Crazy Concoctions: A Mad Scientist’s Guide to Messy Mixtures

By Jordan D. Brown & Dr. Viskus von Fickleschmutz, Illustrated by Anthony Owlsey
Charlesbridge, $14.95, 80 pages

Some books just try too hard to be fun. Crazy Concoctions gives kids hands-on fun with science, with a number of experiments that can be easily done in any decently equipped kitchen. With all of the gels, dough, and explosive potions found in the book, a kid with careful parental supervision will not only be entertained for weeks, but also learn something along the way. There are recipes for baking soda fizzes and even fake blood. For a curious kid, this is one of the best handbooks ever. The character Dr. Viskus Fickleschmutz may annoy some readers. Author Jordan D. Brown includes the doctor to add colorful commentary and scientific explanations. Kids will enjoy the book, especially given the online video suggestions. Anthony Owsley’s illustrations are quirky and silly. Readers are introduces them the scientific method as well as famous scientists. This book demonstrates to younger readers how fun learning about science can be.

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

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Penguin-Pedia

By David Salomon
Brown Books Publishing, $29.95, 312 pages

Are you a penguin-o-phile? If you have ever dreamed of traveling to far off places to visit penguin habitats, save your airfare money and book a seat on your comfy couch. David Saloman, author and lifelong photographer, has studied all seventeen species of penguins. He provides an in-depth analysis of their behavior, habitats, reproduction, feeding habits and population levels in Penguin-Pedia. It is a book filled with science and a focus on stunning photography. Readers will thoroughly enjoy Salomon’s spectacular up-close photos (every picture was taken by the author during his travels). The driving idea behind Salomon’s work is that knowledge is a prerequisite for action. Conservation begins with education. After a brief introduction, each species is profiled. Salomon includes a blend of research, easy-to-understand statistics and numbers, and his own personal anecdotes from his interaction with the birds. Each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors. These amazing creatures make annual treks between 1000-2000 miles in search of food. They are family and community oriented. In “Where to Find a Penguin,” learn about prime locations around the world suitable for viewing or encounters, costs associated with such a trip, and optimal months for travel.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Franklin

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Alcohol: Its History, Pharmacology, and Treatment

By Cheryl J. Cherpitel, Mark Edmund Rose
Hazelden Publishing, $17.95, 368 pages

Alcohol dependence is a pervasive issue in society and has been for several centuries.  The effects of alcoholism can be catastrophic, splitting up families, contributing to crime, health conditions and death. There are many different types of treatments available for individuals who are affected by alcoholism and this new book, Alcohol:  It’s History, Pharmacology and Treatment in the Library of Addictive Drugs series goes over the history of alcoholism, the physiology of it and various treatment methods. The authors are very thorough in their research and give a solid overview of the history, types of alcoholism and treatment methods. They present research behind their findings to support their views on various treatment methods. The authors do show a clear leaning toward the more spiritual aspects of treatment, specifically spiritual meditation to decrease impulsivity, cravings and improve relapse rates and while initial research of small groups indicates it might be helpful, this is one of the least supported treatment theories in the book. However, this book is a solid reference book and would be very helpful for those in the mental health or addictions field. The information is presented clearly and the book overall is an informative and interesting read.

Reviewed by Barbara Cothern

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Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature

By Dora Lee
Kids Can Press, $18.95, 40 pages

It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. If that is true, humans flatter mother earth and nature every day. For thousands of years people have looked to nature for solutions to some of our biggest problems. In Dora Lee’s fascinating book Biomimicry: Invention Inspired by Nature, this complex relationship is explored. Biomimicry means imitating life. Teachers will jump at the chance to add this book to classroom libraries. Young readers working on science reports will find this book helpful. Examples of ways humans have copied nature are abundant. Our soldiers wear uniforms to camouflage them and keep them safe. Kids will find it fascinating to learn that animals “invented” camouflage long before humans. Why do baby deer have spots? They break up the outlines of their bodies, like a soldier’s uniform, so they can blend into their surroundings. Author Dora Lee is a scientific writer. Margot Thompson’s illustrations compliment the text. The pictures are acrylic on canvas which comes to life on these pages. What’s next? Lee provides ideas for keeping earth, and ourselves, safe. Let’s look outside to nature and animals for answers.

Reviewed by Kathryn Franklin

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River Monsters: True Stories of the Ones that Didn’t Get Away

By Jeremy Wade
Da Capo Press, $16.00, 275 pages

River Monsters by British television host Jeremy Wade tells a fascinating personal tale of his obsession with the wild and sometimes dangerous creatures that inhabit some of the world’s rivers. This book is not only about overgrown fish, but also about a spiritual and scientific journey around the world. There have been all manner of tales told about the sea and as one finds out here, also the things that can be found living below the surface in riparian systems. Wade takes us on a journey into areas of the soul, as well as some of the remote places on the planet.

These river creatures, not always presented with compassion, can be mean, dangerous, ugly and fascinating. There are fish that can bite a man in half. Fish weights of over 200 pounds are thrown around in the text so much because they can be commonplace among the “monsters”. Meanwhile, out in the ocean, fish are being decimated down the food chain and some fishermen can only bring to market those that have not grown to full size. Wade does not shy away from telling the hard truths, but some may find this to be “nature porn”. That said, it is an engaging study of our relationship and often irresponsible connection with the natural world.

Reviewed by Ryder Miller

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The Complete World of Human Evolution

By Chris Stringer, Peter Andrews
Thames & Hudson, $26.95, 240 pages

Despite its soon-to-be misleading title offering a “complete” world of human evolution, as the science of paleoanthropology is constantly under revision, this book does contain a thorough and up to date account of what we know about human origins. In this second edition, human evolution is discussed in three parts. In the first section, “In Search of Our Ancestors,” the authors describe how their science is conducted and the context in which fossils are found, both in the current world and in the geologic past. The second section, “The Fossil Evidence,” covers the many fossils that have been found, both primate and human ancestors, and describes the theories of how they are related to each other and living species of primates, modern humans included. In the last section, “Interpreting the Evidence,” the authors describe what can be learned from studying the fossils, including locomotion, feeding, migration, behavior, tool use, and art. The authors also share that while much has been learned in the 150 years since the first discoveries of fossils humans, there are many puzzles to be solved in paleoanthropology.  The Complete World of Human Evolution is a handsome, detailed, and comprehensive reference for the study of human origins.

Reviewed by Michael Barton

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The Song of the Ape: Understanding the Languages of Chimpanzees

By Andrew R. Halloran
St. Martin’s Press, $25.99, 276 pages

Andrew Halloran balances the roles of scientist and storyteller in The Song of the Ape. Halloran compares various studies of chimpanzees living in the wild with studies of chimpanzees living in captivity. Not only did these studies show that chimpanzees use verbal and non verbal communication to maneuver complex social situations, but they also showed the similarities of how both chimpanzees and humans learn language. For decades, scientists continued to attempt to train chimpanzees to learn human language and communicate with humans via sign language etc. Instead of trying to make chimpanzees more humanlike, Halloran shows us that we need to stop and observe to see that chimpanzees are already masters of their own complex communication. Halloran’s tales of the chimpanzees he grew to know so well as a zookeeper at an animal park in Florida are insightful and entertaining. Chimpanzees are not simple animals without intelligence. They have complex social dynamics that can play out just like an episode of the show “Survivor”. Hierarchies, alliances, fighting and compassion all play a role in the day to day lives and relationships of chimpanzees.  From the verbalizations and calls to gestures and posturing, chimpanzees can communicate very specific and very complicated messages. These languages are not only influenced by current environmental factors, but also by each individual chimpanzee’s personal history. This is an excellent read not only for those who love the study of language and communication, but also for those who are die hard animal lovers.

Reviewed by Crystal Schneider

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Tribal Science: Brains, Beliefs, and Bad Ideas

By Mike McRae
Prometheus Books, $17.00, 272 pages

Human beings evolved in a tribal society, with all biology aimed at the sole purpose of survival in a changing environment. But the talents that allow humans to form society and bonds through myths and stories are the same skills that allow for the exploration of science, which renders those myths and legends false. Or so runs the argument of Mike McRae’s fascinating book Tribal Science: Brains, Beliefs, and Bad Ideas. From seeing faces in the clouds or Jesus in a potato chip to what intelligence will mean in the future, McRae addresses the biological and anthropological components of the human brain that led the species from a storytelling monkey to a more or less rational being that looks to science rather than gods for answers about the universe.

Written in an approachable and entertaining academic style, Tribal Science shows how humans found the scientific method, why the methodology works with our brains and leaves us with hope of how the reality science creates gives us the strongest chance of solving some of the biggest global problems humans have ever faced.

Reviewed by Axie Barclay,

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The Marvelous Learning Animal: What Makes Human Nature Unique

By Arthur W. Staats
Prometheus Books, $27.00, 382 pages

Mankind likes to think they are an unique kind of animal.  From learning, to the size of our brain, using tools, and more.  This is what helps separate us from other animals, we made it to the top because we are smarter than all the others.  But are we the only really unique animal on this planet.  Apes can make rudimentary tools, wolves are excellent thinkers and hunters.  What humans so special?  In this book Arthur Staats tries to answer that question, but it is a difficult read.  Mr. Staats argues that human learning has not been fully understood by scientists for decades, stretching all the way back to Darwin.  He argues that humans start learning when they are still babies and that is does not stop even when they turn into adults.  Humans learn by experiences, and new experiences bring about new thoughts and ways to do things.

The problem is the writing itself.  It is a mess most of the time and gave me a headache.  Mr. Staats seems to be a angry man, and taking it out on everyone in this book.  Also the constant rhetorical questions become old quickly.  Also a thesaurus would have helped.

Reviewed by Kevin Winter

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The Day the World Discovered the Sun: An Extraordinary Story of Scientific Adventure and the Race to Track the Transit of Venus

By Mark Anderson
Da Capo Press, $26.00, 280 pages

Close your eyes, and imagine a scientist. Your mental image is very likely a nerdy, white, middle-aged (or older) man in a lab coat on a university campus. From our perch at the beginning of the 21st century, it’s easy to think that this has always been the case. The Day the World Discovered the Sun describes a time when scientists were introduced to kings, and hailed as conquering heroes.

For navigators during the age of sail, no information was more necessary, or more vital to the survival of the ship and her crew, than to know the PRECISE latitude and longitude of their position. By the first half of the 18th century, astronomers realized that by observing the transit of Venus across the face of the Sun, they would be able to use simple trigonometry to create extremely accurate maps and charts. The transit of Venus occurs (at most) twice per century.

It is rare that a history book can be described as genuinely suspenseful. Anderson’s narrative is exciting; his description of three different expeditions reads like an adventure novel. He also clearly explains the math behind the astronomy, and why it’s important even today. June 5, 2012 marks the last transit of Venus in our lifetime, the next time this occurs will be in 117 years. If sometime in late spring you happen to glance towards the stars, remember that 250 years ago, you wouldn’t want to mess with a scientist.

Reviewed by Brad Wright

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