Families who loved Nature Did It First: Engineering Through Biomimicry by Susan E. Goodman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is in a 'how does it work?' phase or when they seem to view nature and technology as two separate worlds. It is the perfect bridge for young builders who love machines but might need a nudge to appreciate the outdoors. The book uses a clever 'Nature Did It First' refrain to show how human inventions like Velcro, sonar, and sleek trains were actually inspired by burrs, bats, and birds. Through playful poetry and clear scientific explanations, it fosters a deep sense of wonder and gratitude for the natural world. It reframes plants and animals not just as things to look at, but as master engineers with solutions to complex problems. Suitable for ages 4 to 8, it encourages children to look at a simple leaf or a bug and see a blueprint for the future.
