Wild Fibonacci

Nature's Secret Code Revealed

Illustrated by Carol Schwartz
Look inside
Paperback
$8.99 US
On sale Jul 27, 2010 | 32 Pages | 9781582463247

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. . . Look carefully. Do you see the pattern? Each number above is the sum of the two numbers before it. Though most of us are unfamiliar with it, this numerical series, called the Fibonacci sequence, is part of a code that can be found everywhere in nature. Count the petals on a flower or the peas in a peapod. The numbers are all part of the Fibonacci sequence. In Wild Fibonacci, readers will discover this mysterious code in a special shape called an equiangular spiral. Why so special? It mysteriously appears in the natural world: a sundial shell curves to fit the spiral. So does a parrot's beak. . . a hawk's talon. . . a ram's horn. . . even our own human teeth! Joy Hulme provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Fibonacci sequence and its presence in the animal world.
In the Fibonacci sequence
each new number comes
from adding up the two before
and figuring the sum.

This number set is used to plot
a graceful curving line
that's often found in nature
as part of its design.

Fibonacci creatures
have a certain body part
which fits the winding, coiling shape
that spirals on this chart.

These parts are most important
the help the beasts survice.
Finding food and fighting foes
can keep each one alive.
Joy N. Hulme's lifelong love affair with learning has inspired her to encourage the same passion in children everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Sea Squares, illustrated by Carol Schwartz. Visit Hulme at http://joynhulme.com/ View titles by Joy N. Hulme
CAROL SCHWARTZ has illustrated more than forty-five picture books, including the award-winning books Sea Squares, by Joy Hulme, and Thinking About Ants, by Barbara Brenner. View titles by Carol Schwartz

About

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. . . Look carefully. Do you see the pattern? Each number above is the sum of the two numbers before it. Though most of us are unfamiliar with it, this numerical series, called the Fibonacci sequence, is part of a code that can be found everywhere in nature. Count the petals on a flower or the peas in a peapod. The numbers are all part of the Fibonacci sequence. In Wild Fibonacci, readers will discover this mysterious code in a special shape called an equiangular spiral. Why so special? It mysteriously appears in the natural world: a sundial shell curves to fit the spiral. So does a parrot's beak. . . a hawk's talon. . . a ram's horn. . . even our own human teeth! Joy Hulme provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Fibonacci sequence and its presence in the animal world.

Excerpt

In the Fibonacci sequence
each new number comes
from adding up the two before
and figuring the sum.

This number set is used to plot
a graceful curving line
that's often found in nature
as part of its design.

Fibonacci creatures
have a certain body part
which fits the winding, coiling shape
that spirals on this chart.

These parts are most important
the help the beasts survice.
Finding food and fighting foes
can keep each one alive.

Author

Joy N. Hulme's lifelong love affair with learning has inspired her to encourage the same passion in children everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Sea Squares, illustrated by Carol Schwartz. Visit Hulme at http://joynhulme.com/ View titles by Joy N. Hulme
CAROL SCHWARTZ has illustrated more than forty-five picture books, including the award-winning books Sea Squares, by Joy Hulme, and Thinking About Ants, by Barbara Brenner. View titles by Carol Schwartz

Three Penguin Random House Authors Win Pulitzer Prizes

On Monday, May 5, three Penguin Random House authors were honored with a Pulitzer Prize. Established in 1917, the Pulitzer Prizes are the most prestigious awards in American letters. To date, PRH has 143 Pulitzer Prize winners, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Josh Steinbeck, Ron Chernow, Anne Applebaum, Colson Whitehead, and many more. Take a look at our 2025 Pulitzer Prize

Read more

Books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

In June we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual + (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month, which honors the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. Pride Month is a time to both celebrate the accomplishments of those in the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the ongoing struggles faced by many across the world who wish to live

Read more