Darwin

Ten-year-old Henry has just gotten the job of his life—assistant to Charles Darwin on a voyage of the HMS Beagle. He will help Darwin collect all the creatures that fly, scuttle, and leap on this expedition to faraway lands. Little does he know that it will be one of the greatest scientific expeditions of all time! As the trip gets under way, Henry records everything he sees and does in his diary, providing readers with a firsthand account of the famous adventure. Fictionally told but based on facts, Charles Darwin puts an innovative spin on the story and accomplishments of the most famous naturalist in history, just in time for Darwin’s 200th birthday.

Ten-year-old Henry has just gotten the job of his life—assistant to Charles Darwin on a voyage of the HMS Beagle. He will help Darwin collect all the creatures that fly, scuttle, and leap on this expedition to faraway lands. Little does he know that it will be one of the greatest scientific expeditions of all time! As the trip gets under way, Henry records everything he sees and does in his diary, providing readers with a firsthand account of the famous adventure. Fictionally told but based on facts, Charles Darwin puts an innovative spin on the story and accomplishments of the most famous naturalist in history, just in time for Darwin’s 200th birthday.

Children's Literature

It is 1832 and James Kincaid, a 10-year-old British orphan, has just been accepted as a volunteer sailor on the HMS Beagle. Also on board this historic journey is none other than Charles Darwin, the ship's naturalist. As the ship sets sail on its four-year adventure, James has been given a most amazing gift from Mr. Darwin—a journal in which to write about and sketch his adventures. And adventures they are. Through his journal, James tells the lucky reader about his experiences traveling from the United Kingdom around the South American continent on westward to Australia and Africa before finally heading home. All along the way Darwin and young James explore all of nature's amazing treasures. This voyage was to become the basis for Darwin's groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the theory of evolution that is debated yet today. (Although teachers should note that there is but a passing reference to this controversial theory.) Based on the true story of Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle, this fictionalized account opens young readers' eyes to the danger of sea voyages and the thrill of scientific discovery. Every page features excellent illustrations coupled with actual photographs of the tools Darwin used and/or the creatures he discovered, observed and catalogued. Included in the text are nonfiction accounts of: what happened to Darwin after the voyage was complete; details about the HMS Beagle, including a cross-sectional map of the ship; the route of Darwin's voyage; life at sea during the mid-1800s; Darwin's specimens; extinct creatures; and eminent 19th-century scientists. A glossary and index are likewise included to aid in thecontinued research a young reader might wish to pursue after reading this fascinating account of a truly groundbreaking voyage. Reviewer: Kris Sauer

Alan Gibbons is a full-time writer and lecturer and twice has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. He lives in Liverpool, England with his wife and four children.

Leo Brown is a painter, illustrator, author, art director, sculptor, and animator. As a concept artist, his clients range from the BBC to Disney.