100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Auckland Bookstore open today until 5pm! πŸŽ‰

Powered by Plants

Meet the trees, flowers and vegetation that inspire our everyday technology
4.43 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 28 ratings, 10 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Powered by Plants explores the remarkable diversity of plant life, highlighting how their unique features have inspired human innovations in science, design, engineering, and technology. From towering cottonwood trees harnessing wind power potential to carnivorous plants and fast-growing aquatic species aiding ship propulsion, the book reveals surprising applications of both exotic and familiar plants like bamboo, coconut, and maize. Colourful illustrations and engaging fact boxes enliven the science, demonstrating the vast knowledge gained from studying the natural world.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$3699
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is well suited to children and young readers with an interest in science, nature, and technology, as well as educators seeking engaging educational material. It particularly appeals to those curious about biology, innovation, and environmental studies.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Powered by Plants explores the world of plants and how their properties are increasingly helping to shape the cutting edge of human technology and design.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals and Built by Animals, Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology.

Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures, and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly studied and copied, inspiring innovation in science, design, engineering, and technology. This book guides readers through a startling collection of fascinating vegetation, from towering cottonwood trees with wind power potential to slippery, meat-eating assassins of the plant world and the fast-growing aquatic plant which helps propel ships farther using less energy.

Learn surprising applications and spin-offs of both exotic species including the world's largest flower that generates its own heat and more familiar plants such as bamboo, coconut, and maize, all depicted in colourful, engaging fashion.

Colourful and lively illustrations and pop-out fact boxes bring the science in this book to life, and Powered by Plants shows us how much we can learn from studying the myriad magnificence of the natural world. Other fascinating books in this series are Built by Animals and Invented by Animals.

Series: Designed by Nature

View all
  • Invented by Animals
    Often human scientists try to solve a problem or invent a new tool and they realise that animals have already invented it for them. In Invented by Animals, you will meet the animal inventors who have shared their super inventing powers to make amazing things for humans. We have invented ways of solving problems, making unbelievable materials, ways of getting...
    Hardback
    $3299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Powered by Plants
    Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals and Built by Animals, Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology. Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures, and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly...
    Hardback
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Built by Animals
    Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals, Built by Animals introduces us to the creatures who have inspired the materials and techniques that are used by humans in the building world today. Meet over 26 animals behind the most amazing building tech, humorously brought to life by Yeji Yun and wittily and expertly explained by WWF educator Christiane Dorion....
    Hardback
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Invented by Animals
    Invented by Animals is the winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards 2022 and has become an international best-seller, translated into over 25 languages. In this book, you will meet the animal inventors who have shared their extraordinary inventing powers to make amazing things for humans. We have developed incredible ways of solving problems, creating unbelievable materials, finding methods of...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Powered by Plants is praised as an informative and inspiring introduction to plant diversity and their technological uses, suitable for a young audience. Reviews highlight its light-hearted yet fact-filled approach, abundant illustrations, and appeal to aspiring scientists and engineers. It is recommended for both school and home libraries, and is noted as part of a compelling series including Built by Animals and Invented by Animals.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780711270060

Publisher: Quarto Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 August 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Wide Eyed Editions

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Gosia Herba

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 235.0mm

Height: 276.0mm

Weight: 650g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Clive Gifford has travelled to more than 70 countries, climbed rocket launch towers, ridden on robots and flown gliders. Hes had more than 200 books published and received nominations for or won Royal Society, School Library Association, Smithsonian and TES awards. He won the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Book with Facts 2019 for his title The Colours of History (QED). Clive lives in Manchester, UK. Gosia Herba is an illustrator and art historian originally from Poland. Shes worked as an illustrator of childrens books, graphic novels, magazines, music labels, and advertisements for over 12 years. www.gosiaherba.pl

Also by Clive Gifford

View all
  • On Sale
    20% off
    Lonely Planet Kids How Spaceships Work
    Blast off into the cosmos with the latest title in the popular 'How Things Work' series, which includes How Cities Work, How Airports Work, How Trains Work, and How Ships Workβ€”books that reveal the inner workings of familiar places and vehicles. Featuring fantastic illustrations by James Gulliver Hancock, Lonely Planet Kids How Spaceships Work explores the ultimate vehicles: spaceships. Discover...
    Hardback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2699
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    Lonely Planet Kids Inside – The World's Wonders
    Take a tour around the world to uncover some of the planet's most incredible landmarks and monuments - inside and out. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal to Sydney Opera House, you'll discover the secrets of these iconic structures, learn about their history and find out why they have become 'wonders' of...
    Hardback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • AMAZING FOOTBALL FACTS EVERY 7 YEAR OLD NEEDS TO KNOW
    Pack your brain with football fun and trivia ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 championship! Did you know? The world’s largest football shirt is over 80m long. In 2002, Australia won a World Cup qualifying game by 31–0. Danish referee Henning Erikstrup’s fake teeth fell out when he went to blow the final whistle. The youngest person to be signed...
    Paperback
    $1499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • On Sale
    15% off
    Amazing Puzzles and Quizzes for Every 10 Year Old
    Filled with over 150 brain-busting puzzles and quizzes – fully illustrated throughout! Are you a whizz at animal trivia? Do travel facts float your boat? Do you know all there is to know about dinosaurs? Put your knowledge to the test in this fun-packed book of puzzles and quizzes! Look out for spot the difference, mazes, odd one out, and...
    Paperback
    $1100
    Usually:
    $1299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Amazing Puzzles and Quizzes for Every 8 Year Old
    Filled with over 150 brain-busting puzzles and quizzes – fully illustrated throughout! Are you a whizz at animal trivia? Do travel facts float your boat? Do you know all there is to know about dinosaurs? Put your knowledge to the test in this fun-packed book of puzzles and quizzes! Look out for spot the difference, mazes, odd one out and...
    Paperback
    $1299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Amazing Puzzles and Quizzes for Every 9 Year Old
    Filled with over 150 brain-busting puzzles and quizzes – fully illustrated throughout! Are you a whizz at animal trivia? Do travel facts float your boat? Do you know all there is to know about dinosaurs? Put your knowledge to the test in this fun-packed book of puzzles and quizzes! Look out for spot the difference, mazes, odd one out, and...
    Paperback
    $1299
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • Ben Stokes
    Meet the king of English cricket, Ben Stokes, in this thrilling unofficial biography! From his childhood in New Zealand and his early cricketing career at Cockermouth, to winning his first County Championship with Durham and selection for England, Ben Stokes’s cricket career has been filled with extraordinary successes alongside great challenges. Follow this impressive all-rounder as he bats, bowls and...
    Paperback
    $1699
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Heather Knight
    Meet the champion of the England women’s team, Heather Knight, in this thrilling unofficial biography! Heather Knight is a talented all-rounder and first-class batter, with a stellar career across all formats of the game. She has led the England women’s squad all around the world as captain, netting some spectacular victories along the way. Cheer at her most exciting matches,...
    Paperback
    $1699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Incredible Football
    Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, prepare to be amazed by this fun-filled book of stories, facts and stats from the world of football. Meet the dog that saved Manchester United! Discover the match that was played in space . . . . . . and the game that was abandoned when the ref sent off...
    Paperback
    $1699
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    23% off
    Incredible Cricket
    Whether you’re already a fan or are new to the sport, prepare to be BOWLED OVER by this fun-filled book of stories, facts and stats from the world of cricket. 60 extraordinary stories span the globe and include unforgettable events and players from the men’s, women’s and para games, past and present. Meet Brian Lara, who made a mind-blowing 501...
    Paperback
    $1300
    Usually:
    $1699
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Incredible Golf
    Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the sport, prepare to be amazed by this fun-filled book of stories, facts and stats from the world of golf. With over 80 million fans worldwide, golf is a fast-growing sport among grown-ups AND kids! Did you know that... You can only compete in the annual Kris Kringle Open in the USA...
    Paperback
    $1699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Incredible Rugby
    Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the sport, prepare to be amazed by this fun-filled book of stories, facts, and stats from the world of rugby. The book’s content spans the globe and includes unforgettable events and players from the men’s, women’s, and para games, past and present. Discover inspiring pioneers, iconic players, historic moments, and some of...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Education & Reference

View all
  • Revenge of the Tipping Point
    Twenty-five years after the publication of his groundbreaking first book, Malcolm Gladwell returns with a brand new volume that reframes the lessons of The Tipping Point in a startling and revealing light. What does the heartbreaking fate of the cheetah tell us about the way we raise our children? Why do elite universities care so much about sports? What is...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Body Keeps the Score
    The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Signed Copy
    New Release
    "What Were You Thinking!?"
    Everything parents need to know about their baby, child or teen's developing brain to raise resilient, emotional intelligent kids, by globally renowned neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis. 'What were you thinking!?'If you've ever asked this in despair while watching a toddler melt down, a tween push boundaries or a teenager make a truly terrible decision, this book is for you.InΒ "What Were...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    The Age Code
    What if the food you eat could rewind your biological clock? 'Clear and compelling' β€” Chris van Tulleken 'Really interesting and insightful' β€” Joe Wicks 'Fascinating' β€” Tim Spector From the rising incidence of cancer in the under-50s to increased infertility rates, there are signs everywhere that growing numbers of us are ageing too quickly. Why? Many believe there’s one...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    One Last Question, Prime Minister
    From Muldoon to Luxon, untold stories from the House of Parliament Barry Soper has spent close to five decades questioning New Zealand's prime ministers.From the imposing, larger-than-life characters of Rob Muldoon and David Lange, to the golden age of Helen Clark and John Key, and the post-Covid era of Jacinda Ardern and the 'Chrises', Soper's insight and nose for a...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Regime Change
    From the two reporters who have covered him more closely than perhaps anyone else over the past decade comes this definitive portrait of Donald Trump in the White House and the first year of his second presidency. Based on hundreds of interviews and unprecedented reporting from deep within the administration’s most closely guarded rooms, Regime Change takes the reader into...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Signed Copy
    Go Hard or Go Home
    From the front bench to rock bottom:Β Go Hard or Go HomeΒ is Kiri Allan's fearless memoir of ambition, disruption and survival in NZ politics and beyond. Kiri Allan's six-year political career spanned some of the most challenging times in recent history. Events a government might encounter once in a generation stacked up: a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption, destructive and deadly...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    Pre-order
    Out 4 Aug 2026
  • Roadmap to Property Success
    Ready to ditch the 9-to-5 and build lasting wealth through property? In Roadmap to Property Success, seasoned investor and coach Steve Goodey shares the exact strategies that helped him – and thousands of Kiwis – build sustainable property portfolios from scratch. With real-life lessons, hard-won wisdom, and zero sugar-coating, this is your no-BS guide to property investing in New Zealand....
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Suicidal Empathy
    The bestselling author of The Parasitic Mind shows why empathy in politics leads to civilizational collapse. What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. In his new book, Suicidal Empathy, Saad unleashes a blistering critique...
    Paperback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Man's Search For Meaning
    Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound, thought-provoking memoir and psychological exploration that delves into the harrowing experiences of life in Nazi concentration camps, intertwined with the author’s groundbreaking theories on existential psychology. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for finding purpose...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • How Will I Ever Get Through This?
    'Dr Lucy's unpacking of the grief that comes with living losses was a lightbulb moment for me.' Ellidy Pullin 'The best work I know on positive psychology and grief is Lucy Hone's.' Martin Seligman 'Lucy's insights are practical, wise, and deeply human - they stay with you long after you read them.' Chelsea Pottenger From bestselling author and TED speaker...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.