Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature: Nordstrom, Kristen, Boston, Paul: 9781580899475: Amazon.com: Books

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-This work invites readers to imagine how nature inspires innovative thinkers to create real-world solutions. Each mimic maker is introduced through illustrations that follow the development of a biomimicry project from nature to invention; short explanatory paragraphs are tucked into the artwork to support and expand the visual narrative. The renderings do a lot of the storytelling, giving young readers the opportunity to explore and ask questions based on what they see. Boston's illustrations are intricate and accessible, drawing readers in for a closer look at the action. Nordstrom's text doesn't overwhelm the page; rather, it serves as a guidance component for questions young readers may have about the research or technology presented. This is a good book to open up and let young readers take the lead by reading the illustrations first. Adults reading along can build on initial visual readings with the provided text, generating discussions about science, nature, and technology. Mimic Makers also offers an opportunity to "meet" the makers: short biographies with photographs in the back matter identify the real-life mimic makers presented in the book. There are also suggestions for kids on how they can be mimic makers, as well as a series of resources and a bibliography for further study. VERDICT Purchase this fascinating informational text for science collections and classroom use.-Jessica Schriver, Rutgers Univ., Newark, NJα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

When problems arise in science or technology, nature often provides the solutions.
Nordstrom offers eight case studies as evidence. Among them are the observations of diving kingfishers that led Nakatsu Eiji to redesign the noses of the Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains for better aerodynamics, of serrated humpback whale fins that inspired Frank Fish to develop quieter wind turbine blades, and of tree leaves that led Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo to flexible, more-efficient solar cells. Other insights are derived from sources as diverse as Namibian beetles, shark skin, and gecko feet. Invention/inspirations are presented in four-page subsections, the invention presented in the first double-page spread, with its backstory explained economically but clearly in the second. The real inventors and fictional invention users populating Boston’s stylized, cleanly drawn illustrations, including one figure who uses a wheelchair, are likewise diverse in age, race, and gender presentation. The author brings her debut to a strong finish with an overview of the study of biomimicry and helpful suggestions for activities and further reading. Of particular note is the section that introduces each inventor (all of whom Nordstrom interviewed) with a photograph; when appropriate, the inventor’s surname is placed before their given name, along with a parenthetical explanation.
A salutary reminder to young naturalists and would-be Edisons that not all wheels need to be reinvented.
—Kirkus Reviews

You and the kids will soak up mind-blowing examples of how animals and plants inspire innovations in this book about biomimicry—when inventors take strategies found in nature and adapt them into technology. One cool case: A scientist came up with a way to prevent algae from growing on submarines by studying the skin of sharks. Short text blocks and bright illustrations make this topic approachable for the pre-K set.
—Parents

This handsome book presents eight inventionsinspired by nature. After watching a kingfisher dive into water, Eiji Nakatsu redesigned the nose of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train to resemble the bird’s beak and created a significantly quieter, faster, more energy-efficient engine. Microbiologists Rusty Rodriguez and Regina Redman discovered a fungus that, when used in a treatment for seeds, allows food crops to survive despite harsh conditions. For example, a rice plant can grow in “hot, dry, salty soil.” Fascinated by flight as a boy in Nigeria, Kingsley Fregene later became a research scientist at Lockheed Martin, where he and his team invented a one-winged drone inspired by twirling maple seeds. Nordstrom, who interviewed each of the inventors introduced here, offers eight examples of biomimicry and explains each one in a few paragraphs presented on two fully illustrated, double-page spreads. In the attractive artwork, trees on the hills are represented by colorful, overlapping triangles and diamond-shaped forms. The illustrations help to clarify the link between an invention’s inspiration and its final form. An intriguing introduction to biomimicry.
—Booklist

This work invites readers to imagine how nature inspires innovative thinkers to create real-world solutions. Each mimic maker is introduced through illustrations that follow the development of a biomimicry project from nature to invention; short explanatory paragraphs are tucked into the artwork to support and expand the visual narrative. The renderings do a lot of the storytelling, giving young readers the opportunity to explore and ask questions based on what they see. Boston’s illustrations are intricate and accessible, drawing readers in for a closer look at the action. Nordstrom’s text doesn’t overwhelm the page; rather, it serves as a guidance component for questions young readers may have about the research or technology presented. This is a good book to open up and let young readers take the lead by reading the illustrations first. Adults reading along can build on initial visual readings with the provided text, generating discussions about science, nature, and technology. Mimic Makers also offers an opportunity to “meet” the makers: short biographies with photographs in the back matter identify the real-life mimic makers presented in the book. There are also suggestions for kids on how they can be mimic makers, as well as a series of resources and a bibliography for further study. VERDICT Purchase this fascinating informational text for science collections and classroom use.
—School Library Journal

Each of eight inventions is profiled over two double-page spreads; Boston's colorful, stylized illustrations take center stage, homing in on details in the brief text. Nordstrom's focus is on the inventions rather than the inventors, and coverage includes only select facts about the individuals and their work. Back matter includes a list of related jobs; small photos of, and occupations for, each of the ten mimic makers mentioned; more about biomimicry; and suggestions for becoming a mimic maker. A glossary, selected bibliography, reading list, and websites are appended.

—The Horn Book

Mimic Makers demonstrates how paying attention to details opens both understanding and innovation. This book inspires readers to look closer and ask how things work. Understanding the relationships between form and function is a catalyst to creative thinking and design. The illustrations are playful, the text engaging, the scholarship rigorous, and the message critical.
—John (Jack) Muir Laws, Wildlife Biologist, Associate of the California Academy of Sciences

Mimic Makers presents complex science and engineering topics in accessible and entertaining ways. Young readers will be captivated by the contemporary inventors and inventions featured, and inspired to incorporate biomimicry into their own designs. The vibrant illustrations strike a balance between smooth, vibrant spreads and informative, technical spot art. A must-buy for classroom libraries and makerspaces.
—Miranda Paul, author of One Plastic Bag and Water is Water

I love that this book starts with questions! Wondering and joyful experimentation is exactly what this science teacher wants kids to be doing. Mimic Makers reveals marvels of engineering inspired by nature with images that invite careful observation and explanations that are expressive, but never over simplified. Each scientist's story is testimony to the power of noticing patterns, structures and function, and how systems work in order to arrive at Eureka! to solve real world problems. Students can see themselves as the scientists immersed in nature, testing, analyzing, and testing some more. Students will read this over and over and start asking their own questions. This story is STEM2 as Nordstrom shows us how scientists work and what scientists can create just because they wondered.
—Kim Parfitt, curriculum developer for Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biointeractive, and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Charlesbridge
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 13, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1580899471
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1580899475
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 10 years, from customers
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.46 x 0.39 x 8.74 inches
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5
Best Sellers Rank: #95,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #47 in Children's Books on Inventions & Inventors
- #131 in Children's Biology Books (Books)
- #150 in Children's How Things Work Books (Books)
Customer Reviews:
(88)

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Kristen Nordstrom

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Kristen is a writer and full-time public school teacher at a title one STEAM Academy in CA. She is passionate about connecting children to nature, and the wonders of STEAM through the Next Gen. Science Standards, hands-on science, and AMAZING books! She has trained through the Lawrence Hall of Science, and is a member for the National Science Teachers Association and the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators.

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Customer reviews

88 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers find this book fascinating for both kids and adults, with one mentioning how it brings biomimicry to life for young readers. The book is engaging for students, with one noting how students' eyes light up with excitement, and is easy for beginning readers to understand.

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20 customers mention content, 20 positive, 0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and educational, particularly suitable for primary classrooms, with one customer noting how it effectively combines elements that interest children.

...It is an inspiring, educational and interesting read for adults and children of all ages. I highly recommend Mimic Makers!!!Read more

A charming little book for young and curious minds....Read more

Fantastic book for children who love science and engineering and learning about inventions!...Read more

A wonderful book that brings biomimicry to life for young readers....Read more

12 customers mention engaging, 12 positive, 0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, particularly for students and adults, with one customer noting that students' eyes light up with excitement.

...creators and their inspired inventions make science fun and fascinating. A must have book for budding scientists!Read more

A fun and informative read!...Read more

This book was so engaging for my students!...Read more

This is an excellent book engaging and bright pictures for your young ones while they read and learn about how nature has always inspired amazing...Read more

5 customers mention readability, 5 positive, 0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with several mentioning it is easy for beginning readers to understand, and one customer noting it is crystal clear for any age group.

...an observation of nature, and finally a solution makes for an easy-to-follow read....Read more

...It is engagingly written, yet easy to understand. It has gorgeous and informative illustrations....Read more

...illustrations and exciting text make learning about biomimicry fun and easy!...Read more

...And she has made it crystal clear for any age group. You don't just want this book, you need this book for the child in your life.Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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Fantastic Book for 3rd Grade Learning!
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Mimic Makers is extremely well written and illustrated, and captured the imagination and interest of my 3rd graders. Kristen thoroughly researched the content and writes in a way that captures the interest of children and adults alike. For my 3rd grade class, this was the perfect book to supplement our ELA and Science curriculum. My students also loved using the book as a resource for developing their own inventions using biomimicry. Thank you, Kristen! So glad you wrote this fantastic book!

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Sarah Lee
The best book you will buy!
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Be prepared to energize your child with inquiries and questions! Mimic Makers tells the intriguing story of how science and nature intersect to solve everyday, relatable problems. Park Kitae was just twelve years old when he saw something about how the Namibian beetle collected water that later prompted him to create a portable drinking water collection bottle! Kristen Nordstrom tells the story of these scientist observers and even gives some wonderful words of advice to inspire all children to join the Biomimicry movement.
This is a book for every child (and adult). The natural world is a place to make big (and little) discoveries that can have a huge impact! Just like Nakatsu Eiji!
If you don't buy any other book for your child, buy this one. You will not be disappointed!

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BarelyAudible
A charming little book for young and curious minds
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A charming little book for young and curious minds. The book covers a variety of biomimicry examples that both children and adults would find interesting, from the Shinkansen bullet train to flying drones. The author’s way of showing the thought process of the inventors in the form of a problem, an observation of nature, and finally a solution makes for an easy-to-follow read. Along with the illustration’s juxtaposition of nature to the inventions, the reader can visually perceive the connection between the two.

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J Akers
It presents some interesting problem solving where engineers look at nature to solve problems.
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
The book presents some good examples of people wondering about a problem, looking at situations in nature and finding a solution by copying a detail from nature. While the book does not cover the topic the Wright Brothers spent countless hours observing birds in flight to understand how they turned left and right. Their observations help them understand how they could control their lighter than air device (airplane). The book presents multiple examples of the same process being used in the current century. The illustration are great. It is a good read for grade schoolers and can even be fascinating for adults.

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Janie Reinart
Fascinating Stories
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Kristen Nordstrom’s engaging book asks questions to help readers wonder about nature. After she has hooked you with a question, her storytelling pulls you in deeper as she unfolds true examples of scientist that have mimicked nature and solved problems.

I love watching birds. One of my favorite stories in the book is about the Shinkansen bullet train. When it first traveled at 200 miles per hour through a tunnel, it blasted out of the tunnel with a loud booming noise. Nakatsu Eiji watched a kingfisher’s beak cut smoothly through air and water. Nakatsu redesigned and streamlined the shape of the nose of the train like the kingfisher’s bill. This design changed the loud train into a quiet ride.

Kristen invites readers to become mimic makers and invent something new. I have pre-ordered a copy for my own little inventor. The backmatter is filled with additional information to learn more about biomimicry. Mimic Makers is an amazing addition for homes, classrooms, and libraries

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George Bott
Fascinating and Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
How I wish MIMIC MAKERS had been available when I was teaching elementary school. Now retired, I know that my students would have been fascinated and seriously inspired by the ten mimic makers who shared their story of how nature inspired them. Kristen Nordstrom and Paul Boston together have created a nature-gem for all ages. Let's get this fabulous biomimicry treasure translated into many languages around the globe so we can all wonder, learn, and create new ways to live together on our shared planet.

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Ann-Marie M.
My students were inspired!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book was so engaging for my students! Ms. Nordstrom delivered so many inspiring mini stories of creativity and ingenuity that sparked great conversations. She did an excellent job combining things that interest children (nature) with real inventions that they know about. Boys and girls alike were able to connect to the scientists that created these various forms of technology and begin to wonder about other mimic makers we have yet to uncover! Thank you, Ms. Nordstrom for bringing science to life in my classroom!!

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Craig
Here's How you Help a Kid Love the Natural World
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Kristen Nordstrom has been a believer in making children better since there has been children. Her experience has created a new way to connect her values, philosophies, and ideals by putting them into a book that can be seen as well as felt for those designing kids with a creative mind.
Mimic Makers perfectly blends her creative nose for the talent of others by 'sniffing out' the process of how and why the creators of the world used their eyes, ears, and minds to engineer some of the greatest things ever invented.
And she has made it crystal clear for any age group.
You don't just want this book, you need this book for the child in your life.

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