Today’s post is titled What a Wonderful World of Books and Words; first, because I am featuring a few nonfiction reads about our wonderful world (nature, universe, and so on), and secondly, a cool site I discovered.

What a Wonderful World of Words

Now for the second thing first! Thanks to one of my favorite pubs (considering I don’t drink) — dVerse ~ Poets Pub — I discovered this wondrous website/app called what3words.com. This website uses the power of words to ensure you can be found, no matter where you are! Just know your 3 words, that is all.

From their website: We divided the world into 3 metre squares and gave each square a unique combination of three words. It’s the easiest way to find and share exact locations

Cool and wondrous, isn’t it?

Since I discovered this over at dVerse, I was tempted to try out one of their recent poetic prompts. So, I decided on this week’s quadrille where the word is happiness. And then headed over to what3words to pick the 3 words for our closest library; the words are arena.shared.garden. The cool thing is that you can find out for yourself where this library is based on these words. Just check it out on the website.

My quadrille for dVerse is below (using the four words – happiness, arena, shared, garden)

happiness is
Happiness is a wonderful thing,
A myriad benefits it does bring.
“Marvelous!” philosophers declare
For it grows when shared..
Look – and you’ll see –
Happiness
In your garden, in the trees,
Among friends and family,
Indeed, you’ll find – it’s rife
In every arena of life.
Vidya @ LadyInReadWrites

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What a Wonderful World of Books

And now the books I enjoyed reading about our wonderful world.

Note: When not otherwise mentioned with a thanks to Netgalley/Edelweiss/or publishers, the books are either my own or borrowed from my local library.

Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera

My Thoughts

What It Is

A book about the life cycle of the seemingly ubiquitous honeybee; but a book is a rather tame word for this. For it is actually a stunning package of Eric Rohmann’s amazingly detailed and realistic illustrations (oil paintings) combined with Candace Fleming’s captivating and informative yet lyrical text.

The How (I Felt)

This book wowed me, so much so that I need the physical book for myself now, and also am going to look for the previous book of this power duo.

You might be thinking this is yet another book about the honeybee, and it is nonfiction on top of that.

But it is mesmerizing, drawing you in easily like honey attracts bees, with:

• each little hair on miss Apis’ feet depicted larger than life in the beautiful paintings
• every one of the perfect hexagonal combs in the beehive
• each stage of the honeybee’s life described succinctly yet packed with so much detail
• the realization that this bee we are learning about is effectively one of many in that efficient hive, and
• well, with just about everything in this amazing book including the not-to-miss backmatter

This book packs a powerful punch, and I think it is definitely one of the first nonfiction books about nature that left me a little teary-eyed. Lots of information, stunning artwork; yet so accessible and sure to be interesting to all readers. And once again, those illustrations are so realistic and so detailed, that it is like going into the beehive on a journey with little Miss Apis (named so in the book for her species, but not in the least anthromorphic).

Perfect Pairing

This book is oh so brilliant; so I decided to go in a completely different direction here for a book pairing: my suggestion Winnie the Pooh! And as for activities: we can simply help bees by planting more of what they love wherever we can.

In Summary

Bee book for you – no matter your age…

Get It Here

Book Depository ||  IndieBound || Bookshop

How to Find a Bird

My Thoughts

What It Is

A delightful guide to birdwatching wherever you are; by observing and using your senses. With flowing text that is sure to bring smiles, this lushly illustrated and colorful introduction to birdwatching and to over 50 different birds is sure to have readers grabbing their binoculars!

The How (I Felt)

Loved the illustrations and enjoyed how the sparse yet action-filled text along with the accompanying bright artwork makes it accessible to the audience. The backmatter includes just enough information to get young readers started on the beautiful journey of being life-long birdwatchers while spiking curiosity for more research if they want to.

More importantly, this book reminded me of the many ways that we can look closely around us, observe nature and our surroundings, and in the process delight ourselves in the discoveries.

I would have loved an index with the backmatter that included brief descriptions of the pictured birds across the pages; as well as other terms used (like murmuration!)

Perfect Pairing

The book listed right below this one – Nature All Around: Birds – will pair perfectly!

In Summary

Perfect for that littlest budding birdwatcher you know; and for you too, simply because of its beauty!

Get It Here

 Book Depository ||  IndieBound || Bookshop

Nature All Around: Birds

My Thoughts

What It Is (From Goodreads this time)

The perfect resource for budding bird-watchers, this beautiful, comprehensive introduction encourages children to appreciate the wonderful world of birds all around them.

The How (I Felt)

I previously loved Nature All Around: Plants by this team of author/illustrator. And just like that read, Birds also easily captured my attention as well.

Both Hickman and Gavin have managed to maintain and excel in conveying information beautifully and efficiently while captivating and delighting their readers.

Like with the previous book, readers are introduced to bird behaviors, species, nesting habits, and more. Little factoids all around add to the information perfectly for the intended audience. And the additional resources, glossary and backmatter are comprehensive too – so don’t miss those.

Perfect Pairing

Of course, as mentioned previously, pair it with How to Find a Bird ; and with both these books, arm yourself with a notebook, don on sturdy shoes and head out into the outside to look for and observe the birds around you!!

In Summary

Information rich and a pleasure to peruse simply because of the gorgeous artwork, this book is a must-read and must-have for budding ornithologists everywhere!

Get It Here

 Book Depository ||  IndieBound || Bookshop

Wildlife on Paper

My Thoughts

What It Is (from Goodreads description)

Introducing the magnificent crumpled paper art by debut author Kunal Kundu, Wildlife on Paper brings to life animal species at risk from all around the world while teaching kids how cool and unique each animal is. The book opens the world wide as you marvel at the gorgeous crumpled paper art journey through the ocean, forest, desert, and more to learn about the diversity of animals and their incredible characteristics.

The How (I Felt)

The artwork blew me away! I totally loved this author and artist’s work. It is totally unique and amazing. Kunal Kundu cleverly includes a wondrous set of diverse animals; each two page spread is devoted to one animal with a brief yet informative text about the animal accompanied by a portrayal of that animal in his unique style of paper art.

This book will definitely excite and inspire young readers to learn more about these endangered animals as well as to try out their hand at paper sculpture or similar crafts. I know I want to!!

Additional resources at the end of the book include a map pointing out where each of the featured animals can be found, along with recommended reading and a list of organizations that help wildlife.

Perfect Pairing

There are a great any books for young (and older) readers about conservation and wildlife. One such book for little ones talks about the Great Polar Bear.

In Summary

A cool addition to libraries; especially for young art and wildlife enthusiasts.

Get It Here

 Book Depository ||  IndieBound || Bookshop

Your Place in the Universe

My Thoughts

What It Is

A wonderful way to introduce young readers (and older ones too, I can vouch for it) to those fascinating subjects of astronomy and astrophysics, and to help delve into how perspective can turn things around.

The How (I Felt)

I learned stuff I did not know; and the way the info is presented will totally appeal to and wow the intended audience. From the book itself to the cosmic web (I only heard about it in TV shows like Flash), Jason Chin uses effective repetition to show the readers – us – our place in the universe.

Chin helps drive home the point of the book very successfully; and helps draw attention to the fact that we are smaller than a speck in the whole scheme of the universe, and beyond! And the book is truly packed with information (this is not including the extensive backmatter).

Perfect Pairing

There are so many I can think of, but to start, here is a list of books about space for young readers. And of course, a binoculars or telescope won’t hurt too!

In Summary

A nonfiction page-turner picture book that will astound all readers as they reach out to the farthest ends of our known universe within the pages of this book!

Get It Here

 Book Depository ||  IndieBound || Bookshop

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And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books? And if not, which of these books piques your interest the most? Any other recommendations you have for other similar reads? Do let me know. I would love to hear those and any other comments you have on this post