If you ever thought that humans were the only creatures able to mould and recreate their world, then take a long look at Animal Architects!  

Local author/illustrator John Nicholson has produced another magnificent information book, this time shifting his focus from Australian history and geography to the fascinating building creations of animals from all over the world. 

Animal Architects continues Nicholson’s well-established style of meticulous and detailed drawings supporting (or maybe supported by!) clear and informative text.  He manages a brilliant balance of these two elements, presenting the weaving and digging and building efforts of many different birds, insects and animals. 

There are five key chapters, each based on one of the building techniques.  Nicholson explains how different animals in different environments can create remarkably similar solutions to their survival difficulties.  Cutaway drawings show the interior of a beaver dam, or a wombat’s nest, or a termite mound.  The geometry of a beehive or a spider’s web looks so simple by itself, but the amazing abilities of these “simple” creatures just leaps from every page. 

And, at the end an index and glossary add just that little extra to make this an enthralling and informative exploration of these architects and engineers of the animal world.  Animal Architects is a must for libraries and a delight for any budding naturalists.

Other books by this author:
The Mighty Murray (Allen & Unwin, 2002)
The State of the Planet (Allen & Unwin, 2002)

Review by David Beagley

© 2004 David Beagley