Overview
Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species and the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, Evolution Revolution reveals the story behind "the greatest idea in history." Following in the footsteps of What Makes Me Me?, Go Figure!, and Can You Feel the Force?, this book answers questions such as "why do tigers have stripes?" with entertaining text, full-color photographs, and the boldness and innovation that define this groundbreaking series.
Synopsis
Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species and the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, Evolution Revolution reveals the story behind "the greatest idea in history." Following in the footsteps of What Makes Me Me?, Go Figure!, and Can You Feel the Force?, this book answers questions such as "why do tigers have stripes?" with entertaining text, full-color photographs, and the boldness and innovation that define this groundbreaking series.
Children's Literature
The opening comment by Robert Winston and the illustration that accompanies it are terrific. He clearly states what a breakthrough Darwin's theory of evolution was and how it is supported more strongly as we learn more. Some may still find Darwin's theory controversial. The amusing illustration shows the evolution pictorially with the last creature being a very unusual hominid. The four major sections of the book begin with a chapter that sets the stage of man's search for answers. The second presents Darwin and his theory which then takes us to the third section that discusses genetics and the final section which is entitled "Evolution in Action" because after all, "are we not still evolving?" Readers may think that Darwin only published one book On the Origin of Species, but he actually followed up with more books including The Descent of Man in which he posited that humans and apes shared a common ancestor. Darwin spent twenty years working to find proof for his theory and he enlisted the help of his extensive family. Readers are invited to build their own collection boxes (although it may be hard for kids today to find the matchboxes called for in the project). Text and illustration clearly explain his theories and how the information was promulgated. Today scientists have other information to support Darwin's natural selection theory—genetics and the ability to study genetic codes. How about the facts that we share 50% of our genes with a banana or that what we do to our bodies could affect our grandchildren? It is pretty heady stuff and a chapter entitled "Playing God" is bound to raise the eyebrows of some. The closing pages contain an interesting timeline,address the missing link, and offer a family tree which includes the development of humans. There is a glossary and an index. In this year of celebrating Darwin, this is another excellent book to help young readers better understand his work and to place it in the larger context of science today. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Editorials
Children's Literature -
The opening comment by Robert Winston and the illustration that accompanies it are terrific. He clearly states what a breakthrough Darwin's theory of evolution was and how it is supported more strongly as we learn more. Some may still find Darwin's theory controversial. The amusing illustration shows the evolution pictorially with the last creature being a very unusual hominid. The four major sections of the book begin with a chapter that sets the stage of man's search for answers. The second presents Darwin and his theory which then takes us to the third section that discusses genetics and the final section which is entitled "Evolution in Action" because after all, "are we not still evolving?" Readers may think that Darwin only published one book On the Origin of Species, but he actually followed up with more books including The Descent of Man in which he posited that humans and apes shared a common ancestor. Darwin spent twenty years working to find proof for his theory and he enlisted the help of his extensive family. Readers are invited to build their own collection boxes (although it may be hard for kids today to find the matchboxes called for in the project). Text and illustration clearly explain his theories and how the information was promulgated. Today scientists have other information to support Darwin's natural selection theory—genetics and the ability to study genetic codes. How about the facts that we share 50% of our genes with a banana or that what we do to our bodies could affect our grandchildren? It is pretty heady stuff and a chapter entitled "Playing God" is bound to raise the eyebrows of some. The closing pages contain an interesting timeline,address the missing link, and offer a family tree which includes the development of humans. There is a glossary and an index. In this year of celebrating Darwin, this is another excellent book to help young readers better understand his work and to place it in the larger context of science today. Reviewer: Marilyn CourtotSchool Library Journal
Gr 4-8
Sidebars and photos dominate this highly visual survey. The first two thirds of the book are devoted to the history of thought and research on evolution, from stories of Creation, through Darwin, to genetics. The last third looks at "Evolution in Action." Information on the fetuses of related species rubs shoulders with variations within species and a time line of the Earth. Visually, the book snaps with colored backgrounds, cool graphics, topflight photos, and clever word balloons coming from vintage black-and-white reproductions. Suggested activities are worth trying, and a guessing game on related species does a fine job of enhancing understanding of the concept of evolutionary lines. Browsers will enjoy dipping in and out, but the book reads surprisingly well straight through, and readers who devour it whole will learn a great deal.-Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA