1192 3 DECEMBER 2021 • VOL 374 ISSUE 6572 science.org SCIENCE
dew. Each example is vibrantly rendered in
Paul Boston’s illustrations, many of which
combine close-ups of an invention with
sweeping landscapes to suggest its impact
on human life.
The book does not shy away from tech-
nical detail—young readers can flip to the
glossary to unpack terms such as “pho-
tosynthesis” and “condense”—and some
of the featured inventions may be new to
adult readers, too. But Nordstrom does
more than list off cool inventions. She
depicts a diverse global community of in-
ventors, all mentioned by name, who draw
ideas from the native species and phenom-
ena around them.
Mimic Makers is also a call to action: A
final appendix offers advice for journaling,
sketching, prototyping, and engineering na-
ture-inspired products. A portion of the au-
thor’s profits goes to the Biomimicry Youth
Design Challenge, a competition that asks
groups of middle- and high-schoolers to
come up with nature-inspired solutions to
the climate crisis. “It doesn’t matter where
you live—in a city, on a farm, or by the sea,”
affirms the book’s inclusive final message.
“Nature’s secrets are waiting for you.”
Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by
Nature, Kristen Nordstrom, Illustrated by Paul Boston,
Charlesbridge, 2021, 48 pp.
Chickenology
Reviewed by Lauren Kmec
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia
provides a definitive answer to this age-old
question (the egg!). Brimming with delight-
ful illustrations, Chickenology begins with
chicken “basics,” including an overview of
their life cycle and communication meth-
ods, as well as how to distinguish a hen
from a rooster. Next comes an informative
section on physical characteristics and how
they vary from one breed to another. Plung-
ing into a discussion of chicken intelligence,
readers will discover that despite their small
brains, these animals have an aptitude for
logical reasoning—they can learn to count
and, surprisingly, to play the piano.
Chickenology dedicates several pages to
the egg: structure, size, and even culinary
applications. Straying outside the avian
world, a striking illustration depicts the
eggs of different creatures, from delicate,
bead-like moth eggs to dogfish egg cases
adorned with cascading tendrils. The book
also explores humanity’s relationship to
chickens throughout history and offers a
primer on backyard chicken rearing. Thelatter includes tips for constructing a proper
henhouse and transforming chicken drop-
pings into fertilizer. Chickenology closes
with a few short profiles of chickens from
around the world. I was astonished to learn
that the Ayam Cemani breed from Indone-
sia is entirely black inside and out—even its
skeleton is black!
At more than 70 pages, Chickenology is
longer than a traditional picture book, but
the text and imagery are nicely balanced.
It also contains some technical language,
so parents should plan to read along with
younger children. More-experienced read-
ers will be able to tackle the book on their
own and, because it is packed with engag-
ing details, will be sure to return to it time
and time again.Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia, Barbara
Sandri and Francesco Giubbilini, Illustrated by Camilla
Pintonato, Princeton Architectural Press, 2021, 80 pp.Abby Invents
the Foldibot
Reviewed by Jennifer Sills^7We have machines that wash and dry our
clothes, but we are on our own when it comes
to the pesky task that follows: folding. Abby
and Miko, the protagonists of Abby Invents
the Foldibot, tackle this challenge with gusto,
using steps surely modeled after author Ar-
lyne Simon’s own experience as an engineer.
After identifying the need for a folding ma-
chine and receiving a vote of confidence from
a parent, they set off on the path to invention.
First, the pair survey their neighbors to
confirm demand for a folding machine. Then
they design and hone a variety of models.
Along the way, Abby and Miko face setbacks,
rely on their ingenuity, and draw inspiration
from everyday objects. Finally, they complete
their “Foldibot” and—true engineers that
they are—apply for a patent.
Together with the book’s colorful depic-
tions of an effortlessly diverse cast of charac-
ters, created by illustrator Diana Necs ̧ulescu,
the story breaks down the opaque methods
of discovery and will no doubt empower
young readers to keep their eyes open for
invention opportunities in their own lives.
The final pages of the book provide ques-
tions to the reader, such as what they might
have named their own folding machine and
how they could improve its speed and design.
Those hoping to recreate the Foldibot exactly,
however, will be disappointed. Although the
illustrations include a few diagrams and ex-
planations, key components of this mythical
machine remain unexplained. Here’s hoping,
however, that this entertaining little manual
will inspire the next laundry innovation:
a machine that places folded clothes in the
proper drawer!Abby Invents the Foldibot, Arlyne Simon, Illustrated by
Diana Necşulescu, Abby Invents, 2021, 48 pp.Monarch
Butterflies
Reviewed by Valerie Thompson The monarch butterfly takes center stage in
this text for grade-schoolers, which offers
age-appropriate insights into the species’
life cycle, habitat, and extraordinary migra-
tion. The book, written by former elemen-
tary school teacher Ann Hobbie, begins by
walking readers through a monarch’s first
moments as a newly hatched caterpillar and
describing its rapid growth and eventual © 2021 PAUL BOSTON FROMMIMIC MAKERS: BIOMIMICRY INVENTORS INSPIRED BY NATUREBY KRISTEN NORDSTROMINSIGHTS | BOOKS