This Book is Cute: The Soft and Squishy Science and Culture of Aww

Ever wonder why some creatures just make you want to cuddle them? Join us in the science lab to ooh and aah over adorable animals and discover why CUTE is just so darn irresistible!

Those adorable big eyes. Those floppy ears! And that soft velvety fur. Welcome to the soft and squishy science of cute! In this book, we'll take a look at what actually makes something "cute," what happens inside our brains when we see something cute, and why we're biologically hardwired that way. We'll also explore why some brands, products, and characters have been such sensational hits through the ages.

Get ready for cute overload as we look at lots of awww-dorable images to explore why babies, puppies, and other small fluffy animals with round faces and big eyes are universally adored (and why others are less so). Flynn explains the psychology and physiology behind our responses and answers questions, such as What influence does our culture or environment have on our conceptions of cute? We'll also take an up-close look at crazes today, from the indisputably cutest animals ever to Internet sensations. Let the squealing commence!