The Voyage of the Beetle (Hardcover)

by Anne H. Weaver (Author), George Lawrence (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Why are there so many different kinds, or species, of living things on earth, each uniquely fitted to its environment? For Charles Darwin, this question represented the "mystery of mysteries." Darwin first began to formulate an answer during a youthful voyage around the world on the H.M.S. Beagle from 1831 to 1835. Darwin's answer, known as the Theory of Natural Selection, changed the way we think about life on earth.

In a clever twist, this beautifully illustrated and engaging account reveals that Darwin had help from an unlikely source: a beetle named Rosie, who possessed a very un-beetle-like urge to see the world. Rosie the Beetle accompanied Darwin on the now-famous voyage of the Beagle. Her lively, witty narrative describes how she took Darwin under her wing, providing clues and hints that guided his insights. The young reader is challenged to use the clues to solve the mystery before Darwin does.

Visit the authors' website at www.voyageofthebeetle.com/ for excerpts, activities, and more.

Reading level: grade 4 and up

About the Author
Anne H. Weaver has a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of New Mexico. She taught evolutionary anthropology at Santa Fe Community College for many years. She is now a full-time writer living in Santa Fe.

George Lawrence worked for twelve years in New York City as an architectural designer. He now lives in Santa Fe where he illustrates and designs interpretive exhibits for parks and nature centers throughout the United States.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press (October 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082634304X
• ISBN-13: 978-0826343048
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #470,645 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting voyage for all ages!, November 5, 2007

By	Stephen Thompson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an engaging story of the incredible voyage of Charles Darwin that is both adventure story and a fresh look at the world around us. At first blush it is a humorous account of a wise beetle leading the enthusiastic Darwin from discovery to discovery, describing key encounters in his 5-year voyage. But it also leads the reader to consider one of the great scientific theories of our time - how things come to be through natural selection. The clever use of Rosie keeps the pace light and accessible to many age levels without sacrificing intellectual integrity. Lawrence's lush illustrations are beautiful and Weaver's affectionate presentation of Darwin reveal the human side of Charles with a rich factual background. A very engaging read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wondrous journey!!!!, November 16, 2007

By	Susan Bower (Santa Fe, NM United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Traveling the globe with Charles Darwin and his beetle companion Rosie, the reader joins them in an adventure that evokes wonder and curiosity. The friendly narrative and vibrant illustrations guide us along a rich educational experience. As we become detectives and join Darwin in his search for clues we also learn about geography, the animal world, history, and finally the theory of natural selection. This refreshing book is a must for all young people and adults curious about the mysteries of life!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Darwin for kids!, February 2, 2008

By	M. H. Haugh - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I began reading this wonderful book the day I brought it home and was so excited by it that I finished it the very next day. I love it, and in so many dimensions. I think it is wonderfully evocative of Darwin's close attention to the wide range of natural phenomenon which he encountered and his willingness to put it all together in such an innovative way - but only when nature thrust itself into his vision (thus, the ingenious use of clues from Rosie, Darwin's imaginary beetle friend). In my passion for all things Galapagos (I have been there more than once), I read the Voyage of the Beagle a couple of years ago, and this book reminded me vividly of some of the most fascinating and memorable parts of his voyage. I also love the book because I have an interest in writing for children, and appreciate how this rich and scientifically sound text makes the concepts of evolution so very approachable and inviting to this audience.

I think there is a paucity of books for children related to the Galapagos and Darwin and, given the increasing number of tourists with children going to the islands, I think this book should be recommended reading for families headed for Ecuador.