Design Like Nature

DESIGN LIKE NATURE: BIOMIMICRY FOR A HEALTHY PLANET

Did you know that lamps can be powered by glowing bacteria instead of electricity? That gloves designed like gecko feet let people climb straight up glass walls? Or that kids are finding ways to make compostable plastic out of banana peels? Biomimicry, the scientific term for when we learn from and copy nature, is a revolutionary way to look to nature for answers. In Design Like Nature young readers discover innovations and inventions inspired by the environment. Nature runs the entire planet with no waste and no pollution. Can humans learn to do this too? It's time to step outside and start designing like nature.

Written with my co-author Kim Ryall Woolcock!

Design Like Nature: Biomimicry for a Healthy Planet is part of the Orca Footprints series, which help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world and environmental topics.

Featured on CTV as one of 10 Books for Earth Day!

Blueberry Honor recipient for kids' books that inspire a love of nature and action for planet Earth.
—Evanston Public Library

★“Fascinating…An appealing resource sure to spark an interest in biomimicry, from casual readers to budding scientists. Recommended for all libraries.” - School Library Journal, starred review

“The approachable text, supported by lots of captioned photos, spotlights some of nature's more remarkable innovations and some engineering feats inspired by nature.” - The Horn Book

“Well-researched and thought-provoking…. This engaging, conversational narrative style invites readers on a historical journey.... An essential STEM resource...Highly recommended.”
~ Canadian Review of Materials

Order your copy now - Shop Local first!

Orca Books

Indiebound

Indigo Books

Amazon

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIOMIMICRY?

Looking for a fun way to observe what's right outside your door? Check out this biomimicry scavenger hunt and inventor activity sheet!

Want to try making your own bio-plastic out of banana peels? Check out this blog post and get ready to experiment!