In Beastly Brains: Exploring How Animals Talk, Think, And Feel environmental educator and photographer Nancy Castaldo explores the minds of animals and explores how animals communicate, use tools, live in social societies, and show empathy. Using interviews and historical information, Castaldo looks at the  researchers from Charles Darwin to Jane Goodall, and many others, to look at the minds of animals. The reader will discover all kinds of fascinating information, including that dolphins are the animals with largest brains relative to body size next to humans. But dolphins have more folds in their cortex than any other animal, including man. Scientists believe that the folds provide more room for neurons.  

There are many more interesting facts and stories of animals, accompanied by wonderful photographs. The book includes sidebars, a glossary, source notes, an index, lists of recommended videos, books, and a Nobel Prize lecture, in addition to an extensive bibliography.

For those enjoying science non-fiction, Castaldo has two other books of interest, Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (And Their Noses) Save the World,   and The Story of Seeds: From Mendel’s Garden to Your Plate, And How There’s More of Less to Eat Around the World.