This new book is by a Dutch biodiversity scientist who has written two previous books for popular audiences. The author uses a friendly and funny style; technical terms are used where they are helpful, they are explained quickly and easily (with the aid of some clear illustrations, none of which are X-rated in human terms), and the text moves on to more interesting things. These include an equitable curiosity about bodies of all sorts (male and female, backboned, tentacled, armor-plated), and showing readers how science is done in real life. Curious scientists here answer questions by mailing each other boxes of live slugs, tying strings to dragonflies, having friendly arguments, and staying up all night to observe what's really going on in those bushes. Because the author is a scientist studying the diversity of the natural world, the sex lives of animals are presented in their own context: animals here are not disguised comments on humans, and many are invertebrates. The book never hesitates to include information about human beings as well, but the text is free from sniggering jokes. The driving force here is the ability of scientists to be openly curious about anything, for its own sake, because it's interesting. The author brings a personal voice, and readers may find themselves sharing the infectious curiosity that begins with “how the heck do scorpions have sex?” and leads to better understanding the living world as a whole. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com) Read Less