on my second book as we take it out for bedtime on a very regular basis. That is also why I gave it four stars - I love it and it seems sturdy but it did sort of wear out.

This a very large (coffee table size) book filled with wonderful graphic illustrations of different animals by groups such as animals found in the desert under "Hot"; creatures found "On the Seabed"; animals with "Spots and Stripes". Great book. I'm a graphic artist and appreciate the book from an artistic point of view. My 4-1/2 year old daughter loves to find the chameleon among each group in the book. Brief description of each animal and creature is found at the back of the book under "Secrets of the animals". I bought this book when she had just turned 3 yrs old. This will be a great reference book for a long time to come.

I love this book! It has beautifully crafted illustrations and artistic groupings of animals-not the typical ABC animal picture book. I love its larger size and I enjoyed the interesting information tidbits located in the back pages of the book. Adults can really enjoy spending time looking at this book with their kids.

I love this book. I am an art teacher and I use this book in my class as reference for all the beautiful yet simple graphic shapes Ms. Jolivet produces in her work depicting animals

This larger than life book appeals to children because of it's very large size. The art work is outstanding and because there is very little written word except the name of all the animals it lends itself to discussion. My 2-1/2 year old grandson Gavin loves it. Also on every page is a chameleon who changes to be like the animals on the page, so finding him is another adventure for young folks. Animals are grouped in interesting ways, for example "black and white animals", not your average animal book. As a biologist, animal lover, and grandparent it is an A+ read. And at such a reasonable price I bought two. Buy it, you will love it!

It was in perfect condition but I got the wrong book.

This was a text book for my child. We purchased it used. It is in great condition at a great price and arrived in a timely manner. We saved a lot of money ordering text books through Amazon.

... This boook covers the basics and dosen't go into much detal which i like, plain and simple. ... I recamend this for students having a hard time in science.

This book is a bunch of cartoons with no answers to the questions. To understand the book you have to have a sense of imagination. The author gets too personal with his pictures instead of teaching about phyical science.

As everyone has stated, this is a good book with lots of good information. One thing to know about it, however is that the information is presented more in a 'conversational' style than an 'encylopedia' style. If you are looking for a traditional 'field guide' type style with color-coded cross-references and the like, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you don't mind a more casual presentation of the information - and it is that way in this book - then this one is for you. In other words, you'd be more inclined to pick up this book for some casual reading than you would a traditional field guide.

I live in southeast Alaska and this is the book I have been looking for years. I love it! It goes into such depth, but it is simple to understand.
I enjoy hiking and like being more informed of who/what has also pased this way before me. Great Resource for anybody who enjoys hiking. The photo's are excellent.

I usually check out tracking and reading sign books from the library because I would rather spend my hard cash on backpacking gear, fuel, and tires to get up and down those rocky roads, but this book was one that I had to buy. Most tracking guides have sketches and if they have photos they usually are not very good quality. This book has amazing photos that will aid you in scat and sign identifying. It is a great book for begginers and just a pleasant read. I would have to agree with another reviewer that he does tend to focus on northern or eastern animals. Learning about Mule Deer sign would be more pertinent than learning how to read Moose sign. There is also another book on Amazon that is PACKED with photos and has more photos of dens, tracks and sign. I would have to rate that book higher than this one, if I had to choose one, but this book definately earns 5 STARS!

This book provides an excellent introduction to reading animal tracks. In the first chapter the author explains why we should try to understand the tracks around us in the forest, and what we might see. He then delves into the kinds of observations we need to make, such as trail widths and trail patterns and scat. The rest of the book is divided into chapters by animal family, including chapters for rodents, rabbits, weasels, dogs, cats, bears, and hoofed animals. There is also an extensive bibliography and index.

Each chapter is comprised of short articles about the specifics of tracking the individual animals that make up the family covered in the chapter. Rezendes provides a short informative description of the animal with a color photograph. The descriptions cover behavior, range, and diet. Rezendes also includes black and white photos of the animal's feet, both front and back. The next section of the article covers tracks and trail patterns, and it includes illustrations or diagrams, photographs, and typical trail width and stride measurements, as well as a lot of information to help you sort out this critter's tracks from all the others out there. He also includes short sections on signs, such as dens, food caches, kill sites, and scat, also with photographs or illustrations.

I purchased this book after moving out into the country because I wanted to identify the critters that visited at night leaving their tracks in the snow around our house. I found Rezendes' approach captivating and easy to understand, even as a beginner. Rezendes explains how tracks can tell us much more than just the identity of an animal- -through a careful study of tracks, you can determine how fast the animal was moving, whether it was browsing, being chased, or chasing another. This book is a highly informative reference; it's also a delightful read on a blustery winter afternoon.

I am an old guy-pushing 60-and have examined books on tracking ever since I was a child. No other book compares to this one. I purchased it based on the positive Amazon reviews and on this book they were right on the mark. I mean, this guy not only provides excellent photos of tracks, he has photos of the ANIMALS' FEET! What a simple yet sensible idea! I very much like his philosophy of tracking, his emphasis on looking at the whole picture of the impact an animal makes on its environment. Good job, Mr. Rezendes.