Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed [Hardcover]

Joy N. Hulme (Author), Carol Schwartz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

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.

From the Author

From the best-selling creative team behind Sea Sum and Sea Squares.

Open the book to create a golden rectangle, a form related to the Fibonacci sequence.

An amazing resource for both math and natural science teachers, as well as other educators.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582461546
• ISBN-13: 978-1582461540
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.4 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #976,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good choice showing children the beauty in Mathematics, June 8, 2007

By 

James C. Grant (Saratoga, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed (Hardcover)

Wild Fibonacci is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces the reader to the Fibonacci sequence and how it appears in nature. For those not familiar with it, the Fibonacci sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 and so on where the next number is found by adding the two before it (e.g. 2+3=5, 3+5=8).

Author Joy Hulme starts with a clear and simple explanation of the concepts, giving the most commonly claimed examples of where the Fibonacci numbers appear in Nature. Then, with pictures and rhyming verse aimed at the younger audience, she cleverly integrates the formula of the sequence (e.g. 2+3=5) with pictures of animals who have body parts (tusk, tooth, talon, or tail) whose curvature appears to fit a spiral.

The book is an excellent choice for parents wanting to instill a love of Mathematics in children because it shows its relevance by linking it to Nature. The rhymes stumble occasionally, but make up for it by being chock full of information for the inquisitive mind. It teaches, addition, number sequences and geometry. The major shortcoming of the book is that it tries too hard to fit animal's shapes to the curvature of the Golden Spiral, the "equiangular spiral" formed by Fibonacci squares (shown in the book). The author seems to suggest any equiangular spiral is a Golden Spiral. The sea shells shown have a spiral pattern but clearly do not grow at the same rate as the Golden Spiral, an error that will not be lost on a bright young reader. This makes it unsuitable for the high school level.

(The Fibonacci numbers (and the Golden Ratio) appear in plants but not animals - with the exception of bees)

Altogether, the book is a wonderful addition to a child's library.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed, October 31, 2008

By 

Michael (UT) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed (Hardcover)

Although this book has some pretty pictures and some basic information about Fibonacci, it fails to provide good connections between the pictures and the Fibonacci sequence. The text, in rhyme, has nothing to do with Fibonacci. So, although the pictures are pretty, the book fails at it's most fundamental point, it fails to illustrate how Fibonacci numbers are seen in nature.

You cannot give this book to a child and have them understand the connection of the Fibonacci sequence to nature without outside help.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like Fibonacci, you'll love it, May 28, 2011

By 

M. Ellis "magnoliamansions" (Gulf Coast, Alabama) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wild Fibonacci (Paperback)

Having been fascinated by numbers all my life and absolutely enchanted with Fibonacci, this book, though aimed at a younger reader, is fascinating and most enjoyable. It is an excellent introduction for a young mathematician that can also be enjoyed as a parent/child reader. It also should be in every elementary school library. Highly recommended.