Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be [Hardcover]

Daniel Loxton (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2010 | Age Range: 8 and up

Evolution is the process that created the terrible teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex and the complex human brain, clever enough to understand the workings of nature. Young readers will learn how a British naturalist named Charles Darwin studied nature and developed his now-famous concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest. And how modern-day science has added to our understanding of the theory of evolution.

Can something as complex and wondrous as the natural world be explained by a simple theory? The answer is yes, and now Evolution explains how in a way that makes it easy to understand.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—Loxton uses a combination of Q & A and exposition in his conversational text to explore the process of evolution. He even makes reference to religion, stating that while science, exemplary in explaining the functionalism of the natural world, "can't tell us what those discoveries mean in a spiritual sense." Topics addressed include whether it is possible to see new species evolve, the evolution of flight, and the dearth of many "transitional" fossils. Other facing-page units discuss evolutionary compromises, Darwinian theory, and the fact that "survival of the fittest" may often be the "survival of the adequate." Colorful illustrations and diagrams appear on every page, and the book uses a variety of faces/heads with each "question," giving the impression they are asked by individuals. More difficult than Steve Jenkins's Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution (Houghton, 2002), almost on par with Robert Winston's Evolution Revolution (2009), and simpler than Linda Gamlin's Evolution (2009, both DK), this title will appeal to researchers.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

This straightforward explanation and defense of the theory of evolution grew out of material published in 2007 in Junior Skeptic, the children’s section of a quarterly science education and advocacy magazine published in Canada. The author-illustrator, Junior Skeptic’s editor, describes evolution as the changes of life on earth over time as shown first through fossil finds and geological layers. Darwin’s theory of natural selection explained its workings, and now the process has been demonstrated in a variety of ways. Loxton also discusses convergent evolution, evolutionary compromises, and human ancestry, and he addresses some common concerns. His message is clear: “There is no intelligence—no brain—behind evolution that is running things.” Generously illustrated with photographs, cartoons, diagrams, and computer-generated images of ancient creatures, this is attractively designed. But some illustrations are unlabeled: a large ammonite and the reconstructed face of the hominid fossil known as Lucy are identified only on the jacket flap. The additional lack of sources and bibliography make this a useful but flawed resource. Grades 4-7. --Kathleen Isaacs

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Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554534305
• ISBN-13: 978-1554534302
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Fossils
  • #19 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Biology
  • #49 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dinosaurs

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 88 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for kids January 27, 2010

By John Shepherd

Format:Hardcover

This is a great kid's book about evolution. However, adults will also find it well worth reading. While it explains the substance of evolution in the straight forward way typical of a "children's" book, it presents illustrations, explanations, and examples useful for those of us who do not happen to be a biologist, geologist or similar type of scientist. The last chapter discusses many of the misconceptions about evolution without being condescending or "preachy." Many books on evolution are fairly technical and often rather dry. This book is neither. For some of us, this could be the "missing link" enabling us to better understand more comprehensive writing and discussions on evolution. Buy it for your kids but read it before you give it to them!

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for any age January 27, 2010

By David Peterman

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Even though this book is targeted for kids 8-13, it is so well-written and beautiful to look at that it can be appreciated by anyone of any age. It's not often that an incredibly complex process is explained in such a lucid, straightforward manner... maybe the author could tackle string theory next?!

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent children's book on evolution January 27, 2010

By Alric Lopez

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Breathtaking illustrations with lucid explanations that are not dumbed down for children; just very accessible.