Darwin

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About Darwin

Product Description Filled with the fascinating words of Charles Darwin—designed as handwritten entries—this picture book biography reveals the assembling of a profound idea: the survival of the fittest. Two hundred years after his birth, 150 years after the publication of his ORIGIN OF SPECIES, this thought-provoking, splendidly ilustrated account invites us into the private thoughts, hopes and fears of a soul who forever changed the way we see the world. From School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 3–5—This picture-book biography emphasizes the scientist's curiosity and determination to learn the truth about nature. Most spreads contain two or three paragraphs of clear expository text in a comfortably large font, a handwritten quotation from a primary source, and a lovely watercolor-tinted woodcut. The text begins with Darwin's childhood interest in collecting specimens and experimenting with chemistry and moves through his education, his experiences on the Beagle, and the development of the theory of evolution. Although the topic does not dominate the book, McGinty takes on the issue of religion. She says, "Charles himself finally came to believe that there were no answers to his questions about God. He saw the universe as too amazing not to have been created by a God." The endnotes and source list are comprehensive but, appropriately, do not intrude on the easy-to-read text. Azarian's woodcuts are filled with cheerful color and capture the moments in Darwin's life that will most intrigue children. With its cover made to look like one of his own battered brown leather notebooks, showing the naturalist surrounded by his beloved specimens, this is a pleasing package for children just learning about the man and his work.— Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From Booklist *Starred Review* After tracing Charles Darwin’s youth and education, this fully illustrated biography focuses on his five-year voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, when he observed geology, animals, and plants; collected specimens; and took extensive notes. He returned to England and spent his life researching, reflecting, and writing about his discoveries. Azarian, whose Snowflake Bentley (1998) won the Caldecott Medal, illustrates the book using handsome woodcut prints painted with watercolors. Quotes from Darwin’s journals and letters appear as pictures of cursive lines on parchment-colored sheets, setting them apart from the narrative text as well as the illustrations. Source notes for quotes are appended. McGinty does a fine job of communicating Darwin’s personal humility as well as his passion for exploring the natural world, his tireless work to understand it better, and his reluctance to publish a theory that seemed to contradict religious teaching. The interplay of the clearly written third-person text with Darwin’s own words and occasional quotes from his contemporaries creates a multifaceted view that leads to a broader understanding. Biographies of scientists can be challenging to write for an audience unfamiliar with their research, but this one succeeds in introducing Darwin and his work to a surprisingly young group. Grades 1-4. --Carolyn Phelan Review "Azarian’s woodcuts are filled with cheerful color and capture the moments in Darwin’s life that will most intrigue children. With its cover made to look like one of his own battered brown leather notebooks, showing the naturalist surrounded by his beloved specimens, this is a pleasing package for children just learning about the man and his work."-- School Library Journal, starred review   "McGinty does a fine job of communicating Darwin’s personal humility as well as his passion for exploring the natural world, his tireless work to understand it better, and his reluctance to publish a theory that seemed to contradict religious teaching. The interplay of the clearly w