Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature

“Young readers will be captivated by the contemporary inventors and inventions featured, and inspired to incorporate biomimicry into their own designs.”
—Miranda Paul, author of One Plastic Bag and Water is Water

Who's the best teacher for scientists, engineers, AND designers? Mother nature, of course!

When an inventor is inspired by nature for a new creation, they are practicing something called biomimicry. Meet ten real-life scientists, engineers, and designers who imitate plants and animals to create amazing new technology. An engineer shapes the nose of his train like a kingfisher's beak. A scientist models her solar cell on the mighty leaf. Discover how we copy nature's good ideas to solve real-world problems!


WINNER AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books

A National Science Teacher Association Best STEM Book

“Mimic Makers reveals marvels of engineering inspired by nature with images that invite careful observation and explanations that are expressive, but never over simplified.”
— Kim Parfitt, AP Biology and Environmental Science teacher, curriculum developer for Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biointeractive, and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching.


“Amazing! . . . Love that the book features the scientists and inventors, and that there is a diverse set of them. 
—Janine Benyus, co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute

Kristen Nordstrom is a full-time teacher at a STEAM Academy teaching biomimicry and other science topics.  This Title One, public elementary school was started by a group of dedicated teachers and one amazing principal, to bring the power of hands-on science to second language learners and socio-economically challenged students. Kristen is a member of NSTA and Mimic Makers is her first book.

Paul Boston is the author and illustrator of Map Your Way, Find Your Way Under the Sea, and several other children's books. He starts all his artwork with his trusty ballpoint pen and brings the drawings to bright, bold, busy life on his computer.