Wisdom of the Wild: Life Lessons from Nature

This uneven manual from Mabry (Being Mindful Like Grandpa), founder of Wisconsin’s North Shore Academy of the Arts, draws life guidance from the natural world. “Wonder can be found in the weavings of a tiny bird nest, a chrysalis breaking open, and the slithers of a snake,” she contends, offering brief reflections on what the abilities of ants, ferns, mole rats, and other organisms can teach humans about leading better lives. Noting that trees have firm roots and flexible branches, Mabry suggests readers embrace strength and flexibility by remaining open to others’ perspectives while staying “true to who you are.” Snakes shedding their skin symbolizes to Mabry the power of giving up the old, and she encourages readers to identify a habit that “doesn’t serve you” and “make the commitment to let it go.” Some of the comparisons feel like a stretch, as when she discusses how bats use echolocation and recommends readers follow their “intuition” and “inner voice,” even though bats echolocate by listening to the reverberations of sounds they make, not by “gut instinct.” The science is thin and consists only of brief factoids about various animals and plants, but the appeal of this work lies in Lam’s colorful, elegant illustrations of each organism. The attractive design elevates ho-hum advice. (Feb.)