Nature and Science February 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora by Michael LargoWhat happens when you give a plant a polygraph test? Can a flower really turn a human into a zombie? What gives the gingko tree its stink? "The Big, Bad Book of Botany" holds the incredible answers to all of these questions and more. From absinthe to zubrowka (a popular ingredient in Polish vodkas), award-winning author Michael Largo takes you through the historical and agricultural evolution of hundreds of plant species, revealing astonishing facts along the way.
|
|
|
|
What Sheep Think about the Weather: How to Listen to What Animals Are Trying to Say by Amelia ThomasAre animals telling us something? Amelia Thomas couldn't stop wondering what the animals around her were trying to say-whether it was the bee that wouldn't stop flying around her head, the cows in the random pasture that would walk right up to greet her, the sheep that seems peeved by the weather, or her own puppy yipping and whining even after her every need has seemingly been met. Soon enough, she set out to answer the question: What are animals truly seeking to communicate, not to each other, but to us humans? Her quest will introduce readers to a myriad scientists, experts, and practitioners-from animal behaviorists to anthrozoologists; pet psychics to animal trainers; A.I. experts to indigenous trackers; animal mindfulness gurus to psychologists-all who are listening to vastly different species in vastly different ways. Because listening has never been so important, and if we can learn to do it better, we might find out that the animals have been talking to us all along-- Provided by publisher.
|
|
|
|
Overrun: Dispatches from the Asian Carp Crisis by Andrew ReevesFrom aquaculture farms in Arkansas to the bayous of Louisiana; the last line of defense has been laid to keep Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. "Overrun" takes us on a firsthand journey into the heart of a crisis.
|
|
|
|
Lost Animals, Disappearing Worlds: Stories of Extinction by Barbara AllenThis book presents thirty-one extinct species through personal portraits. The intimate approach not only highlights each particular species but also explores the broader implications of losing a species forever. How do we honor such a loss? Can we grieve for species we never knew? These animals range from the well-known passenger pigeon, thylacine, and great auk, to lesser-known creatures like the Arabian ostrich, Saint Helena earwig, and Bramble Cay melomys. Through her poignant portraits, Barbara Allen not only tugs on the heartstrings but also aims to inspire readers to protect vulnerable and endangered species today, motivating us to play a positive role in conserving our planet s biodiversity.--
|
|
| The Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind by Simon WinchesterAuthor and journalist Simon Winchester presents a celebration of wind. Drawing fascinating references from science, engineering, and literature, Winchester is clearly enraptured by this natural force, evidenced by his vivid depictions of its role in civilization’s destruction (typhoons, tornadoes, wildfires) and salvation (wind-powered energy solutions). |
|
| Bird City: Adventures in New York's Urban Wilds by Ryan GoldbergJournalist Ryan Goldberg debuts with a vividly descriptive account of urban birdwatching in New York City. The author shares his enthusiasm with an expansive community of birders who join him in his forays through the parks and neighborhoods that provide sanctuary to over 400 species. Along the way, readers will learn about urban environmentalism, wildlife hazards, and little-known facts about the author’s home city. |
|
| Starlings: The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird by Mike StarkEven bird lovers have a love-hate relationship with the European, or common, starling. They are an extremely invasive species that were introduced in the late 19th century and quickly spread across North America, competing with native birds for food and nesting space. Yet these clever creatures are skilled mimics and hypnotic to watch in flight, wheeling in enormous, agile flocks called “murmurations.” Author Mike Stark gives a comprehensive look in this “captivating read” (Booklist). |
|
|
|
"Guardian" columnist expert Stephen Moss combines detective work, natural history, folklore and firsthand observations to explore how birds got their names and our long and eventful relationship with the natural world. |
|
|
|
Birdgirl: Looking to the Skies in Search of a Better Future by Mya-Rose CraigBritish-Bangladeshi birder, environmentalist and activist Mya-Rose Craig is an international force. In her moving memoir, "Birdgirl", she chronicles her mother's struggle with mental illness, and shares her passion for social justice and fierce dedication to preserving our planet. Meet Mya-Rose - otherwise known as Birdgirl. In her words: Birdwatching has never felt like a hobby, or a pastime I can pick up and put down, but a thread running through the pattern of my life, so tightly woven in that there's no way of pulling it free and leaving the rest of my life intact. "Birdgirl" follows Mya-Rose and her family as they travel the world in search of rare birds and astonishing landscapes. But a shadow moves with them, too--her mother's deepening mental health crisis. In the face of this struggle, the Craigs turn to nature again and again for comfort and meaning. Each bird they see brings a moment of joy and reflection, instilling in Mya-Rose a deep love of the natural world. But Mya-Rose has also seen first-hand the reckless destruction we are inflicting on our fragile planet, as well as the pervasive racism infecting every corner of the world, leading her to campaign for Black, Indigenous, people of color. Joining the fight of today's young environmental activists, Mya-Rose shares her experiences to advocate for the simple, profound gift of nature, and for making it accessible to all, calling her readers to rediscover the power of our natural world. Birder, activist, daughter: this is her story.
|
|
Ask library staff for more great recommendations! Click here to sign up for more NextReads newsletters. |
|
|