Books with author Maria Birmingham

Biometrics ― the science of using the body to identify a person ― is everywhere, not just in science fiction, but in everyday life. Today, biometrics is on the cutting edge of security. It’s used for access into banks and airports, as well as to keep money and personal information safe. Methods like fingerprinting and retinal scanning might be more familiar, but biometrics can also identify people based on ear shape, scent, vein pattern, and much more. This book explores nine biometrics in detail, explaining how each works, where it’s used, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other techniques. It also discusses privacy, security, why we need methods of identification, and touches on biometrics of the future. Engaging and colorful design and playful illustrations alongside surprising anecdotes, historical context, and humor make this an enjoyable, in-depth look at a hot topic. Informational text features include sidebars, diagrams, sources, a glossary and an index.

How are humans different from other animals? This is a question scientists have long tried to answer. As it turns out, some of the very things researchers once though distinguished humans―our creativity, our problem-solving ability, our capacity for planning or abstract thought―actually make us very similar to other animals! This nonfiction book introduces several different behaviors that humans and other animals share, including farming, teaching, laughing, building, mourning, communicating, grooming, playing, traveling, using tools, and working together. Narrated by a funny and friendly ant, this book is packed with humor and playful phrasing to bring lightness to the exploration of animal behavior. Brought to life by bright and wacky cartoon-style illustrations, Acting Wild will leave kids with the understanding that acting like an animal is simply in their nature.

Think soccer, baseball, basketball, and hockey are the only options in the world of sports? Think again! Weird Zone: Sports uncovers the "other" sports, from the local and hidden to the strange, bizarre, and downright crazy.Playing football with over 200 people per team? (Just imagine the pile-up!) Chasing a giant wheel of cheese down an English hillside? Wrestling with your toes? This book contains all the funny facts about these sports — and many, many more!With science and history sidebars, pop quizzes, and tons of amazing photographs and hilarious illustrations, Weird Zone: Sports is the ultimate addition to every sports addict's library.

Think soccer, baseball, basketball, and hockey are the only options in the world of sports? Think again! Weird Zone: Sports uncovers the "other" sports, from the local and hidden to the strange, bizarre, and downright crazy.Playing football with over 200 people per team? (Just imagine the pile-up!) Chasing a giant wheel of cheese down an English hillside? Wrestling with your toes? This book contains all the funny facts about these sports — and many, many more!With science and history sidebars, pop quizzes, and tons of amazing photographs and hilarious illustrations, Weird Zone: Sports is the ultimate addition to every sports addict's library.

Luke is visiting his Granny for the weekend. Luke's Granny owns a sweet shop and her house is stuck onto it! Luke feels like the luckiest boy in the world because he thinks Granny will give him all of her sweets in the shop! When Granny gives him potatoes and vegetables for dinner, Luke cannot believe it! Why is she giving him this instead of a plate full of candy? He sneaks down when she is asleep and takes the key to her shop. He eats all the sweets he can fit in his tummy, but soon learns a harsh lesson that too many sweets can make little boys sick! Luke realises he should have eaten the healthy dinner that Granny made, only then would he have gotten his sweets. Luke learns in the end that vegetables make you big and strong and unlike sweets- do not make your tummy sick! A humorous and fun tale but with an important lesson to eat healthy.