Crow Smarts - (Scientists in the Field (Paperback)) by Pamela S Turner (Paperback)

About the Book

"Bird brain" is a compliment when you learn that New Caledonia crows can outsmart scientists! Engaging narrative nonfiction coupled with beautiful photographs makes for an excellent addition to the award-winning Scientists in the Field series.

Book Synopsis

"Bird brain" is a compliment when you learn that New Caledonia crows can outsmart scientists! Engaging narrative nonfiction coupled with beautiful photographs makes for an excellent addition to the award-winning Scientists in the Field series.

One of the biggest differences between humans and animals is the ability to understand cause and effect, yet New Caledonian crows can comprehend this concept. The crows' intelligence opens the larger discussions of how brain size affects intellect and evolutionary intelligence. If crows perceive more than we realized, can they outsmart the scientists?

Readers will see crows learning how to use extensive tools crafted from the natural world around them without any outside influence. When these crows are placed in a controlled environment, they are able to solve complex problems with an ease that is almost uncanny. In this new paperback format, the creators of The Frog Scientist take us to a beautiful Pacific island where a lively cast of both crows and scientists is waiting to amuse and enlighten us.

Review Quotes

Horn Book Fanfare: Best Books of 2016 Nonfiction Detectives: Best of 2016 Nerdy Book Club Nerdies 2016 Longford Nonfiction * "Turner's friendly, sometimes joking tone effortlessly moves from amusing accounts of crow antics to sophisticated explanations of crow and human evolution. Comins's arresting photographs of the sleek black birds in the island landscapes of New Caledonia highlight their personalities and intelligence." --Horn Book, STARRED review * "Required reading for anyone who believes that we are the only, or even the most, sapient species on the planet. Highly recommended for STEM and animal collections." --School Library Journal, STARRED review "...[Crow Smarts] also pulls together a wide variety of research on crow behaviors and weaves it seamlessly into the narrative. Detailed sidebars and lively photographs of shiny, bright-eyed crows break up the text while adding interest, and illustrated explanations of crow behavior are illuminating." --Bulletin "With an approachable writing style and photos of crows festooning almost every page, this engaging volume with attract budding scientists, and the lively descriptions not only of the crows but of the scientists at work will give students plenty to ponder." --Booklist --

About the Author

Pamela S. Turner has a master's degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley, and a special interest in microbiology and epidemiology. Her articles for children and adults have appeared in numerous scientific publications. Her books include Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog, Gorilla Doctors, The Frog Scientist, Dolphins of Shark Bay, and Project Seahorse. She lives in California. www.pamelasturner.com.

Andy Comins is a California photographer who specializes in portraiture and children's photography. His books include The Frog Scientist and Stronger Than Steel.
www.andycomins.com
Instagram: @amcomins