- Table View
- List View
The Social Lives of Dogs: The Grace of Canine Company
by Elizabeth Marshall ThomasThis quote comes from the book jacket. "In her absorbing bestseller, The Hidden Life of Dogs, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas provided fascinating answers to the question "What do dogs want?" It turns out that more than anything, they want the company of other dogs. Now, in this frank and moving sequel, she explores how, despite this desire, they have beautifully adapted to life with their human owners. If they can't belong to a group with similar dogs, they will establish or join one with other members of the household, whether those members are men, women, children, other dogs of different ages and breeds, cats, or birds. And, contrary to our assumptions that we wield the power in our relationships with our dogs, it is they who are teaching us new behaviors--even settling disputes in ways we are unaware of. No one writing today about dogs and people has Elizabeth Marshall Thomas's skills as a classically trained anthropologist and popularizer. What she has observed and analyzed will be illuminating to all of us who have wondered about our pets' behavior. Do dogs have different barks that mean different things? How does Snoopy recognize as family people he sees only once a year? And why does Misty bark at strangers she sees every day? What factors contribute to making a dog difficult to house-train? Why do certain dogs and cats get along so well? How do animals train each other? Thomas explores these questions by taking us into the mixed-species groups of her own household, particularly the lives of her remarkable dogs, with their differences in breeding, early training, and personality. Misty, a purebred, had been kept in a crate, alone, for most of her first year; lonely and insecure, she was afraid of grass and stairs, which she had never seen. Ruby was abandoned, having been pronounced untrainable. Pearl had lived with Thomas's son in his large household, and on her arrival at Thomas's house, she behaved like the well-mannered, self-possessed being she was. And Sundog, the most loyal, self-confident, courageous of all, accepted the arrival of each of these new dogs, but had made a group consisting of himself and Thomas's husband, so the others sorted themselves out without him. Each of these dogs, like any other, wanted more than anything to belong to a group, and how they organized themselves into felicitous relationships without any input from their owners is the most compelling of Elizabeth Thomas's many findings. Few dogs get to live with their chosen loved ones; they are slaves to our desires. We convince ourselves, however wrongly, that we know what's best for them. The Social Lives of Dogs presents marvelous evidence of the power of the group. And those of us fortunate enough to be given the trust of any honorable dog will have our lives enlarged."
The Social Lives of Dogs: The Grace of Canine Company (G. K. Hall Nonfiction Ser.)
by Elizabeth Marshall ThomasFrom the bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Dogs and The Tribe of Tiger comes a groundbreaking work on canine consciousness and how dogs become family Moving from Virginia to New Hampshire is a change not only for Elizabeth Marshall Thomas and her husband, but also for their three elderly dogs. A classically trained anthropologist, Thomas observes the way in which Suessi, Fatima, and Inookshook acclimate to a new house and new adventure. Over the years, as the dogs grow older and new ones are taken in, Thomas analyzes their behavior and personalities. What makes dogs react uniformly to certain situations? To what extent do they comprehend human dialogue? With every sniff of the dogs' noses and every wag of their tails, Thomas builds an impressive understanding of canine reaction and affection, and of the ways dogs support those they regard as one of their own.
The Sojourner
by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings[from inside flaps] "First published in 1953, The Sojourner was Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' last novel, written as a tribute to her grandfather. This is the story of the Lindens, a second generation Scottish/Irish farm family. Unlike most of her books--including her most famous novel, The Yearling--which were set in or near Cross Creek, Florida, The Sojourner is set in New England. Its hero is Ase Linden, whom we meet as a youth of twenty at the time of his father's death and follow to the time of his own death as a very old man. Ase is the sojourner of the title and the Biblical quote in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' dedication: "For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding."" Ase is the sojourner of the title and the Biblical quote in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' dedication: "For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding." The plot involves life on a farm which prospers under the loving guidance of Ase whose inner life is rich though he finds it difficult to communicate verbally with his family. Ase is a keen observer. When he sees evil in action or in the making he is usually too reluctant to judge or intervene. The novel is a lush showcase of nature in its seasons on a fertile, well tended farm from the late nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century.
The Soldier and the Single Mom (Rescue River #4)
by Lee Tobin McClainA widowed veteran and a single mom discover just how healing love can be in this wholesome contemporary Western romance.When Buck Armstrong encounters Gina Patterson and her baby stranded on a dark country road outside town, he intends to help them out—and then keep his distance. Gina and little Bobby remind the handsome veteran too much of all he’s lost. Besides, the vulnerable single mom seems equally wary of getting involved. Things begin to change once Gina and her son settle into the boardinghouse run by Buck’s sister. Being with Gina and Bobby makes Buck question his plans to leave town for a fresh start. Suddenly he has dreams of forging a new family, even though it will mean risking his heart . . .
The Soldier's K-9 Companion: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions)
by Belle CalhouneA chance to finally heal With the help of a four-legged friend. Struggling with PTSD, retired Navy SEAL Luke Adams hopes getting a service dog will help him finally get his life back. Fortunately, his best friend&’s sister, Destiny Johnson, runs a K-9 farm where she trains service dogs. When Destiny pairs him up with an Alaskan husky named Java and teaches him how to bond with the sweet pup, he realizes that he and Destiny have more in common than he thought. With their friendship growing into something deeper, can a dedicated K-9 help them both face their trauma…and come out stronger together?From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.K-9 Companions Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb KastnerBook 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa CarterBook 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill LynnBook 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClainBook 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda MintonBook 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill KemererBook 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni ShilohBook 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb KastnerBook 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClainBook 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle CalhouneBook 12: A Steadfast Companion by Myra JohnsonBook 14: A Friend to Trust by Lee Tobin McClainBook 15: Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahanBook 16: A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClainBook 17: Her Christmas Healing by Mindy ObenhausBook 18: Finding Their Way Back by Jenna MindelBook 19: Their Inseparable Bond by Jill WeatherholtBook 20: Bonding with the Babies by Deb KastnerBook 21: Her Son's Faithful Companion by Jill WeatherholtBook 22: Training the K-9 Companion by Jill KemererBook 23: A Companion for His Son by Lee Tobin McClainBook 24: Her Loyal Companion by Heidi MainBook 25: A K-9 Christmas Reunion by Lisa CarterBook 26: His Christmas Salvation by Lee Tobin McClainBook 27: Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill WeatherholtBook 28: A Faithful Guardian by Louise M. GougeBook 29: The Veteran's Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClainBook 30: Rescue on the Farm by Allie PleiterBook 31: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy ObenhausBook 32: Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa JordanBook 33: Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClainBook 34: His New Companion by Jill KemererBook 35: The Soldier's K-9 Companion by Belle CalhouneBook 36: Her Surprise Neighbor by Lee Tobin McClainBook 37: Healing the Veteran by Ciara KnightBook 38: An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClainBook 39: The Rancher's Christmas Gift by Jolene Navarro
The Soldier's K-9 Mission
by Linda O. JohnstonDanger on the K-9 ranch Devastated after her father's murder, Amber Belott wants to keep his legacy alive by saving his K-9 ranch. Her first move? Hiring Evan Colluro, a former military K-9 trainer, who impresses—and attracts—her. If only she weren't his boss…and his past didn't trouble him. Evan joins Amber in investigating. But when chaos erupts, it threatens all that's drawing them together. Previously published as Second Chance Soldier
The Solitary Bees: Biology, Evolution, Conservation
by Bryan N. Danforth Robert L. Minckley John L. Neff Frances FawcettThe most up-to-date and authoritative resource on the biology and evolution of solitary beesWhile social bees such as honey bees and bumble bees are familiar to most people, they comprise less than 10 percent of all bee species in the world. The vast majority of bees lead solitary lives, surviving without the help of a hive and using their own resources to fend off danger and protect their offspring. This book draws on new research to provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview of solitary bee biology, offering an unparalleled look at these remarkable insects.The Solitary Bees uses a modern phylogenetic framework to shed new light on the life histories and evolution of solitary bees. It explains the foraging behavior of solitary bees, their development, and competitive mating tactics. The book describes how they construct complex nests using an amazing variety of substrates and materials, and how solitary bees have co-opted beneficial mites, nematodes, and fungi to provide safe environments for their brood. It looks at how they have evolved intimate partnerships with flowering plants and examines their associations with predators, parasites, microbes, and other bees. This up-to-date synthesis of solitary bee biology is an essential resource for students and researchers, one that paves the way for future scholarship on the subject.Beautifully illustrated throughout, The Solitary Bees also documents the critical role solitary bees play as crop pollinators, and raises awareness of the dire threats they face, from habitat loss and climate change to pesticides, pathogens, parasites, and invasive species.
The Solution (Animorphs #22)
by K. A. ApplegateDavid, the newest Animorph, is not what he appears. His need to control the other Animorphs is all he thinks about. And the things he does are starting to break up the group.Rachel and the others know that time is running out. The newest battle against the Yeerks is the most important one yet. And it's not one that will wait. Winning this fight could mean slowing down the invasion. But no one knows what to do with David. Because the newest Animorph is more than just a little problem. He's deadly...
The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine
by Henry ColeSammy Shine's life as Hank's pet mouse is simple and quiet—until he flies off in remote controlled airplane and gets lost.When Sammy Shine crashes into the forest, he ends up in a whole new world; no longer does he live in comfort in his shoe box in Hank's room. Now he's lost in the woods, with no way to get home, and a dangerous enemy. Fortunately, a group of new friends, including another mouse, an injured crow, a newt, and a shrew, will help him find and repair his plane so he can try to get back home.Inspired by a childhood experience, New York Times-best-selling author-illustrator Henry Cole offers this charming illustrated novel featuring adorable animal characters, an exciting adventure, and an action-packed plot.
The Song of Francis
by Tomie dePaolaFrancis is so full of God?s love that he wants to sing His praises. His glorious singing inspires birds of every color, and even the sun and moon, to join him in joyful celebration. Tomie dePaola?s simple text and vibrant illustrations bring the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi to life for even the youngest children. And he reminds us how sweet it is to rejoice and give thanks for life and love.
The Song of the Swan
by Karah SuttonA magical retelling of Swan Lake, featuring a clever orphan, a castle filled with enchanted swans, and a quest to unearth the secrets of the past.Olga is an orphan and a thief, relying on trickery and sleight of hand to make her way in the world. But it&’s magic, not thievery, that could get her into trouble.When Olga and her partner-in-crime Pavel learn of a valuable jewel kept in a secluded castle, Olga sees an opportunity to change their lives: a prize so big, they&’d never have to steal again. But the castle is not as it seems, ruled by an enchanter who hosts grand balls every night, only for the guests to disappear each morning, replaced by swans. Guided by cryptic clues from the palace spiders, Olga soon realizes she&’s in over her head—torn between a bargain with the enchanter, loyalty to Pavel, and determination to understand how the enchanted swans are linked to her own fate.One thing is certain: there is dark magic behind the castle&’s mysteries, and Olga will stop at nothing to unmask it.
The Song of the Winns: The Spies of Gerander
by Frances WattsAfter discovering their parents are still alive and their homeland of Gerander is in danger, mouse triplets Alistair, Alice, and Alex, and their friend Tibby Rose, have joined the underground rebel organization FIG. In quick measure, FIG orders Alex and Alice go undercover in Souris to infiltrate Queen Eugenia's palace while Alistair and Tibby Rose are sent to discover Gerander's secret paths, which may be the key Gerandans need to triumph and for the triplets to rescue their parents. Enemy spies, attacking eagles, and blizzarding mountaintops seem all the more challenging when there is a lack of good cheese available, but these four young mice respond with endless creativity and determination. Cheeky and entertaining, The Spies of Gerander is an action filled sequel to the first book in The Song of the Winns series, The Secret of the Ginger Mice.
The Sorrel Stallion: The Horse That Came Home (Famous Horse Stories)
by David GrewHere is the story of an American "Black Beauty." Instead of the English countryside and London streets, we have the Idaho range country and timberlands for the background of this western stallion's adventures. Sorrel, named for his color, is born in the spring on the great range that borders the Clearwater. His first contact with man is pleasant enough, but all too soon he is captured, to escape with Pinto, his mate, to roam the range wild and free as the wind that sweeps down from the snow-capped mountains. But the day comes when Sorrel is recaptured and his gallant spirit almost broken to the saddle and the plow. Stolen by prospectors who sell him to the Forest Rangers, Sorrel endures long years of exciting adventure and grueling toil with the Rangers. During a terrible forest fire, Sorrel, now old and broken, makes his way south through the Clearwater Canyon, and back to the ranch he fled from but never forgot, there to live in comfort for the rest of his days.
The Soul of All Living Creatures
by Vint VirgaBased on the author's twenty-five years of experience as a veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist, The Soul of All Living Creatures delves into the inner lives of animals - from whales, wolves, and leopards to mice, dogs, and cats - and explores the relationships we forge with them. As an emergency room clinician four years out of veterinary school, Dr. Vint Virga had a life-changing experience: he witnessed the power of simple human contact and compassion to affect the recovery of a dog struggling to survive after being hit by a car. Observing firsthand the remarkably strong connection between humans and animals inspired him to explore the world from the viewpoint of animals and taught him to respect the kinship that connects us.With The Soul of All Living Creatures, Virga draws from his decades in veterinary practice to reveal how, by striving to perceive the world as animals do, we can enrich our own appreciation of life, enhance our character, nurture our relationships, improve our communication with others, reorder our values, and deepen our grasp of spirituality. Virga discerningly illuminates basic traits shared by both humans and animals and makes animal behavior meaningful, relevant, and easy to understand. Insightful and eloquent, The Soul of All Living Creatures offers an intimate journey into the lives of our fellow creatures and a thought-provoking promise of what we can learn from spending time with them.From the Hardcover edition.
The Soul of All Living Creatures
by Vint VirgaAs profiled in the New York Times Magazine...Based on the author's twenty-five years of experience as a veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist, The Soul of All Living Creatures delves into the inner lives of animals - from whales, wolves, and leopards to mice, dogs, and cats - and explores the relationships we forge with them. As an emergency room clinician four years out of veterinary school, Dr. Vint Virga had a life-changing experience: he witnessed the power of simple human contact and compassion to affect the recovery of a dog struggling to survive after being hit by a car. Observing firsthand the remarkably strong connection between humans and animals inspired him to explore the world from the viewpoint of animals and taught him to respect the kinship that connects us.With The Soul of All Living Creatures, Virga draws from his decades in veterinary practice to reveal how, by striving to perceive the world as animals do, we can enrich our own appreciation of life, enhance our character, nurture our relationships, improve our communication with others, reorder our values, and deepen our grasp of spirituality. Virga discerningly illuminates basic traits shared by both humans and animals and makes animal behavior meaningful, relevant, and easy to understand. Insightful and eloquent, The Soul of All Living Creatures offers an intimate journey into the lives of our fellow creatures and a thought-provoking promise of what we can learn from spending time with them.From the Hardcover edition.
The Soul of All Living Creatures
by Vint VirgaAs profiled in the New York Times Magazine...Based on the author's twenty-five years of experience as a veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist, The Soul of All Living Creatures delves into the inner lives of animals - from whales, wolves, and leopards to mice, dogs, and cats - and explores the relationships we forge with them. As an emergency room clinician four years out of veterinary school, Dr. Vint Virga had a life-changing experience: he witnessed the power of simple human contact and compassion to affect the recovery of a dog struggling to survive after being hit by a car. Observing firsthand the remarkably strong connection between humans and animals inspired him to explore the world from the viewpoint of animals and taught him to respect the kinship that connects us.With The Soul of All Living Creatures, Virga draws from his decades in veterinary practice to reveal how, by striving to perceive the world as animals do, we can enrich our own appreciation of life, enhance our character, nurture our relationships, improve our communication with others, reorder our values, and deepen our grasp of spirituality. Virga discerningly illuminates basic traits shared by both humans and animals and makes animal behavior meaningful, relevant, and easy to understand. Insightful and eloquent, The Soul of All Living Creatures offers an intimate journey into the lives of our fellow creatures and a thought-provoking promise of what we can learn from spending time with them.From the Hardcover edition.
The Soul of a Horse
by Joe CampA surprise birthday gift plunged Joe Camp and his wife, Kathleen, into the world of horses as complete neophytes without a clue as to what horses needed or wanted. The Camps went searching for logic and sense in the rule books of traditional horse care and what they found was not what they had expected. Written for everyone who has ever loved a horse or even loved the idea of having a horse in their lives, this memoir leads us on a riveting voyage of discovery as Joe and Kathleen navigate uncharted, often politically incorrect territory on their way to achieving a true relationship with their horses. As the creator of the beloved Benji series, Joe has spent most of his life luring us into the heart and soul of a famous dog, but now in this engaging, emotional, and often humorous story, he deftly lures us into the heart and soul of a horse. In doing so, he exposes astonishing truths and unlocks the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on Earth, without assistance, for fifty-five million years. In a single emotionally charged moment, Camp communes with his first horse, Cash, in a way that changes him and his relationship with horses forever. In his own words, as he stood alone with his back to this horse:The collar of my jacket was tickling the hairs on the back of my neck. And my heart was pounding. Then a puff of warm, moist air brushed my ear. My heart skipped a beat. He was really close. Then I felt his nose on my shoulder . . . I couldn’t believe it. Tears came out of nowhere and streamed down my cheeks. I had spoken to him in his own language, and he had listened . . . and he had chosen to be with me. He had said,I trust you. Ingeniously alternating between the stories of two people thrust into an unfamiliar, enigmatic realm and a fabled herd of wild horses brought to the New World centuries ago, Joe Camp’s valuable and inspiring book teaches us that the lessons he was learning apply not only to his horses but to life and to people as well–to all of us.
The Soul of a Horse
by Joe CampA surprise birthday gift plunged Joe Camp and his wife, Kathleen, into the world of horses as complete neophytes without a clue as to what horses needed or wanted. The Camps went searching for logic and sense in the rule books of traditional horse care and what they found was not what they had expected. Written for everyone who has ever loved a horse or even loved the idea of having a horse in their lives, this memoir leads us on a riveting voyage of discovery as Joe and Kathleen navigate uncharted, often politically incorrect territory on their way to achieving a true relationship with their horses.As the creator of the beloved Benji series, Joe has spent most of his life luring us into the heart and soul of a famous dog, but now in this engaging, emotional, and often humorous story, he deftly lures us into the heart and soul of a horse. In doing so, he exposes astonishing truths and unlocks the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on Earth, without assistance, for fifty-five million years. In a single emotionally charged moment, Camp communes with his first horse, Cash, in a way that changes him and his relationship with horses forever. In his own words, as he stood alone with his back to this horse: The collar of my jacket was tickling the hairs on the back of my neck. And my heart was pounding. Then a puff of warm, moist air brushed my ear. My heart skipped a beat. He was really close. Then I felt his nose on my shoulder . . . I couldn't believe it. Tears came out of nowhere and streamed down my cheeks. I had spoken to him in his own language, and he had listened . . . and he had chosen to be with me. He had said, I trust you.Ingeniously alternating between the stories of two people thrust into an unfamiliar, enigmatic realm and a fabled herd of wild horses brought to the New World centuries ago, Joe Camp's valuable and inspiring book teaches us that the lessons he was learning apply not only to his horses but to life and to people as well-to all of us.From the Hardcover edition.
The Soul of a Rhino: A Nepali Adventure with Kings and Elephant Drivers, Billionaires and Bureaucrats, Shamans and Scientists and the Indian Rhinoceros
by Hemanta Mishra Jim OttawayThis is a story of a Nepalese who has spent his entire life devoted to the conservation of an endangered species.
The Soul of an Octopus: A Playful Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
by Sy MontgomeryIn this astonishing book from the author of the bestselling memoir The Good Good Pig, Sy Montgomery explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus-a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature-and the remarkable connections it makes with humans. Sy Montgomery's popular 2011 Orion magazine piece, "Deep Intellect," about her friendship with a sensitive, sweet-natured octopus named Athena and the grief she felt at her death, went viral, indicating the widespread fascination with these mysterious, almost alien-like creatures. Since then Sy has practiced true immersion journalism, from New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, pursuing these wild, solitary shape-shifters. Octopuses have varied personalities and intelligence they show in myriad ways: endless trickery to escape enclosures and get food; jetting water playfully to bounce objects like balls; and evading caretakers by using a scoop net as a trampoline and running around the floor on eight arms. But with a beak like a parrot, venom like a snake, and a tongue covered with teeth, how can such a being know anything? And what sort of thoughts could it think? The intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees was only recently accepted by scientists, who now are establishing the intelligence of the octopus, watching them solve problems and deciphering the meaning of their color-changing camouflage techniques. Montgomery chronicles this growing appreciation of the octopus, but also tells a love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about consciousness and the meeting of two very different minds.
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness
by Sy MontgomeryFinalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction * New York Times Bestseller * A Huffington Post Notable Nonfiction Book of the Year * One of the Best Books of the Month on Goodreads * Library Journal Best Sci-Tech Book of the Year * An American Library Association Notable Book of the Year &“Sy Montgomery&’s The Soul of an Octopus does for the creature what Helen Macdonald&’s H Is for Hawk did for raptors.&” —New Statesman, UK &“One of the best science books of the year.&” —Science Friday, NPR A New York Times bestseller from the author of The Good Good Pig, this &“fascinating…touching…informative…entertaining&” (The Daily Beast) book explores the emotional and physical world of the octopus—a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature—and the remarkable connections it makes with humans.In pursuit of the wild, solitary, predatory octopus, popular naturalist Sy Montgomery has practiced true immersion journalism. From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food. Scientists have only recently accepted the intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees but now are watching octopuses solve problems and are trying to decipher the meaning of the animal’s color-changing techniques. With her “joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures” (Library Journal Editors’ Spring Pick), Montgomery chronicles the growing appreciation of this mollusk as she tells a unique love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about the meeting of two very different minds.
The Soul of the Silver Dog
by Lynn HallAgainst all odds Although 14-year-old Cory has a hard time admitting it, she's always been jealous of her younger sister, Bethy, even now. Bethy, died over a year ago, but her parents are still obsessed with their grief--and there's no room left for Cory. Can't they understand that she's suffering, too? Then Cory finds solace in Sterling, a champion Bedlington terrier blinded by glaucoma. Helpless and disqualified from competition because he can't see, Sterling needs Cory as much as she needs him. Soon the two are inseparable. Determined to restore some of his glory, Cory begins training Sterling for the one show category open to blind dogs--Agility. And as she helps Sterling to overcome the obstacles on the course, Cory slowly begins to come to terms with her own painful past...
The Souls of Animals
by Gary KowalskiWhy do elephants bury their dead? What makes birds sing and cranes dance? Do animals appreciate art? Do they know the difference between right and wrong? Do they experience awe and wonder? In this revised second edition of his celebrated book, Reverend Gary Kowalski combines heartwarming stories with solid science to show that other creatures are not insensitive objects devoid of feeling and intellect but thinking, sentient beings with an inward, spiritual life.
The Sound Book: The Science of the Sonic Wonders of the World
by Trevor Cox"A lucid and passionate case for a more mindful way of listening. . . . Anyone who has ever clapped, hollered or yodeled at an echo will delight in [Cox's] zestful curiosity."--New York Times Trevor Cox is on a hunt for the sonic wonders of the world. A renowned expert who engineers classrooms and concert halls, Cox has made a career of eradicating bizarre and unwanted sounds. But after an epiphany in the London sewers, Cox now revels in exotic noises--creaking glaciers, whispering galleries, stalactite organs, musical roads, humming dunes, seals that sound like alien angels, and a Mayan pyramid that chirps like a bird. With forays into archaeology, neuroscience, biology, and design, Cox explains how sound is made and altered by the environment, how our body reacts to peculiar noises, and how these mysterious wonders illuminate sound's surprising dynamics in everyday settings--from your bedroom to the opera house. The Sound Book encourages us to become better listeners in a world dominated by the visual and to open our ears to the glorious cacophony all around us.
The Sound Of A Wild Snail Eating
by Elisabeth Tova BaileyIn a work that beautifully demonstrates the rewards of closely observing nature, Elisabeth Bailey shares an inspiring and intimate story of her uncommon encounter with a Neohelix albolabris --a common woodland snail. <P><P> While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater under standing of her own confined place in the world. <P> Intrigued by the snail's molluscan anatomy, cryptic defenses, clear decision making, hydraulic locomotion, and mysterious courtship activities, Bailey becomes an astute and amused observer, providing a candid and engaging look into the curious life of this underappreciated small animal. <P> Told with wit and grace, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a remarkable journey of survival and resilience, showing us how a small part of the natural world illuminates our own human existence and provides an appreciation of what it means to be fully alive.