
A parent might reach for this book when their child starts asking big 'why' questions about the natural world: Why do birds know when to fly south? Why do flowers open in the morning? This classic science book by Seymour Simon clearly explains the concept of biological clocks, the internal timers that guide all living things. Using examples from plants, birds, insects, and even humans, it delves into circadian rhythms, migration, and why we experience things like jet lag. It's an excellent choice for nurturing a child's natural curiosity and providing scientific answers to their questions in an accessible, engaging way.
None. This is a straightforward, secular science book focused on biology. Its approach is purely informational.
An inquisitive 8 to 12-year-old who is fascinated by the natural world and enjoys asking 'how' and 'why'. It's perfect for a child who loves science documentaries, animal facts, and understanding the hidden rules that govern nature.
No preparation is needed. The book is self-contained and easy to understand. Given its 1981 publication date, a parent might want to note that our scientific understanding has advanced, but the foundational concepts presented remain solid and well-explained. A child asks a complex question about nature that the parent cannot easily answer, such as, "How do the birds know it's time to fly south?" or "Why am I so tired when we travel to a new time zone?"
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA younger child (8-9) will likely focus on the amazing animal facts: birds navigating by the stars or crabs changing color with the tides. An older child (10-12) will better grasp the abstract scientific concepts of internal clocks, control groups in experiments, and the connection between these rhythms and their own body's schedule.
As a classic work by a renowned children's science author, its strength lies in its clarity and focused, authoritative tone. Unlike many modern science books filled with colorful graphics, this book's use of black-and-white photography and direct, simple prose encourages a deeper focus on the scientific concepts themselves. It has a timeless, foundational quality.
This non-fiction book explains the concept of biological clocks, or circadian rhythms, in living organisms. It uses a variety of examples to illustrate how these internal timers work. Topics covered include the daily cycles of plants opening and closing their leaves, the tidal cycles of fiddler crabs, the navigational and migratory patterns of birds, and the daily rhythms of insects like bees. The book concludes by exploring the biological clock in humans, explaining the sleep-wake cycle and the phenomenon of jet lag.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.