[kranner]

For explorations of simple mechanisms like this leading to complex behaviour, Valentino Braitenberg’s book Vehicles is a classic.

[dreamcompiler]

Seconded. This book enlarged my brain.

[bryancoxwell]

Would it do well on a Kindle or does it rely on illustrations?

[kranner]

Definitely relies on illustrations.

The author passed away 15 years ago so I will mention the PDF of the book shows up in the first few search results on Google.

[bryancoxwell]

Thanks!