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Rick LeCouteur
Inviting young readers to marvel at the wonder of nature's creatures
Rick's Blog
#bunyipsbooksbeyond
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 26, 20243 min read
From Bluey to Books: Gender roles in kids' stories
This picture shows Bluey and Bingo with two Australian white ibis who have joined their picnic lunch. It’s no wonder that these birds are...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 25, 20242 min read
Rosettes of the Wild: Jaguars vs. Leopards
When you think of big cats like jaguars and leopards, it’s easy to get lost in the mesmerizing beauty of their fur. But these patterns...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 25, 20242 min read
From Scooters to Stings: The amusing tale of being “killed by a vespa”
Italy is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and its iconic Vespa motor scooters zipping through picturesque...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 25, 20243 min read
Birds' Bills: More than just a beak
Birds' bills are remarkable structures that play a crucial role in their survival and interaction with the environment. Often used...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 24, 20243 min read
Seeing Isn’t Believing: The pitfalls of “imaging-only” glioma diagnoses in research studies
Relying solely on an "imaging diagnosis" of gliomas in research studies, without histological confirmation, significantly impacts the...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 24, 20243 min read
Beyond 'Presumptive': Expanding the language of scientific uncertainty
In addition to "presumptive," "presumed," and "suspected," there are several other terms commonly used in scientific manuscripts to...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 24, 20243 min read
The Language of Uncertainty: Using 'presumptive,' 'presumed,' and 'suspected' in science
Scientific research is a meticulous journey that often involves navigating the complexities of data interpretation, hypothesis testing,...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 23, 20242 min read
Hunting with a Punch: Octopus-fish alliances and leadership
What happens when a solitary octopus teams up with a diverse group of fish to hunt? Surprisingly, it’s not just about cooperation - it’s...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 22, 20242 min read
Nurturing Nature: Why animals matter in early childhood learning
Introducing young children to nature through animals profoundly impacts their development and environmental awareness. Animals serve as...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 18, 20243 min read
Talking-Animal Picture Books: Exploring the Animal-Human Bond
Ever wondered what it’s like to see the world through the eyes of a penguin? Children’s picture books about talking animals don’t just...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20243 min read
Hardcover vs. Softcover Children's Picture Books: Which is the better choice?
When it comes to children's picture books, parents, educators, and gift-givers often face a decision: should they choose a hardcover or a...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20248 min read
More Than Just Pets: A story about the evolution of veterinary care
To follow is a shortened version (really!) of an article that appeared in the San Jose Mercury News in May 1999 . I found it interesting...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 17, 20243 min read
Rainbow in Feathers: The outback’s most vibrant bird (#75)
Imagine a bird so vibrant it seems painted by the hand of an artist - a living rainbow darting through the Australian outback. Meet the...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 16, 20244 min read
Spider Silk: Nature's strongest and most versatile fiber
Envisage a material so strong it can stop a speeding train, yet so light it floats on air. A fiber that stretches without breaking and is...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 16, 20244 min read
Vanishing in the Arctic: The plight of the snowy owl
Imagine a vast, snowy landscape, where the silence is broken only by the faint rustle of wings and the sharp, piercing gaze of a Snowy...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 15, 20244 min read
Invisible Barriers: Bird migration, high-rise hazards, and Flaco's urban tale
Every year, billions of birds embark on epic migrations, traversing continents and oceans in search of breeding grounds and warmer...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20242 min read
Tales with Tails: Animals in children's picture books
Young readers generally have a fondness for animals, a sentiment that literature has effectively harnessed for educational purposes....
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20243 min read
The Secret Behind Eyeshine: Evolution of the tapetum lucidum
When you shine a flashlight into the woods at night, you might catch a glimpse of glowing eyes staring back at you. This eerie...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 14, 20243 min read
Playground Revolution: Redesigning spaces for a sustainable future
As temperatures rise and city spaces shrink, the joyful sounds of children at play face an uncertain future. What if the answer to...
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RIck LeCouteur
Sep 12, 20242 min read
Wild Hearts: 7 inspiring ways to teach kids to respect wildlife
In an increasingly urbanized world, fostering a deep respect for wildlife in children is more important than ever. By nurturing this...
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