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When Plants Attack: Strange and Terrifying Plants
Science writer and plant expert Rebecca E. Hirsch presents fun and gross facts about a variety of plants along with explaining the science behind why they do what they do. Featured plants include the Venus Flytrap, an African tree that houses stinging ants to protect itself from hungry animals, a "vampire vine" that sucks nutrients from other plants, and fiendishly invasive kudzu.
48 pages, Library Binding
Published January 1, 2019
About the author
Rebecca E. Hirsch
107 books61 followersRebecca E. Hirsch is a scientist-turned-writer and the author of more than 100 nonfiction books for children. Her books have won a Riverby Award, a Green Prize for Sustainable Literature, a Green Earth Book Award Honor, and many starred reviews. www.rebeccahirsch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 24, 2020
When Plants Attack
Strange and Terrifying Plants
by Rebecca E. Hirsch
This was a fiendishly good listen that will keep anyone entertained, especially kids! I liked the stinging tree that is so powerful in its punch that it made a soldier shoot himself after he wiped his bottom with the stinging leaves! Ouch! That had to be painful! Nature is tough! She doesn't mess around! I thank NetGalley for the chance to gain insights into Mother Nature's creepy plants! Very interesting!
Great narration!
Strange and Terrifying Plants
by Rebecca E. Hirsch
This was a fiendishly good listen that will keep anyone entertained, especially kids! I liked the stinging tree that is so powerful in its punch that it made a soldier shoot himself after he wiped his bottom with the stinging leaves! Ouch! That had to be painful! Nature is tough! She doesn't mess around! I thank NetGalley for the chance to gain insights into Mother Nature's creepy plants! Very interesting!
Great narration!
July 15, 2020
What a fun (and informative) listen! From plants with poisonous defenses to those that trap & eat unsuspecting animals, this book delves into plants that aren't your grandma's petunias! And the best part -- this isn't an M. Night Shyamalan movie. It's real! These plants really exist! Just don't get too close.... :)
Rebecca Hirsch presents facts on these strange plants in an interesting manner, using true stories, humor and cool facts. This book would be an awesome addition to a science classroom or as supplementary reading for middle grade kids at school or at home. I could definitely see this book getting even reluctant readers interested in reading about science. I listened to the audio book version from Lerner Books. The book is a little over an hour in length -- perfect listening length for kids who only have a bit of time here and there to listen. The narrator reads clearly and keeps it interesting and upbeat. Definitely an entertaining listening experience!
This is the first book by Rebecca Hirsch that I've read. It was geared to middle grade kids, but I enjoyed it as well! I will definitely be reading & listening to more of her books!
**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audio book from Lerner Audiobooks. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Rebecca Hirsch presents facts on these strange plants in an interesting manner, using true stories, humor and cool facts. This book would be an awesome addition to a science classroom or as supplementary reading for middle grade kids at school or at home. I could definitely see this book getting even reluctant readers interested in reading about science. I listened to the audio book version from Lerner Books. The book is a little over an hour in length -- perfect listening length for kids who only have a bit of time here and there to listen. The narrator reads clearly and keeps it interesting and upbeat. Definitely an entertaining listening experience!
This is the first book by Rebecca Hirsch that I've read. It was geared to middle grade kids, but I enjoyed it as well! I will definitely be reading & listening to more of her books!
**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audio book from Lerner Audiobooks. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
May 12, 2022
Plants are supposed to be the passive, attractive, stationary life forms that make up your grass or offer you shade or decorate your yard. However, there are a few that reject that ornamental role and take a more aggressive view of life. Know this isn’t Day of the Triffids or some other scary sci fi or fantasy story. It’s a short overview of a handful of plants that either seek out their food or decide they’re just not going to wait and see what sun, wind, and rain bring to them. It’s absolutely fascinating. There are plants that trap their prey, plants that crawl about looking for a meal, and plants that have all sorts of ways of punishing animals that decide to eat them. This is a fun book for the not too squeamish.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
May 15, 2019
Plants get a rep for being pretty and docile, this book challenges that by introducing you to some fascinating and deadly plants. This book gives you in depth information that is not over technical so it keeps readers of all ages engaged and is easy to understand/read but full of cool facts. It also as quick facts and fascinating captioned photos showing plants as seemly innocent and then deadly.
As a mom of a boy and the den leader for cub scouts of other boys, I am always on the look out for educational, unique, and engaging books for them and this fits that bill. I enjoyed learning about them just as much as my son did and we flew through this book and it had us wanting to find the nearest location that had some of these plants so we could see them in action.
This would be a great addition to any educational library or nature loving reader of any age.
As a mom of a boy and the den leader for cub scouts of other boys, I am always on the look out for educational, unique, and engaging books for them and this fits that bill. I enjoyed learning about them just as much as my son did and we flew through this book and it had us wanting to find the nearest location that had some of these plants so we could see them in action.
This would be a great addition to any educational library or nature loving reader of any age.
July 22, 2020
When plants attack focuses heavily on the many different ways plants adapt in order to guarantee their survival.
Full of fun and gross facts about plants that kept myself and my son intrigued from start to finish. Who knew plants could be so terrifying!
The narration of this book was perfect but I wish this audiobook had photo accompaniment, it would definitely enhance the experience especially for younger readers/listeners.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Full of fun and gross facts about plants that kept myself and my son intrigued from start to finish. Who knew plants could be so terrifying!
The narration of this book was perfect but I wish this audiobook had photo accompaniment, it would definitely enhance the experience especially for younger readers/listeners.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2019
When Plants Attack : Strange and Terrifying Plants by Rebecca E. Hirsch NON FICTION Millbrook Press ( Lerner Imprints,, ) 2019 $31.99. 9781541526709
Violence: PG (Descriptions of the demise of bugs and animals)
BUYING ADVISORY EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Violence: PG (Descriptions of the demise of bugs and animals)
BUYING ADVISORY EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
July 23, 2020
This is my first audiobook review!!!! So, if I make any mistakes or forget to mention some sections that are required for a audio review, please forgive me. Anyway, now let's begin.
I really really enjoyed this book. Except for 2 plants, all the other plants were completely new to me, that is why I enjoyed this book even more. This book was informative but at the same time also concise so as to keep the length of this book short, while accommodating as many plants as possible. For each plant there are 3 different sections, first an intro, then the section with scientific name, place of origin, where it is found, etc and then the description of how it works and why it does what it does. It is all over in 6 mins or less, but you still get a lot of information in this small time frame, which I really liked.
The language of this book is lucid and everything is clearly described, which makes this a very suitable read for children. But personally I feel that readers of all ages will love this book. I really enjoyed it and I am 21 so, definitely readers of all age should give this a try. Also, it is very short, only 1 hr read, so even if you are very busy, you are sure to find time for this one.
Narration
I felt the narration fit the book perfectly. It was clear and well paced with breaks where needed. English is not my first language, but still I didn't have any trouble in understanding the narration, which is really good.
So, Why not 5 stars?
The reason I am giving this book a 4 stars and not 5 is because I personally would have preferred to read this book as a physical copy. I love looking at the pictures of the plants while reading. The descriptions of the plants in this book was very clear and all, but there is only so much you can visualise. That is why I ended up giving this book a 4 stars instead of 5. This is no way the fault of this audiobook, it was really good, it is just my personal preference. I felt this book will work better for me in a physical format.
I really really enjoyed this book. Except for 2 plants, all the other plants were completely new to me, that is why I enjoyed this book even more. This book was informative but at the same time also concise so as to keep the length of this book short, while accommodating as many plants as possible. For each plant there are 3 different sections, first an intro, then the section with scientific name, place of origin, where it is found, etc and then the description of how it works and why it does what it does. It is all over in 6 mins or less, but you still get a lot of information in this small time frame, which I really liked.
The language of this book is lucid and everything is clearly described, which makes this a very suitable read for children. But personally I feel that readers of all ages will love this book. I really enjoyed it and I am 21 so, definitely readers of all age should give this a try. Also, it is very short, only 1 hr read, so even if you are very busy, you are sure to find time for this one.
Narration
I felt the narration fit the book perfectly. It was clear and well paced with breaks where needed. English is not my first language, but still I didn't have any trouble in understanding the narration, which is really good.
So, Why not 5 stars?
The reason I am giving this book a 4 stars and not 5 is because I personally would have preferred to read this book as a physical copy. I love looking at the pictures of the plants while reading. The descriptions of the plants in this book was very clear and all, but there is only so much you can visualise. That is why I ended up giving this book a 4 stars instead of 5. This is no way the fault of this audiobook, it was really good, it is just my personal preference. I felt this book will work better for me in a physical format.
Read
July 23, 2020Well, this was just freakin' fascinating. But don't read it or listen to the audio when you're eating or if you're feeling squeamish, because some of this plants are downright vichyssoisse! (What I call vicious.)
The most fascinating to me is kudzu, which I didn't know much about before this book. I only knew it was invasive but I had no idea it could grow so fast, overtake cars or be made into a delicious jelly! Who knew?!
This book is suitable for adults and young scientists looking to learn more. I especially appreciate the author's note at the end. about how to be a respectful and conscientious plant person.
Note: Listened to via Netgalley's recent audiobook feature, with much gratitude.
The most fascinating to me is kudzu, which I didn't know much about before this book. I only knew it was invasive but I had no idea it could grow so fast, overtake cars or be made into a delicious jelly! Who knew?!
This book is suitable for adults and young scientists looking to learn more. I especially appreciate the author's note at the end. about how to be a respectful and conscientious plant person.
Note: Listened to via Netgalley's recent audiobook feature, with much gratitude.
July 29, 2020
This is a great presentation of dangerous plants in the world. The description is vivid and clear, making the book apt for listening.
July 26, 2020
I listened to this thru netgalley I liked the book and felt it was appropriate for middle grade readers. I do however think the audiobook is better as a companion to the physical book. I know what all the plants mentioned look like but pictures would be nice. I think the audiobook would be great for less experienced readers to still be able to enjoy the book.
July 20, 2020
Thank you Lerner Audiobooks and NetGalley for the advanced audio copy of this book!
When Plants Attack by Rebecca E. Hirsch was an interesting and informative audiobook that presented plants in a whole new light! Focused on the ways that plants adapt to their habitat, we learned about plants that trap, smother, and kill in order to stay alive.
The narration on this was awesome! The delivery speed was great and the tone was instructional yet remained interesting throughout.
The plants were described in enough detail that illustrations were not necessary, but I think it will be great to pair the audiobook with a print version because actually seeing images of each plant would just enhance the reading/listening experience.
When Plants Attack by Rebecca E. Hirsch was an interesting and informative audiobook that presented plants in a whole new light! Focused on the ways that plants adapt to their habitat, we learned about plants that trap, smother, and kill in order to stay alive.
The narration on this was awesome! The delivery speed was great and the tone was instructional yet remained interesting throughout.
The plants were described in enough detail that illustrations were not necessary, but I think it will be great to pair the audiobook with a print version because actually seeing images of each plant would just enhance the reading/listening experience.
July 16, 2020
I've always been fascinated by the carnivorous plants I think this would be a wonderful audiobook to go along with a physical copy and or get children interested in doing more research on their own. The narrator's voice is very calming. Also enjoy the little stories on how the plants devour or destroy it made great examples.
April 21, 2019
Plants have way of surviving. Whether they live in inhospitable soil and have to catch their own food, like the venus fly trap, or they need to protect themselves from being eaten like the stinging tree, these plants have developed traits
Kinda gross, and very interesting, the full color captioned photographs show the plants up close and personal. We see the scientific process in action as specialists test why the plants do what they do. The text is accessible and short - about 3 pages per plant including side bars identifying the scientific name, alias what they do and where they can be found. Includes author's note, sources, a glossary, bibliography and "more to explore".
For this and more of my reviews, visit Kiss The Book at https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Kinda gross, and very interesting, the full color captioned photographs show the plants up close and personal. We see the scientific process in action as specialists test why the plants do what they do. The text is accessible and short - about 3 pages per plant including side bars identifying the scientific name, alias what they do and where they can be found. Includes author's note, sources, a glossary, bibliography and "more to explore".
For this and more of my reviews, visit Kiss The Book at https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
May 7, 2019
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway; thank you!
I enjoyed this book, as did my 11-year-old son. It is full of information, but it's not a pretentious or overly technical presentation. It reads like scary short-stories, as though it were fiction. There are so many ways this book could be used for story-times, introductions to botany, or just introducing a reluctant reader to non-fiction.
Thank you again for offering this read.
I enjoyed this book, as did my 11-year-old son. It is full of information, but it's not a pretentious or overly technical presentation. It reads like scary short-stories, as though it were fiction. There are so many ways this book could be used for story-times, introductions to botany, or just introducing a reluctant reader to non-fiction.
Thank you again for offering this read.
March 6, 2019
My Review: This book was a great educational tool for kids. Although it does give good overviews as well as in-depth explanations for certain things. I do wished it would have been just a little longer. I could see this used as a stepping stone to get kids both boys and girls interested in plants. Where they will want to go out and learn even more.
November 21, 2018
This is a fantastic educational book, full of cool facts and awesome pictures. Very interesting for all ages. My boys were excited to read this.
May 26, 2019
a fun, educational book that shows you the darker side of plants
March 5, 2020
Creepy!
August 16, 2020
Plants Aren’t Always Lovely
Audiobook Review:
Some plants have evolved some brilliant ways to defend themselves and actually take down what might be predators or perhaps just lunch! These plants can be everything from ones as small as houseplant up to entire trees. One of the first ones talked about is the stinging tree, native to Australia. One touch of this can actually cause acute pain for weeks, and the pain may sometimes recur now and then for years. We also learn about a few more familiar ones like the Venus flytrap. Each plant chapter is organized similarly. First, we hear a fictionalized account about what the plant attack is like and then its variety of names, including the scientific one, are given as well as where they are found. Then, even more interestingly—at least to me—the story of how scientists figured out how these mechanisms work and other interesting information is provided. I love that the scientific process for figuring out all of these mechanisms was shared, as I think that encourages natural curiosity in science. The narrator has a pleasant tone, and you can hear her interest in the topic. Because the book does have some unusual words—and I imagine some great photos of the plants—I recommend pairing the audiobook with the eBook or physical book so the child can read along with the audio and enjoy the pictures. If you have a child who enjoys stories of unusual science, she or he may enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Audiobook Review:
Some plants have evolved some brilliant ways to defend themselves and actually take down what might be predators or perhaps just lunch! These plants can be everything from ones as small as houseplant up to entire trees. One of the first ones talked about is the stinging tree, native to Australia. One touch of this can actually cause acute pain for weeks, and the pain may sometimes recur now and then for years. We also learn about a few more familiar ones like the Venus flytrap. Each plant chapter is organized similarly. First, we hear a fictionalized account about what the plant attack is like and then its variety of names, including the scientific one, are given as well as where they are found. Then, even more interestingly—at least to me—the story of how scientists figured out how these mechanisms work and other interesting information is provided. I love that the scientific process for figuring out all of these mechanisms was shared, as I think that encourages natural curiosity in science. The narrator has a pleasant tone, and you can hear her interest in the topic. Because the book does have some unusual words—and I imagine some great photos of the plants—I recommend pairing the audiobook with the eBook or physical book so the child can read along with the audio and enjoy the pictures. If you have a child who enjoys stories of unusual science, she or he may enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 14, 2021
Okay, I am NEVER LEAVING MY HOUSE AGAIN.
Who knew plants could be so terrifying??
Out of the eight plants they talked about, I had only heard of two of them.
While this is technically a children's book, I would give it to anyone with an interest in aggressive plants. I found myself totally engrossed and couldn't put it down.
It's set up like a criminal rap sheet, with each chapter talking about a different plant, it's aliases, and usual methods.
It's an excellent place to start learning, no matter your age!
That being said, I would recommend using judgement when giving it. These plants are all "killers" for a reason and some may enjoy with morbid curiosity, while others may be upset by the death of everything from small cute animals up to actual people.
I listened to the audio version of this and it was excellent. There is something to be gained from reading a physical copy and getting to see pictures of the actual plants, but there is no loss in listening! The writing is excellent, the author describes everything so well that a Google search of the plant always showed exactly what I'd been picturing!
You really can't go wrong with this book in any form
Who knew plants could be so terrifying??
Out of the eight plants they talked about, I had only heard of two of them.
While this is technically a children's book, I would give it to anyone with an interest in aggressive plants. I found myself totally engrossed and couldn't put it down.
It's set up like a criminal rap sheet, with each chapter talking about a different plant, it's aliases, and usual methods.
It's an excellent place to start learning, no matter your age!
That being said, I would recommend using judgement when giving it. These plants are all "killers" for a reason and some may enjoy with morbid curiosity, while others may be upset by the death of everything from small cute animals up to actual people.
I listened to the audio version of this and it was excellent. There is something to be gained from reading a physical copy and getting to see pictures of the actual plants, but there is no loss in listening! The writing is excellent, the author describes everything so well that a Google search of the plant always showed exactly what I'd been picturing!
You really can't go wrong with this book in any form
September 1, 2020
**I received and voluntarily listened to an ARC audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I love plants, so I was excited to be able to listen and review this audiobook. It contains a great selection of dangerous plants from around the world and lists each plant's general location, history, and eating habits!
While I had heard of the Venus flytrap, a lot of the plants were new to me, which made this book even better. Usually with children's books I've heard a lot of the information, so it was incredible to heard so much new information.
Growing up in the southern US, I've lived around kudzu all of my life, and I learned more from this book than I did growing up around the stuff. I especially look forward to trying to find some recipes to see if I can put it to use.
5/5 stars. Even though this is listed as children's nonfiction, even adults can enjoy this book.
I love plants, so I was excited to be able to listen and review this audiobook. It contains a great selection of dangerous plants from around the world and lists each plant's general location, history, and eating habits!
While I had heard of the Venus flytrap, a lot of the plants were new to me, which made this book even better. Usually with children's books I've heard a lot of the information, so it was incredible to heard so much new information.
Growing up in the southern US, I've lived around kudzu all of my life, and I learned more from this book than I did growing up around the stuff. I especially look forward to trying to find some recipes to see if I can put it to use.
5/5 stars. Even though this is listed as children's nonfiction, even adults can enjoy this book.
May 15, 2019
Plants get a rep for being pretty and docile, this book challenges that by introducing you to some fascinating and deadly plants. This book gives you in depth information that is not over technical so it keeps readers of all ages engaged and is easy to understand/read but full of cool facts. It also as quick facts and fascinating captioned photos showing plants as seemly innocent and then deadly.
As a mom of a boy and the den leader for cub scouts of other boys, I am always on the look out for educational, unique, and engaging books for them and this fits that bill. I enjoyed learning about them just as much as my son did and we flew through this book and it had us wanting to find the nearest location that had some of these plants so we could see them in action.
This would be a great addition to any educational library or nature loving reader of any age.
As a mom of a boy and the den leader for cub scouts of other boys, I am always on the look out for educational, unique, and engaging books for them and this fits that bill. I enjoyed learning about them just as much as my son did and we flew through this book and it had us wanting to find the nearest location that had some of these plants so we could see them in action.
This would be a great addition to any educational library or nature loving reader of any age.
September 9, 2020
We were amazed from start to finish!
The voice of the narrator is very pleasant, with a great rhythm for children. My son and I enjoyed the book from beginning to end, together we learned interesting defensive adaptations that stand out for their efficacy from some little-known plant species (with a few exceptions).
It is a great audiobook to complement the Life Science class and for children to better understand some of the successful evolutionary strategies of this Phylum. In homeschooling, I like to use materials and activities that amaze my child, engage his interest, and stimulate his restless curiosity to learn more, and this material is an excellent resource for doing so.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
The voice of the narrator is very pleasant, with a great rhythm for children. My son and I enjoyed the book from beginning to end, together we learned interesting defensive adaptations that stand out for their efficacy from some little-known plant species (with a few exceptions).
It is a great audiobook to complement the Life Science class and for children to better understand some of the successful evolutionary strategies of this Phylum. In homeschooling, I like to use materials and activities that amaze my child, engage his interest, and stimulate his restless curiosity to learn more, and this material is an excellent resource for doing so.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
October 26, 2024
The first thing I like about When plants attack is the cover. It makes me want to listen to the book. The second thing I like about the books is that its only a little over an hour so I can listen to it quickly.
The third thing I like about the book is that I felt good after listening to it.
Venus flytrap was the only plant in this book that I was aware of before listening to the book. All the other plants in the book are new to me. Of course it does not go into exhaustive detail about the plants it covers. I does make me want to know more about the plants discussed in it.
So if you want to listen to a book about weird plants I think you will find this book interesting. And if you don't find the book interesting it will be over in no time since its so short.
The third thing I like about the book is that I felt good after listening to it.
Venus flytrap was the only plant in this book that I was aware of before listening to the book. All the other plants in the book are new to me. Of course it does not go into exhaustive detail about the plants it covers. I does make me want to know more about the plants discussed in it.
So if you want to listen to a book about weird plants I think you will find this book interesting. And if you don't find the book interesting it will be over in no time since its so short.
June 17, 2021
This middle-grade non-fiction picture book talks about 8 different kinds of plants that are known to kill or hurt other living organisms. Each plant has its own chapter, and in each chapter, there is a description of the plant interacting with animals in the wild, then an explanation about why and how it kills or hurts other living organisms. There are interviews with scientists, showing how scientists tested different hypothesis about these plants and what they learned during their experiments.
It seems like a great book for upper elementary or middle school teachers to use while teaching. There are a lot of vocabulary words and plenty of science. Photographs are included on every page.
It seems like a great book for upper elementary or middle school teachers to use while teaching. There are a lot of vocabulary words and plenty of science. Photographs are included on every page.
August 17, 2020
Audiobook review:
I really enjoyed this book – When Plants Attack!
It was well paced and the narrator really suited the book too and showed great enthusiasm when she was reading. I listened to it on sitting.
The book covers a good variety of species and it really does get over the point that plants aren’t always harmless and just lovely to look at, they are all fascinating, weird and a little bizarre - and the Stinging Tree sounds particularly nasty!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I love books like this – very highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this book – When Plants Attack!
It was well paced and the narrator really suited the book too and showed great enthusiasm when she was reading. I listened to it on sitting.
The book covers a good variety of species and it really does get over the point that plants aren’t always harmless and just lovely to look at, they are all fascinating, weird and a little bizarre - and the Stinging Tree sounds particularly nasty!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I love books like this – very highly recommended!!
August 18, 2020
As a rule I’m not usually very interested in non-fiction, but this was different. This audiobook is so informative, interesting and enjoyable to listen to. The information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and the description is so in depth that you are able to picture exactly what is happening Or what the plant looks like even without access to pictures. I will definitely be looking at similar books by the author.
September 9, 2022
This book is about different ways plants protect themselves from all types of predators. They protect themselves by using many different poisons, or spikes. I will use this story as a way to show that sometimes things aren't what they seem.
March 9, 2022
I thought I knew a bit about carnivorous plants but this book actually showed me several new things.
December 4, 2018
“When Plants Attack” by Rebecca E. Hirsh is a great nonfiction read full of cool and interesting facts about a few different plants including Venus Flytraps and vampire vines. I read this with my 7 year old daughter and we both loved it. The book introduces a range of different plants with beautiful photographs and random facts about each plant. Each chapter covers a single plant, discussing its unique characteristics and the research involved in studying the plant. Every chapter also featured a nice vignette which made the information much easier for my daughter to understand and remember. I would recommend this to elementary students interested in science and plants in particular.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews