An absorbing introduction to evolution and the wonders of the natural world.
Questions, questions, questions: children love to ask them and adults sometimes dread them. How did life begin? If a species changes over time, where are all the “middle” ones? Why are there so many different dog breeds?
Sabina Radeva is a graphic designer and illustrator who creates children’s books that combine science and art. She is also a molecular biologist. In Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, a retelling of Darwin’s 1859 work, Radeva has created a 56-page picture book to help young readers (and their parents) build an understanding of a fundamental scientific theory. This paperback edition follows the hardback first published in 2019.
Topics covered include the struggle for existence as animals compete for food and shelter and the ways animals and plants undergo adaptations that support their reproduction and survival. It’s serious science presented in a charming and engaging package. We meet Darwin and his family and learn a little about his work and the voyage that gave him the material that supported his studies. An appendix provides up-to-date information on things that have changed since Darwin’s original work. There’s also a section that addresses popular misconceptions (for example, the belief that humans evolved from monkeys), as well as a glossary and suggestions for further reading.
The book’s design is appealing, with a sturdy card cover, matte paper and beautiful illustrations in the colours of nature. The main text of the book is in regular type, while direct quotes from Darwin are differentiated through the use of font with a handwritten appearance. Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species will be attractive to a wide audience. Younger readers will enjoy spotting familiar creatures and noticing similarities and differences. For older readers, there are detailed but clearly expressed explanations of issues such as how and why variations occur between plants and animals.
In her author note, Radeva expresses the hope that her book will help children learn “the power of observation and recognize how curiosity about the natural world can lead to incredible discoveries”. It’s certainly an interesting and attractive introduction to Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, and it deserves a place on every family bookshelf.
Reviewed by Jo Vabolis
Twitter: @JoVabolis
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: February 2022
RRP: $16.99
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