Designed by Nature – serie

WINNER OF THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARDS 2022  Discover the animal inventors who have shared their super inventing powers to make amazing things for humans in this internationally bestselling book for kids!   Humans may think they’re the ultimate inventors, but animals have been solving problems and creating ingenious designs for millions of years. From super-speed swimmers to masters of disguise, nature’s inventors have inspired some of the world’s most amazing technologies – and this book reveals their secrets.  This fascinating and fact-packed book includes: Brilliant animal innovations that have shaped human inventions, from shark skin swimsuits to bird-inspired bullet trains. Mind-blowing adaptations like gecko feet that stick without glue, butterfly wings that shimmer without pigment and termite mounds that inspired eco-friendly architecture. Fascinating science explained in a fun, accessible way for young readers. Stunning illustrations that bring the inventions to life. Check out the snail who has invented a house that stays cool inside even in the desert and take a closer look at the eagle whose super-zoom vision has inspired the invention of the world's tiniest and most powerful cameras. Every animal – and their invention – is a marvel in this unique non-fiction blend of science, technology and wildlife.  Perfect for animal enthusiasts and budding inventors, Invented by Animals will change the way you see the natural world.

New title in the internationally best-selling, and Blue Peter Book Award-winning series. Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals, Built by Animals introduces us to the creatures who have inspired the materials and techniques that are used by humans in the building world today. Meet over 26 animals behind the most amazing building tech, humorously brought to life by Yeji Yun and wittily and expertly explained by WWF educator Christiane Dorion. This book dives into theworld of biomimicry and answers questions like: How can we use more solar energy to power our homes?How can we grow plants in the desert?How can we pump water to the top of very tall buildings?How can we clean polluted rivers?From the bee’s honeycomb shape that strengthens structures to termites that build their nests with natural air con, these creatures did it first! And, at the end of the book, find out who wins big at the Animal Builder Awards! Will it be the prairie dog, the peacock, the beaver or the firefly?Built by Animals explores this amazing STEM subject in a deceptively simple way, showing children that the future of architecture can be inspired by and be respectful of nature.

Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals and Built by Animals, Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology.Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly studied and copied, inspiring innovation in science, design, engineering and technology.  This book guides readers through a startling collection of fascinating vegetation, from towering cottonwood trees with wind power potential to slippery, meat-eating assassins of the plant world and the fast-growing aquatic plant which helps propel ships farther using less energy. Learn surprising applications and spin-offs of both exotic species including the world’s largest flower that generates its own heat and more familiar plants such as bamboo, coconut and maize, all depicted in colourful, engaging fashion. Colourful and lively illustrations and pop-out fact boxes bring the science in this book to life, and Powered by Plants shows us how much we can learn from studyin the myriad magnificence of the natural world.Other fascinating books in this series are Built by Animals and Invented by Animals.