This story is about a missing thirteen-year-old schoolgirl Gillian Walters, who was presumed to have been abducted from her home in 1977. Thirteen years had passed and she was presumed dead as the 'girl's body' had not yet been found. The local police in charge of the enquiry had passed this cold case over to a special secretive division which incorporated officer David Whoot, the detective Doctor and Jeremy Ashman. These were no ordinary officers as they possessed special abilities. They were able to forecast future events as well as communicate with other existences. This case takes the pair on a series of international thrilling adventures in the hunt to reveal the truth... but are they going to get more than they bargained for?

Using the history of the concept of extinction with the dodo as a case study, Pinto-Correia carefully weaves together story fragments to give a cohesive eye-opening view of 17th century exploration and the grave ramifications it had for the survival and extinction of many species. More importantly, she shows us the intellectual underpinnings of the old view that it was acceptable for some animals to die out. Within this narrative, we can see what the modern view of the dodo tells us about the history of our changing understanding and valuation of nature and our place in it. Strong writing, powered by lively historical anecdotes and sober insights into human behavior, makes this beautifully illustrated book a page-turner to the end.

A celebration of the visual contributions of the bestiary--one of the most popular types of illuminated books during the Middle Ages--and an exploration of its lasting legacy. Brimming with lively animals both real and fantastic, the bestiary was one of the great illuminated manuscript traditions of the Middle Ages. Encompassing imaginary creatures such as the unicorn, siren, and griffin; exotic beasts including the tiger, elephant, and ape; as well as animals native to Europe like the beaver, dog, and hedgehog, the bestiary is a vibrant testimony to the medieval understanding of animals and their role in the world. So iconic were the stories and images of the bestiary that its beasts essentially escaped from the pages, appearing in a wide variety of manuscripts and other objects, including tapestries, ivories, metalwork, and sculpture. With over 270 color illustrations and contributions by twenty-five leading scholars, this gorgeous volume explores the bestiary and its widespread influence on medieval art and culture as well as on modern and contemporary artists like Pablo Picasso and Damien Hirst. Published to accompany an exhibition on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center May 14 to August 18, 2019.

Founded on the premise that zoos are ‘bilingual’—that the zoo, in the shape of its staff and exhibits, and its visitors speak distinct languages—this enlightening analysis of the informal learning that occurs in zoos examines the ‘speech’ of exhibits and staff as well as the discourse of visitors beginning in the earliest years. Using real-life conversations among visitors as a basis for discussion, the authors interrogate children’s responses to the exhibits and by doing so develop an ‘informal learning model’ and a ‘zoo knowledge model’ that prompts suggestions for activities that classroom educators can use before, during, and after a zoo visit. Their analysis of the ‘visitor voice’ informs creative suggestions for how to enhance the educational experiences of young patrons. By assessing visitors’ entry knowledge and their interpretations of the exhibits, the authors establish a baseline for zoos that helps them to refine their communication with visitors, for example in expanding knowledge of issues concerning biodiversity and biological conservation. The book includes practical advice for zoo and classroom educators about positive ways to prepare for zoo visits, engaging activities during visits, and follow-up work that maximizes the pedagogical benefits. It also reflects on the interplay between the developing role of zoos as facilitators of learning, and the ways in which zoos help visitors assimilate the knowledge on offer. In addition to being essential reading for educators in zoos and in the classroom, this volume is full of insights with much broader contextual relevance for getting the most out of museum visits and field trips in general.

They had been in space a long time. They had examined every planet within their trajectory as ordered. There had been six planets in their path that they examined as possible sites for colonization and a nebula off in the distance. The nebula was very beautiful, kind of purple and dark blue. But, their orders were not to examine nebulas, but to fi nd a class M planet that could be adaptable to humans. This was defi antly a class M planet all the readings were perfect. But, with all the experts on board no one could fi nd the source of the intelligence it took to make these amazing gardens that circled the planet. Some fairly large birds had been seen. But, there were no land animals with brains large enough to make these gardens. They had to be gardens, gardens with uniformed rows of growing crops. There were uniformed rows of trees as well and lines of shrubs or hedge which divided the garden areas. This planet was placed between three suns just right so as to have one side always warm. The temperature was around 70 to 80 degrees and at night near 50 degrees. The suns were orbiting in a slightly arched line with this small planet. The planet and its two moons orbited around the larger sun. The smaller suns being further away gave little light and a small amount of warmth just enough so the other sides of the planet were not in total darkness at any time. It had water and oxygen, breathable oxygen that meant no suits or helmets. This planet was just what they were looking for. It was a small green pearl in the vast darkness of space.

If animal behavior is mostly instinctual, why do animals need to communicate? Is it possible that there is a universal language spoken and understood by all animals on earth, including humans? Do barks, growls, rumbles, chirps, yips, and meows have communicative meanings? "No matter what species," writes acclaimed science journalist Tim Friend, "we're all concerned with the same topics of conversation -- sex, real estate, who's boss, and what's for dinner." In Animal Talk, Friend draws upon years of field research, interviews with preeminent scientists, and lively personal anecdotes to find out how our animal neighbors communicate and what their languages mean. From bird calls to whale songs, laughing hyenas to rattling snakes, an elephant cry in the jungle to the bark of a Chihuahua in his own backyard, Friend tells the grand story of animal communication through the sounds, stripes, scents, and signals of the animals themselves.