Planet Earth is home to some amazingly tough creatures, but would you believe that the world’s most versatile super-survivors are so tiny, you’ll need a microscope to see them? They have eight legs, but they’re not spiders. These tough micro-critters have a snout and claws, and a slow, swaying movement in water, like bears. Which is why, when German scientist, J.A.E Goeze, discovered them in 1773, under an early form of microscope, he called them ‘kleiner Wasserbär’ – little water bears. Tardigrades’ other cute nickname is ‘moss piglets’, because they are often found in moss.
To find out more about their astonishing survival powers, and to enjoy Jennifer Falkner’s gorgeous illustrations, treat yourself to a copy of my latest book from CSIRO Publishing, Tardigrades, Nature’s toughest survivors. Buy online or from your local book store.
If you would like an invitation to the Hobart book launch in November 2024, contact me.
Early reviews – I’m still smiling!
Books+Publishing,
27 August 2024, reviewed by M H Alessandrino. Read here
Cracked and Spineless New and Used Books, Hobart
28 September 2024, posted on their Facebook Page. Read here
Read Plus
30 September 2024, reviewed by Kathryn Beilby, Read here.