This was such a fascinating read about inventions taken from ideas already existing in nature. This book was really well done, detailed enough to explain each invention and their existence in nature while still keeping my kids attention. The illustrations were very cool as well. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ecopy to review.

I really loved this book. It made me stop and think about the design of things and how we learn from nature to create things that will work for us and our everyday lives.

This book crosses over two solid points of interest for young readers: animals and inventors. It's a very cool cross section because we can learn a lot about engineering from nature. Some of the inspirations are obvious. Others took a lot more creativity to discover and apply. This is quite a short book but all of the examples it provides are quite fascinating.

This book is fantastic. It is absolutely fascinating to learn about how so many different technologies came to be through simple observation. To see something happening in nature and to learn to replicate it is magic.

Mimic Makers is an engaging look at how scientists and researchers have used what they have learned from nature to solve real-world problems. Vibrant illustrations accompany each story about a problem and how a solution exists in adapting features found in nature. The information is accessible for elementary students and a perfect tool to encourage questioning, observation, and problem solving. The scientists and researchers represented in the book are a diverse group. Additional information at the back of the book provides details about the scientists and their work. This book will be a great addition to a nonfiction collection and helpful for engaging children in scientific exploration. I'm looking forward to using it with students!

Kristen Nordstrom has written an excellent STEAM book or young children in (Amazon affiliate link) Mimic Makers. Nordstrom takes a look at several animals which have been the inspiration for science innovation. Going through the story behind the invention, as well as the science behind why that particular aspect works and how, the book is a great way to get kids thinking about the world around them. As a picture book, there aren’t a lot of examples, but the ones used should appeal to young children. The bright, colorful illustrations only add to the appeal for toddlers and preschool age children.

I was very impressed with the illustrations, the inspiration and the diversity that I found in this book. Of the 8 examples, each example was one I felt the intended audience ( ages 7-10) could definitely relate to. Who doesn't enjoy hearing about bullet trains, sharks or things that fly? There are 4 pages dedicated to each example of how nature helped to solve a problem that had scientists stumped. The reader learns what the problem was and how an apparently unrelated observation provided the missing piece of the puzzle. The last 8 pages define key vocabulary, provide descriptions of related jobs, tell about the authors, the mimic makers and provide book and web resources.

I cannot wait to get this book into the hands of my students and teachers! Kristen Nordstrom has taken a topic which can be complicated and has brought it to a perfect level for elementary students and beyond. Wonders get the book started and then eight different problems are highlighted with the scientists and engineers who solved it using biomimicry. Extensive backmatter is included too. I very much appreciated the diversity of the inventors, including their photographs. This book will be a terrific jumping off point for so many lessons, but it’s also just a fascinating read. Thank you to Charlesbridge Publishing and NetGalley for providing a DRC.

What a gorgeous book! It explains how humans mimic nature when they design new things. The book also features a few inventors who were inspired by nature.

Fun and interesting facts about how perfectly God designed nature and how some creative people have used those natural ideas to invent more effective products! I liked the simple structure and pattern of the book. I thought there were some words that were explained well for young readers (for example: symbiotic relationships being like good friends helping each other out) but some of the vocabulary might be tough for children. However there was a small glossary in the back! I like that the “mimic makers” came from all over the world and that there’s a page at the end to give kiddos suggestions on how to become “mimic makers” themselves! Thank you NetGalley for the digital copy.

What lovely illustrations! This is a great book that informs as well as entertains. I found the facts so interesting and loved all the art. Definitely worth checking out!

I looked through this book with my toddler. He enjoyed the Illustrations and I read the facts and scientific information to him. Thank you netgalley.com.

Both my students and I loved this book! It was simplistic enough for my younger students to grasp, while still very informative. We loved the pictures and diversity depicted throughout the book. I was very excited to obtain a science related book. It is difficult to find engaging science books that both educate and entertain. Loved this!
**huge thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

Mimic Makers is an innovative and interesting book of new science facts for children. By using real world examples of inventions inspired by nature, Nordstrom adds a fun new element to the STEM curriculum! This book would be great for young science lovers and budding engineers.