Look at this! It's beautiful! Alternative history in the deep sea. I'm sold. (This endorsement brought to you by Stacey)
When the west held no more gold, the rush for dinosaur bones began.
This is just the kind of science writing I enjoy the most - half portraits of the animals and systems, and half portraits of the author and their world. Imbler's writing is clear and rich in metaphor while still scientifically sound, and their explanations of the animals they're interested in are just as compelling as the human communities, conflicts, and loves with which they are in conversation. When Imbler writes about the queer communities they've found, their writing just soars with love. Made me cry on the train a little, I must admit!!
Piera
Come wander through this beautiful book where translucent overlays, paper flaps, and beguiling images reveal the history of our planet. What did the earth look like 300 million years ago? What was the earliest lifeform? How long did dinosaurs roam earth? When did our ancestors first appear? Inspired by an exhibit at the Museu de Ciencies Naturals in Barcelona, through art this book lets children and adults "see Earth as a delicately balanced system that is nonetheless constantly changing."
Robin
I would have gone crazy for a book like this as a kid! It just absolutely pops. It's so informative, but still fun and engaging. The large format and reversible design makes it a unique and memorable book to cherish.
Stacey
A coffee table book that sits right at the intersection of art, science, and history! If someone you love has an interest in star-gazing, astrology, or just likes beautiful illustrations, this makes for a perfect splurge.
Murphy
When I picked this one up, I knew it was gonna be a great read-and it turned out to be even better than that. A light and humorous collection of truly ABSURD ways of doing things like moving (use a rocket!) or building a pool (might be easier on Mars. No, really!). Just as absurd but wholesome as Munroe's initial webcomic, XKCD, and worth every read.
An astrophysicist-folklorist tells the story of our galaxy -- narrated by the Milky Way itself.
Beautiful little book about fish, fascination, the deep and rotten roots of eugenics in this country, and the way what we know to be true changes. Fish don't exist! One half of Piera's October "Science Sure Does Change!" Special.
I was ten years old when Pluto was officially "demoted" - declared not a planet, but a dwarf planet. Being ten and a fan of underdogs, I was understandably offended on Pluto's behalf. But it's been almost twenty years since then, and some grown-ups still haven't gotten over it! This book addresses the history of Pluto, and also the way grown-ups hold onto ideas about the world even when our scientific understanding changes. One half of Piera's October "Science Sure Does Change!" Special.
