The Surprising New Science of Animal Family Dynamics
May 1, 2017
In her earlier book, Wild Connection, animal behavior researcher Verdolin (scholar in residence, Duke Univ.) explored what animal courtship could teach us about human romantic relationships; here, she takes a similar approach to child rearing. The book's ten chapters cover topics such as pregnancy, physiological changes, breast-feeding, sleeping arrangements, sibling relations, and adoption. Animal exemplars are many (e.g., apes, whales, frogs, fish, birds, bears, bats, cats, and even spiders). The author blends memoir, self-help, and popular science, and readers get a taste of hard science with her extensive references to the research literature. She discusses friends' parenting conundrums and works through her own early family experiences. Emphasizing her practical intentions, Verdolin sprinkles text boxes throughout to impart "Wild Lessons." Freed from the rigors of academic discourse, Verdolin lets loose in a colloquial style that will entertain some and annoy others. VERDICT Moms and dads--those open to different perspectives on bringing up baby--will find this an enlightening read, as will those who enjoy popular science.--Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.
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