George S. Fichter (1922–1993)

The book is well researched and contains a lot more detail than I would have expected. Not knowing much about canoes (or boats in general) I found myself having to look up many of the words (gunwale, keel, etc). What I found especially interesting was the discussion of just how they were able to make very well made canoes without metal implements. All the boards used in the interior and bark had to be kept very wet in hot water (which they dropped hot rocks into to boil) to keep it show more malleable. They were then sewn together with pine roots preferably, or sinew if pine roots were not available. Some groups used frames to help build the canoes, while others did not. The author went into detail about the different types of canoes (Some more suited for streams, ocean, cargo, hunting etc) as well as details about the differences in canoe style between different First Nations groups. Also mentioned were a few of the decorations used, and the different types of paddles made (e.g. regular paddles vs. 8 foot paddles for steering in the rapids). Simple line drawings were included along with a few old photos.

The book was a much more in depth read than I expected, and I have much more respect for how much work must have gone into these old canoes! Likely a lost art I am afraid. show less

Excellent overview of the topic of bees, wasps and ants. Many different types of each covered with excellent photographs and illustrations. Please note the book is broken into factoids as opposed to being a living book. But contains great info.

While this book may be dated, it is an excellent resource to use in the classroom. The chapters are excellently laid out, each about a different aspect of cells. I particularly liked the chapter on the specialization of cells, and ended up using it in my life science classroom to help teach the topic. The book contains photographs (albeit in black and white, which my students weren't keen on) that are very clear and worthwhile. The book explained why cells are specialized on a fundamental show more level, which made it easier for my students to understand. In fact, I took a survey on which was a better source on specialized cells, and my class voted for this book over our textbook. I will sum up this book in five words: an oldie, but a goodie. show less

The lizards part is okay, but I loved the snakes in this book, very cool pictures and interesting facts.