Rather than having a lesson today, I thought we’d have a short intermission and take a look at a book (written at the adult level) about seeds that came out recently . Seeing Seeds: A Journey into the World of Seedheads, Pods, and Fruit
The first thing you will notice about this book are the illustrations. Robert Llewellyn uses a relatively new technique called “image stacking,” which involves take multiple images at different levels and then melding them together using computer software to create a crisply-focused, almost three dimensional image. When you first pick up the book, you will be mesmerized by these images, which grace every page (Timber Press shows previews on its website.)
What is even more thrilling about this book, however, was the quality botanical information. For example, the spread on spider flower reveals that what look like seed pods are actually called “siliques.” Because members of the Brassicaceae have similar structures, the plants were originally assigned to that family. Looking a DNA, however, botanists have now moved these plants to their own family, the Cleomaceae. Fascinating!
Have you seen this book? What did you think?
Hardcover: 284 pages
Publisher: Timber Press (August 26, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1604694920
ISBN-13: 978-1604694925
Disclosure: This book is my own copy. I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title or image link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
by Matthew Clark Smith and illustrated by Giuliano Ferri, which delves deeply into the life of one of the first naturalists who explored the insect world with a scientific eye, and who at the same time wrote with the goal of sharing his insights not only with colleagues, but also with essays written for regular people (see 
![Saturnia (Saturnia) pyri ([Denis & SchiffermŸller], 1775). The Great Peacock Moth. Wood engraving dated 1852. Original hand coloring.Page size: 26 x 20.2 cm ( 10.2 x 7.9 "). Saturnia pyri, the Giant Peacock Moth, is a Saturniid moth which is native to Europe. It is the largest European Moth and is also called as the Giant Emperor Moth or the Viennese Emperor.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.growingwithscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Great_Peacock_Moth.jpg?ssl=1)
by Jean Henri Fabre
with Kristin Scott Thomas (Actor), Jacques Perrin (Actor, Producer), Claude Nuridsany (Director, Writer), Marie Pérennou (Director, Writer). Although the cover below of the mantis with sunglasses might give you the impression it is a cartoon, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is serious nature cinematography at its finest!
by Bridget Heos and illustrated by Jennifer Plecas is that house flies deserve to be studied even though they aren’t as attractive or iconic as butterflies.
by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss. In fact, the pair could be used to compare nonfiction and fiction.
