Natural Attraction

Explore nature and human nature as you learn about symbiotic relationships in the animal world. Codependency, mooching, and frenemies are not just for humans, it turns out--no species in the animal kingdom functions independently from others, and their interactions just might surprise you! Watercolor illustrations and explanatory text depict 35 odd, cute, and unpredictable pairs with humor and warmth, and infographics on vampires, cannibalism, mimicry, and parasites enlighten and charm. You'll learn a lot about nature-and human nature-as you recognize traits of your own friends, frenemies, and enemies in this insightful, amusing study of the secret lives of animals.

“If you thought you knew something about relationships, think again. Iris Gottlieb has created a curiosity cabinet full of surprising partnerships in the natural world. I learned something on every page—and laughed at the witty takeaways. Anyone who loves nature will love this charming, illuminating book.”   —Jennifer Ackerman, author of The Genius of Birds “An appealing and quirky exploration of who does what to whom in nature. Iris Gottlieb’s whimsical art and prose complement one another as neatly as the relationships she describes. Delightful!” —Thor Hanson, author of The Triumph of Seeds“A beautifully illustrated, humorous, and enlightening reminder that no living being on this earth is (for better or for worse) truly alone. I finished this book with a renewed sense of wonder at the interconnectedness of everything.” —Yumi Sakugawa, author of There Is No Right Way to Meditate: And Other Lessons  "Full of hard-to-believe facts about the symbiotic nature of animals and their intertwinings. The mongoose and the warthog, ants and aphids, vampire  bats and livestock: Your last relationship was not this weird, promise." —Oakland Magazine"Iris Gottlieb’s precise drawings about the natural world make scientific information accessible and fun."—The Herald-Sun"The world of animals out in the wild is complicated and surprising, including the way that species help and harm each other...Each entry in this illustrated book includes a different animal pair, and how the two help — or aggravate! — one another." —New Moon Girls“Author Iris Gottlieb … illustrates her book with bold watercolors.”—Casper Star Tribune “Natural Attraction is a lovely, factual read, filled with illustrations and it’s a great addition to our bookshelf.”—Over 40 and a Mum to One “I love reading about these cool-to-gross animal relationships and I love the art, too.”—Folded Pages Distillery “An utterly fascinating browse from cover to cover, Natural Attraction is a choice pick for both personal and public library collections.”—Midwest Book Review

Iris Gottleib is an illustrator and layman scientist. She grew up collecting dead and living things and has continued to do so, documenting and researching them along the way. When not exploring, Iris works with museums, publications, groups, and individuals as a freelance illustrator, tattooer, and graphic recorder. She is the on-hand illustrator for the San Francisco Exploratorium's Tinkering Studio as well as an illustrator at the Oakland Museum of California.