About The Book

Discover some surprising and secret connections among living things as you follow the steps of scientists investigating fourteen real-live mysteries in nature.

Why would a herd of reindeer suddenly die off?  What would cause a change in the color of a bird’s tail? How could the marien waters of two neighboring islands be inhabited by almost entirely different collections of sea life.  And what would cause dead pigs to turn into mummies?

These are just a few of the fourteen real-life mysteries investigated and solved in this book.  Naturalist and author, Susan Quinlan, traces the steps of investigating scientists as they track down clues and discover some of the amazing ways that nature works.  The mysteries take place in diverse environments–from England to Arizona, Australia to Alaska.

Winner of the International Reading Association Children’s Book Award

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“Fascinating case studies in a style that conveys the thrill of the scientific chase.” –School Library Journal

“[Students] will be intrigued and amazed.” –Library Media Connection

Environmental and science education at its best! A highly recommended book. — Appraisal: Science Books for Young People

Not only are the mysteries fascinating, but the meticulous gathering of data, development of clues, and networking among scientists are also intriguing.

— The Horn Book