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Rick LeCouteur
Inviting young readers to marvel at the wonder of nature's creatures
Rick's Blog
#bunyipsbooksbeyond
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From Bluey to Books: Gender roles in kids' stories (#89)
This picture shows Bluey and Bingo with two Australian white ibis who have joined their picnic lunch. It’s no wonder that these birds are...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 26, 20243 min read
Rosettes of the Wild: Jaguars vs. Leopards (#88)
When you think of big cats like jaguars and leopards, it’s easy to get lost in the mesmerizing beauty of their fur. But these patterns...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 25, 20242 min read
From Scooters to Stings: The amusing tale of being “killed by a vespa” (#87)
Italy is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and its iconic Vespa motor scooters zipping through picturesque...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 25, 20242 min read
Birds' Bills: More than just a beak (#86)
Birds' bills are remarkable structures that play a crucial role in their survival and interaction with the environment. Often used...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 25, 20243 min read
Seeing Isn’t Believing: The pitfalls of “imaging-only” glioma diagnoses in research studies (#85)
Relying solely on an "imaging diagnosis" of gliomas in research studies, without histological confirmation, significantly impacts the...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 24, 20243 min read
Beyond 'Presumptive': Expanding the language of scientific uncertainty (#84)
In addition to "presumptive," "presumed," and "suspected," there are several other terms commonly used in scientific manuscripts to...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 24, 20243 min read
The Language of Uncertainty: Using 'presumptive,' 'presumed,' and 'suspected' in science (#83)
Scientific research is a meticulous journey that often involves navigating the complexities of data interpretation, hypothesis testing,...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 24, 20243 min read
Hunting with a Punch: Octopus-fish alliances and leadership (#82)
What happens when a solitary octopus teams up with a diverse group of fish to hunt? Surprisingly, it’s not just about cooperation - it’s...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 23, 20242 min read
Nurturing Nature: Why animals matter in early childhood learning (#81)
Introducing young children to nature through animals profoundly impacts their development and environmental awareness. Animals serve as...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 22, 20242 min read
Talking-Animal Picture Books: Exploring the Animal-Human Bond (#80)
Ever wondered what it’s like to see the world through the eyes of a penguin? Children’s picture books about talking animals don’t just...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 18, 20243 min read
Hardcover vs. Softcover Children's Picture Books: Which is the better choice? (#79)
When it comes to children's picture books, parents, educators, and gift-givers often face a decision: should they choose a hardcover or a...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20243 min read
More Than Just Pets: A story about the evolution of veterinary care (#78)
To follow is a shortened version (really!) of an article that appeared in the San Jose Mercury News in May 1999 . I found it interesting...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20248 min read
Rainbow in Feathers: The outback’s most vibrant bird (#77)
Imagine a bird so vibrant it seems painted by the hand of an artist - a living rainbow darting through the Australian outback. Meet the...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20243 min read
Spider Silk: Nature's strongest and most versatile fiber (#75)
Envisage a material so strong it can stop a speeding train, yet so light it floats on air. A fiber that stretches without breaking and is...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 16, 20244 min read
Vanishing in the Arctic: The plight of the snowy owl (#74)
Imagine a vast, snowy landscape, where the silence is broken only by the faint rustle of wings and the sharp, piercing gaze of a Snowy...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 16, 20244 min read
Invisible Barriers: Bird migration, high-rise hazards, and Flaco's urban tale (#73)
Every year, billions of birds embark on epic migrations, traversing continents and oceans in search of breeding grounds and warmer...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 15, 20244 min read
Tales with Tails: Animals in children's picture books (#72)
Young readers generally have a fondness for animals, a sentiment that literature has effectively harnessed for educational purposes....
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20242 min read
The Secret Behind Eyeshine: Evolution of the tapetum lucidum (#71)
When you shine a flashlight into the woods at night, you might catch a glimpse of glowing eyes staring back at you. This eerie...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20243 min read
Playground Revolution: Redesigning spaces for a sustainable future (#69)
As temperatures rise and city spaces shrink, the joyful sounds of children at play face an uncertain future. What if the answer to...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20243 min read
Wild Hearts: 7 inspiring ways to teach kids to respect wildlife (#68)
In an increasingly urbanized world, fostering a deep respect for wildlife in children is more important than ever. By nurturing this...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 12, 20242 min read
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