Threads from the Web of Life: Stories in Natural History

by Stephen Daubert

Book Overview

A Selection of the Discovery Channel Book Club In sixteen stories Steve Daubert pulls the reader into the mystery and immediacy of ecological processes spanning a range from microscopic to tectonic, from microscopic to cosmic forces. Each tale brings the reader into the moment to witness an episode of survival in the wild first-hand. The material is presented on a level of intimacy and detail not usually encountered in other styles of natural history writing. These creative non-fiction stories provide not just a bird's eye view (though that's true for the owls, warblers, condors, and hummingbirds in the book), but a wasp's eye view, a mouse's, a sea turtle's, a squid's. Sometimes the focus is as small as the detritus on the forest floor, or a single beat of the wing of a gull. Other stories range across evolutionary time. From whales and dinosaurs to creatures invisible to the naked eye, author and illustrator bring to life the dynamic interplay of living, evolving creatures and the natural forces that have shaped their worlds. The book includes chapter notes that document the scientific basis for each story and describe the controversies still surrounding some of them -- a splendid resource for families to read and share.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826515096
• ISBN13: 9780826515094
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.7" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 11 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 6 to 9

Customer Reviews

Lovely collection of essays

This was a lovely collection of essays, each focusing on a different scene. From ocean to forest to jungle, this book ranged all over the planet, explaining why nature works the way it does and how it got that way. It's hard to pick my favorite essay, but one standout was the one on the migration of squid. I also loved to read about the mysterious UFO also known as the white pelican. Sometimes the writing was a little too lyrical, but I loved the section at the end of each essay, telling about the science behind the story, and the section at the end, giving the reader options for further reading. A wonderful book for any nature lover.

A Gem!

Vignettes about ecology that are well written and surprisingly engaging. A delightful and very imformative read.

Bug's eye view of the world

This marvelous book makes me wish I had spent more time at ground level just watching and enjoying the littlest things in life. Mr. Daubert uses magic to bring nature to us. I will certainly use this is my classroom and it will be my "gift of the year' for every party I attend. It's simply a treat!

A great read!!

This book is a unique mix of science & story telling. Really fun to read...plus you learn something about the world we live in.