A book review of Running Wild: Animals in Motion by Galadriel Watson
Stars: ****
Annick Press (2020)
Children’s Nonfiction
68 pages
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: A squid jets through the ocean like a rocket. A cheetah races after a zig-zagging gazelle. A fishing spider walks on water with its eight hairy legs. All animals must move. Whether on the hunt for something to eat, on the run from being eaten, or in search of a mate or a safe place to live, their lives depend on marvelous motion.
In this fascinating introduction to biomechanics, seasoned non-fiction writer Galadriel Watsondraws on biology, physics, and other sciences to show readers the incredible ways a variety of creatures move to meet their everyday needs—and overcome the physical forces working against them. An accessible, lively style and dynamic design will keep readers engaged, while Samantha Dixon’s energetic illustrations and mechanical diagrams reinforce STEM concepts on each spread.
Running Wild: Animals in Motion
If your child loves learning about animals or you are looking for a book about animals to use in your homeschooling this is a great choice.
The book talks about how animals move but it goes beyond saying kangaroos hop and cheetah’s run.
The kangaroo spread shows how they “use their muscle power to create thrust and fight gravity.” It shows how they use their tail “as an extra leg.” It shows how the kangaroo’s lungs help them breathe while they are doing all that jumping. It also shows how the kangaroo inspired “prosthetic legs for runners and other athletes.”
The snake spread shows how snakes weave when they move and how “if the ground is smooth the snake can’t go anywhere.” Snakes can’t push against sand so snakes move differently across sand. It’s shown how snakes move in tight spaces, how big snakes shimmy and how and why snakes “chillax” in the tree branches.
The book is separated into types of movement such as:
walking, running and hopping
crawling
climbing, swinging and jumping
gliding flapping and hovering
rowing, walking on water and staying buoyant
undulating etc
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