Innovative Octopuses, Half-Brained Birds, and More Animals with Magnificent Minds [Hardcover]

"An inviting and accessible introduction to neuroscience and brain function." —Booklist (starred review)

This third book in the Extraordinary Animals series delves into the mind-bending world of amazing animal brains.

Real-life animal brainiacs and the scientists who study them come to life in this detailed look at how animal—and human—brains work and the incredible things they can do. Meet goldfish who drive their own special car in search of treats; brilliant octopus problem-solvers who can probe, taste, and even make decisions with their arms; and squirrels who use mnemonic devices to remember where they’ve hidden their nuts! Readers will explore brains large and small, smooth and wrinkly, through fascinating sidebars, plenty of real science vocabulary, and full-color illustrations and photos. They can even put their own brains to the test through DIY neuroscience activities, from honing memory skills to getting focused through meditation. This engaging book delivers lots of fascinating science and the opportunity to learn more through a “further exploration” section, source notes, and a bibliography.Widely angled and unfailingly intriguing.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

An inviting and accessible introduction to neuroscience and brain function.
—Booklist (starred review)

This newest addition to the “Extraordinary Animals” series features six different animals and the qualities that make their brains exceptional. . . . A quality text.
—School Library JournalChristina Couch is the coauthor, with Cara Giaimo, of Detector Dogs, Dynamite Dolphins, and More Animals with Super Sensory Powers. She is an alumna of the MIT Graduatl3