There are some pretty funny and touching moments in this book, but I began to skim as I got deeper. If Gibbons doesn't have a great story about the particular plant or animal he's writing about, the section will read more like a reference book.

I did learn a thing or two. For example: you can pretty much grab a fistful of any leafy green you see outside, boil it in salted water for 20 minutes, and put butter on it, and it'll be delicious. Of course, if it's a fruit or berry, you're going to want to boil it with 10 cups of sugar instead.