Nuts of wisdom
Local author's new children's book offers fascinating glimpse into animal world

If you’re downtown with the kids on Noel Night and looking for a distraction from the cocoa and marshmallows, why not try books?

Local author Kate Siber will be hosting a booksigning event for her new children’s book, "The Hidden Wisdom of Animals," starting at 5 p.m. at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.

“’The Hidden Wisdom of Animals’ is about what we can learn from wildlife for our own lives and wellbeing – like what if animals were our teachers?” Siber said in an email. “For example, from owls, who have incredible hearing, we can learn how to listen. From bears, who hibernate, we can learn how to rest. My favorites are the underdogs, like slugs and even flies, who have surprising wisdom for us.”

Siber, a contributor to Outside who also wrote “50 Adventures in the 50 States” and “National Parks of the U.S.A.,” said in more than 20 years of writing, this has been her favorite project, “I actually missed it when I was done.”

 Although the book, which was illustrated by Kaitlynn Copithorne, is primarily for children, there is plenty to keep adults interested as well. For example, who knew that hares (whose young are called “leverets”) are one of the fastest land mammals, clocking in at speeds of 45mph? Or that squirrels use their tales for balance and have amazing long-term memories, remembering up to 90% of the locations where they’ve stored their nuts? Or some bats eat so many insects with shiny exoskeletons that their guano sparkles?

Siber, who is also a community dharma leader for the Durango Dharma Center, said her process started with observing wildlife right here in Durango, from crows and foxes to squirrels and slugs. “I actually began to notice them in ways I never had before. The whole process of researching the book, which ultimately took more than a year was a time of deep joy and discovery,” she said. “I regaled my friends with quirky wildlife facts on hikes and backpacking trips and even over drinks.”

Ultimately, her publisher asked her to include animals from all over the world, so there are pages devoted to flamingos, jellyfish, sloths, dolphins and other exotic-to-Durango species. In addition to the science and anecdotes, Siber also include myths and legends from cultures across the globe, from American Indigenous traditions to African lore and European folk beliefs.

Siber said the ultimate goal is to transport kids from their screens to a real world of natural wonder while offering some important life lessons. Like always remembering where your nuts are stored.