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I explore a question unasked by any other book for young readers: What can we learn about nature and evolution from the bizarre and exotic ways some animals have evolved to get life-giving oxygen? This is an inquiry-based book designed to stimulate active minds; a STEM offering from a celebrated nature photographer and writer, featuring some spectacular nature photography. Weird and wonderful, as only nature can be!
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What the reviewers say:
"In surveying select ways to breathe, from the book gills of horseshoe crabs to the butt snorkels of hoverfly larvae and the elephant's "versatile schnozzola", not only does Wechsler suggest the amazing range of ways animals have adapted to diverse habitats, he underscores the central importance of oxygen to all the life on our planet. Sidebars under the rubric "How Science Works" expand his airy but accurate observations with, for example, a list of nine things those elephant schnozzolas can do besides breathe, or why gills work best in water. Even better, in the generous set of outstanding nature photos and graphic images, viewers can see for themselves the special organs that expedite circular breathing in birds, tubes that carry air to all the inner parts of a grub's body thanks to "the miracle of the spiracle," and how a snake's windpipe stays open while prey is going down whole. All in all, a breath of fresh air for stale science shelves."
- John Peters - Booklist
"I started the book expecting it to be an easy, fluffy read, and was happily surprised to see some detailed explanations about how bodies use oxygen, and just why it is such an important part of life on this planet. I found the information to be well written and accessible to the middle grade and older crowd." - Sharon Schmidt Tyler Bloglovin'
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Super cool science book. My 8yo thought this book was "so awesome" I mean not to spoil anything but I mean a butt breathing turtle totally won him over. This book teaches the kids a lesson while being silly. A win win to this mom."
- Joni Owens on Goodreads
"Full of interesting information paired with great photographs and beautiful illustrations! I learned some things I didn't know before from this book and I'm sure kids are going to be drawn into the writing style, information, and images." - Emily S., Librarian
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