Award-winning author-illustrator Christy Hale brings the fascinating concept of biomimicry to life in a uniquely designed book that shows how nature inspires solutions to real-world problems. Illustrations of plants and animals and tanka poetry are paired with photographs of innovative inventions and designs found around the world to present captivating examples of nature-inspired design. A lotus leaf inspires the invention of the umbrella. A cat's eyes inspire the development of safety road reflectors. Discover how mimicking behaviors and strategies in nature lead inventors and designers to develop amazing new products, processes, and technologies that improve our lives and environment. In this companion to her award-winning book Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building , Christy Hale has crafted an extraordinary collection that introduces readers to the surprising ways in which nature has sparked human creativity and innovation. Come be inspired to explore--discover--create! Gr 1–5—Fifteen innovative inventions from all over the world are highlighted in this fascinating look at nature-inspired design, or biomimicry. From birds to bullet trains, beetles to water bottles, and honeycomb to housing projects, each invention focuses on ways it imitates a physical characteristic of an animal, plant, or habitat. Children will delight in such futuristic designs as an armadillo-inspired collapsible car and a flexible robotic arm with octopus-like tentacles. Spreads with colorful illustrations and spare, lyrical text written in the form of Japanese tanka poems (which follow a set number of syllables on each line) invite careful attention to both words and pictures. Whether this is a science book written as poetry, or a poetry book written about science, the text could easily be adapted to lessons from the primary grades all the way though middle school. Back matter includes a detailed description of each invention and its natural counterpart, author's notes explaining more about nature-inspired design and Japanese tanka poems, and an extensive list of sources. VERDICT A fascinating and creative look at a little-known STEM topic that is accessible to a wide audience. Highly recommended.—Sue Morgan * "Hale's accessible tanka poems pack a lot into five lines. The softness of her detailed relief prints effectively contrasts with the photographs highlighting human invention." -- The Horn Book , starred review * "Whether this is a science book written as poetry, or a poetry book written about science, the text could easily be adapted to lessons from the primary grades all the way though middle school. . . A fascinating and creative look at a little-known STEM topic." -- School Library Journal , starred review "A true STEAM book." -- Booklist "This delicious picture book pairs attractive illustrations of natural phenomena. . . Inspiring, lovely to look at, and well presented." -- Kirkus Reviews Christy Hale is the author and illustrator of several acclaimed children's books, including four published by Lee & Low, and she has illustrated numerous other award-winning picture books as well. Hale also works in the children's book field as an art director, a designer, and an educator, offering programs at schools, libraries, and museums. She lives with her husband in Palo Alto, California. You can learn more about her at christyhale.com. Christy Hale is the author and illustrator of several acclaimed children's books, including four published by Lee & Low, and she has illustrated numerous other award-winning picture books as well. Hale also works in the children's book field as an art director, a designer, and an educator, offering programs at schools, libraries, and museums. She lives with her husband in Palo Alto, California. You can learn more about her at christyhale.com.