This book really caught my eye because I love animals, fish, birds, reptiles, any living creatures! (And the picture of the cute dog on the front helped too!) I can’t get enough of learning about them in every way!
Ms. Morell did extensive research for this book. She went to those scientists that have given their careers to study about one animal or type of animal. Their research is extreme and some go to drastic measures to learn about their subjects. She talked to them and actually observed demonstrations of their findings. It was fascinating!
Far too many people that have no interest in animals, simply mark them off as . . . well, JUST animals. This book shows that they are far more than simply having a heartbeat, a brain, and an unconscious, robotic life. While they may not have the same level of intelligence and emotional responses we do, each has their own unique sensitivity. Beyond a doubt these living creatures experience pain, have memoires, grieve the loss of companions, teach each other, solve problems and more.
I enjoyed the book not only for all the intriguing new information I learned, but also for the humor in it. We expect some mental and/or emotional depth from chimpanzees, dogs and dolphins, but ants, birds, fish, rats? Yes rats, they actually laugh when tickled! Before reading this book I had a general knowledge and a few in depth facts about the creatures discussed, but I learned so many new things!
There are some very detailed scientific explanations that can be slow reading, but it is worth it. The only thing I did not agree with the author was her belief in evolution. This book is an amazing read! It will definitely change the way you look at the animals we share our world with!
I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books <http://bloggingforbooks.org, book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own