The colour of an animal can decide whether it lives or dies.
Moth
Who will survive?
Who will change and evolve?
Who will die out?
A story of survival and hope that tickles the creative juices. Perfect as an introduction for bioinspired ideas and for discussions about what happens to animals that cannot adapt to changes.
“People built factories and burned coal to power magnificent machines. They made steam trains to take things here there and everywhere. Chimneys filled the air with smoke and soot…”
The illustrations create a vibrant and dramatic atmosphere. A play of light on dark, filled with fascinating patterns and perspectives. From beautiful white birch trunks to smoke-clad machines. Love the way the peppered moth either stands out or blends in.
The story is filled with drama and emotions, yet the language is simple, so young readers can follow the story of the changes that the moth has to make and also the changes that have taken place in the human environment. Evolution is explored in language that is both scientific and poetic.
Warmly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learn to design and problem-solving. Instead of inventing from scratch, it means studying how plants, animals, and ecosystems have already solved a challenge — like staying cool, collecting water, or absorbing carbon — and adapting that strategy for human use.
How does biomimicry help address climate change?
Nature has been adapting to extreme conditions for billions of years, so many organisms already hold working solutions to problems we now face at a larger scale — cooling buildings without electricity (termite mounds), collecting water in drought (the Namib beetle), protecting coastlines from storms (mangrove roots), and capturing carbon (corals, forests, kelp). Biomimicry means studying those solutions and applying the same principles to human design.
How can children get involved in biomimicry?
Children don’t need special training to think like a biomimicrist — just curiosity and a habit of asking “how does nature solve this?” Simple ways to start include a backyard scavenger hunt for nature’s patterns, a “design-an-animal” challenge for a changing climate, or building a small model (like a passive-cooling structure or a water collector) inspired by something they’ve observed outdoors.
Is biomimicry only for scientists and engineers?
No — biomimicry is as much a mindset as a profession. Anyone can practice it by observing nature closely and asking design questions. Professional biomimicry practitioners apply it in architecture, materials science, and engineering, but the same core skill — careful observation followed by “what if we built it that way?” — is exactly what this post’s classroom and family activities are designed to build in children.
Åsa Jomård
In 2015, Åsa completed a course in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. With over 10 years of experience exploring nature for inspiration and as a former member of Ben, Biomimicry Education Network, she brings both academic background and creative teaching experience to her work. Her materials seamlessly integrate stories, nature observations, and design challenges, making them perfect for inquiry-led learning in early primary contexts.
AI was used as a Thinking Partner.