Nature and Science June 2019 Recent Releases Mini meadows : grow a little patch of colorful flowers anywhere around your yard by Mike Lizotte The word “meadow” conjures images of wide expanses of land, but a mini meadow — a kind of informal flower garden started with seed sown directly into the soil — can be any size; plus, it’s fun, easy to grow, and good for the planet. With as little as 50 square feet and for less than $20, gardeners can plant a colorful meadow that demands little in the way of space, mowing, or maintenance, uses less water than a traditional lawn, and provides habitat for pollinators — not to mention a natural exploration space for children. The accidental veterinarian : tales from a pet practice by Philipp Schott With insight and humor, Dr. Philipp Schott shares tales from the unlikely path he took into his career of veterinary science and anecdotes from his successful small-animal clinic. Dr. Schott brings to his writing the benefit of many years of expertise. Wisdom he imparts on readers includes the best way to give your cat a pill, how to prevent your very handy dog from opening a fridge, and how to handle your fish when it has half-swallowed another. Humanimal: How Homo Sapiens Became Nature's Most Paradoxical Creature... by Adam Rutherford What it is: a thought-provoking look at human evolution that examines similarities and differences between humans and other species. Reviewers say: "a refreshing and perspective-altering view of the complex history of life on Earth" (Publishers Weekly). About the author: Geneticist and science journalist Adam Rutherford is the author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived. Eating tomorrow : agribusiness, family farmers, and the battle for the future of food by Timothy A. Wise A researcher travels to Africa, Mexico and India to learn how farmers around the world are taking proactive steps to ensure their crops' sustainability through climate change by rebuilding soils with ecologically sound practices and planting native crops. Wood & steam : Steam-Bending Techniques to Make 16 Projects in Wood by Charlie Whinney Although author Charlie Whinney's gallery of creations might seem impossible, you'll soon discover that wood can be made to behave in remarkable ways with the application of a little heat and steam. Slingshots & key hooks : 15 everyday objects made from foraged and gathered wood by Geoffrey Fisher With information on how to forage responsibly and suggestions on sources for the best wood to use, Geoffrey Fisher shows how the natural bounty of woodland can be used to stunning effect. American moonshot : John F. Kennedy and the great space race by Douglas Brinkley An award-winning historian and perennial New York Times best-selling author takes a fresh look at the space program, President John F. Kennedy’s inspiring challenge and America’s race to the moon. (United States history). Nature play at home : creating outdoor spaces that connect children with the natural world by Nancy Striniste Access to technology has created a generation of children who are more plugged in than ever before—often with negative consequences. But there is a solution. Unrestricted outdoor play helps reduce stress, improve health, and enhance creativity, learning, and attention span. In Nature Play at Home, Nancy Striniste gives you the tools you need to make outdoor adventures possible in your own backyard. Europe : a natural history by Tim F. Flannery A scientist, explorer and conservationist provides a natural history of Europe that begins 100 million years ago and explores the impact of comet strikes and atmospheric shifts through modern dangers on the terrain and organisms that evolved there. The human body book by Steve Parker Updated to reflect the latest medical information, an in-depth, all-in-one illustrated manual to the human body’s physical structure, chemical workings and potential problems presents the essential knowledge of how our bodies work. A guide to natural areas of northern Indiana : 125 unique places to explore by Steven Higgs Beautiful and pristine, the natural areas of Indiana are perfect for nature lovers with a desire to explore. Featuring more than 140 beautiful color photos, A Guide to Natural Areas of Northern Indiana showcases the region's unique ecosystems and includes descriptions of the flora, fauna, geology, history, and recreational opportunities. For those who want excitement, there is information on hiking, camping, bird watching, horseback riding, boating, and more. The Pacific Crest Trail : Hiking America's Wilderness Trail by Bart Smith This beautifully illustrated book, officially published with the Pacific Crest Trail Association in a pocket-sized gift and souvenir format, highlights this legendary footpath with more than 170 spectacular contemporary images taken by the foremost hiking photographer in America.  Garden Wild : Wildflower Meadows, Prairie-Style Plantings, Rockeries, Ferneries, and Other Sustainable Designs Inspired by Nature by Andre Baranowski The new movement in contemporary gardening is about going back to the wilderness, creatively landscaping with native plants to enrich their environments and seamlessly merge with their natural surroundings.  Falter : has the human game begun to play itself out? by Bill McKibben Falter tells the story of these converging trends and of the ideological fervor that keeps us from bringing them under control. And then, drawing on McKibben’s experience in building 350.org, the first truly global citizens movement to combat climate change, it offers some possible ways out of the trap. Contact your librarian for more great books! Bloomington Public Library 205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701 309.828.6093 www.bloomingtonlibrary.org/