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Nature and Science February 2026 |
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The Whispers of Rock: The Stories That Stone Tells about Our World and Our Lives
by Anjana Khatwa
If you listen, can you hear the stones speak? The question seems absurd. After all, rocks are lifeless, inert, and silent. In The Whispers of Rock, earth scientist Anjana Khatwa asks us to think again and listen to their stories. Boldly alternating between modern science and ancient wisdom, Khatwa takes us on an exhilarating journey through deep time, from origins of the green pounamu that courses down New Zealand rivers to the wonder of the bluestone megaliths of Stonehenge, from the tuff-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, to Manhattan's bedrock of schist. In unearthing those stories and more, Khatwa shows how rocks have always spoken to us, and we humans to them. She delicately intertwines Indigenous stories of Earth's creation with our scientific understanding of its development, deftly showing how our lives are intimately connected to time's ancient storytellers. Through tales of planetary change, ancient wisdom, and contemporary creativity, The Whispers of Rock offers the hope of reconnection with Earth. With Khatwa as your guide, you won't simply hear rocks speak--you, too, will feel the magic of deep time seep into your bones.
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Exploring the Universe: A Complete Guide to the Cosmos
by Isabel Thomas
This artful and accessible guide to space allows young readers ages eight and up to understand everything in the universe, from Earth to our solar system to the Milky Way and beyond. Ordered into six sections starting with Earth and moving outwards, the book presents fascinating facts and the stories behind some of the most extraordinary features of our universe, from supergiant stars to black holes, and the technology we use to understand it, from space telescopes to robotic space rovers. Beautifully designed, with gorgeous screen-print-inspired illustrations in bold Pantone colors, stunning page layouts, and a removable jacket featuring holographic foil, Exploring the Universe is an immersive journey through the cosmos, revealing not just what we know, but how we know it.
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When Worlds Quake: The Quest to Understand the Interior of Earth and Beyond
by Hrvoje Tkalčic
When Worlds Quake is a fascinating account of how scientists around the globe seek to use quakes to answer tantalizing questions about the structure and inner dynamics of our planet and to discover the deepest secrets of our nearest neighbors in the solar system. Briefly traversing the history of seismology, Hrvoje Tkalic describes the women and men who sought to understand major seismic events--from the catastrophic 1556 Shaanxi earthquake and the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 to more recent events such as the 2020 earthquakes in Tkalic's native Croatia--and thus shaped the field. Modern global seismologists now not only study the behavior of earthquakes but also use seismic waves as tools to image Earth's deep interior. To do this work, they need seismographs positioned around the globe, including in remote, challenging regions. Tkalic takes the reader along on his own daring expeditions to install seismographs and collect seismic wave data from the wilds of the Australian Outback to the rough depths of the Southern Ocean, and even farther afield--to the Moon and Mars, where quakes can be used to image the interiors of these worlds. A riveting and often personal narrative about the cutting-edge science of global and planetary seismology, When Worlds Quake reveals how quakes can help scientists to understand the mysterious inner architecture and ongoing evolution of our planet, as well as worlds beyond our own.
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| 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). This is a captivating ode to elemental nature in the vein of Cynthia Barnett’s Rain: A Natural and Cultural History. |
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The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds
by Dk
Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography and clear explanations in this absorbing global guide. Birds are dinosaurs with a history going back millions of years. Our fascination with them runs deep in history, and our close association is reflected in creation stories, myths, legends, songs, and children's stories. Packed with information, beautiful photography, and illustrations, The Bird Book is a must-have for nature enthusiasts.
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Indiana Wildlife Encyclopedia: An Illustrated Guide to Birds, Fish, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians
by Scott Shupe
Included are over 700 color photographs, depicting the different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish, while offering over 600 range maps to show their territory, along with basic information for the biology of each animal, Indiana's wildlife has always played an important role in the history of human beings inhabiting the state. Although the state's wildlife is still an important resource for human consumption, wildlife is also increasingly important in today's culture for its intrinsic, aesthetic value. For many Hoosiers, the age-old traditions of hunting and fishing have been replaced by a desire to simply observe wildlife and experience nature. But most Indianans are largely unaware of the diversity of species inhabiting their state. This volume is intended to provide an introduction to the state's fresh water fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In Indiana Wildlife Encyclopedia, nationally known naturalist Scott Shupe has collected information on all the native wildlife that reside in the Hoosier State. The fifth in a series of state wildlife encyclopedias, this book will be a handy, usable, layman's guide to Indiana's native wildlife. Shupe includes the size, habitat, and abundance of each species located in the state. Whether you're a lover of the outdoors, photography, or are looking to learn more about your state, this comprehensive guide will teach you about the wonderful wildlife that covers the water, earth, and skies of Indiana.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Michigan City Public Library
100 E. 4th Street
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
219-873-3044mclib.org/ |
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