Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed - Hardcover

Hulme, Joy N.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1582461546 ISBN 13: 9781582461540

Publisher: Tricycle Press, 2005

Synopsis

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. . . Look carefully. Do you see the pattern? Each number above is the sum of the two numbers before it. Though most of us are unfamiliar with it, this numerical series, called the Fibonacci sequence, is part of a code that can be found everywhere in nature. Count the petals on a flower or the peas in a peapod. The numbers are all part of the Fibonacci sequence. In Wild Fibonacci, readers will discover this mysterious code in a special shape called an equiangular spiral. Why so special? It mysteriously appears in the natural world: a sundial shell curves to fit the spiral. So does a parrot's beak. . . a hawk's talon. . . a ram's horn. . . even our own human teeth! Joy Hulme provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Fibonacci sequence and its presence in the animal world.

About this title

About the Author

JOY N.HULME has 1 + 2 = 3, 2 + 3 = 5, 3 + 5 = 8, 5 + 8 = 13 children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. For years, teachers everywhere have praised her math books. Joy lives in Monte Sereno, California.
CAROL SCHWARTZ has received many honors for her illustrations. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two children.

Reviews

Grade 2-4–Whodathunkit? A Fibonacci counting book! Ever since a 13th-century Italian mathematician described this intriguing numeric sequence, people have been discovering this pattern everywhere. Hulme runs through a Fibonacci count from 1 to 89, introducing each number in a colorful spread that shows the numeral as the sum of the two that came before it (1, 1, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, etc.). The amounts are represented visually by groups of species (e.g., 3+5=8 is illustrated with three leopards and five tigers). The simple rhyming text also points out physical characteristics (talons, teeth, seahorse tails, etc.) that reflect Fibonacci sequencing. Schwartz's handsome, realistic acrylics add impact to the text (though the shells come up one short). An author's note offers a brief history of the subject and gives suggestions for finding these sequences in nature. A diagram provides some visualization of the curve that can be plotted from the numbers, but does not clarify the concept. While some youngsters may be intrigued by this simplistic look at a new method of counting, it is difficult to determine for whom this book is intended. Fibonacci sequences may be beyond the grasp of the audience this pictorial work might attract and older children who might be fascinated by the topic could be put off by the format.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

In the Fibonacci sequence
each new number comes
from adding up the two before
and figuring the sum.

This number set is used to plot
a graceful curving line
that's often found in nature
as part of its design.

Fibonacci creatures
have a certain body part
which fits the winding, coiling shape
that spirals on this chart.

These parts are most important
the help the beasts survice.
Finding food and fighting foes
can keep each one alive.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tricycle Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1582461546
• ISBN 13: 9781582461540
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Schwartz Carol
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32