Books for Darwin’s 200th Birthday
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Compiled by John A. Sellers -- Publishers Weekly, 1/8/2009
February 12, 1809 saw the birth of two enormously influential figures—Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. Dozens of children’s titles are arriving to mark the bicentennial of their birthdays (not to mention the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species). Among the many offerings are a novel written from the viewpoint of Lincoln’s sister, a photo-essay of the 16th President, a new edition of On the Origin of Species, and an account of the Beagle’s voyage narrated by Darwin’s assistant. Here we round up the titles celebrating Charles Darwin. (For a listing of Abraham Lincoln titles, click here.)
*Pub months are 2009 unless otherwise noted.
Dispatches from the Beagle
Several new books focus on Charles Darwin’s adventures and travels, and their influence on his research.
What Mr Darwin Saw by Mick Manning and Brita Granström is a graphic novel account of then-22-year-old Darwin’s five-year stint on the Beagle and the publishing of his scientific discoveries. Frances Lincoln, $17.95, ages 6-9, ISBN 978-1-84507-970-3; Feb.
In Charles Darwin by Alan Gibbons, illus. by Leo Brown, a 10-year-old apprentice aboard the Beagle gives his account of Darwin’s explorations during the expedition. Kingfisher, $16.95, ages 6-10, ISBN 978-0-7534-6251-5; Oct. ’08
Young Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle by Ruth Ashby, illus. by Suzanne Duranceau, follows Darwin’s path from a mediocre student through the publication of On the Origin of Species. Peachtree, $12.95, ages 7-10, ISBN 978-1-56145-478-5; Feb.
Part of the Explorers series, Animals Charles Darwin Saw: An Around-the-World Adventure by Sandra Markle, illus. by Zina Saunders, highlights animals Darwin encountered as a naturalist during his travels on the Beagle. Chronicle, $16.99, ages 7-10, ISBN 978-0-8118-5049-0; Feb.
One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin by Kathryn Lasky, illus. by Matthew Trueman, follows Darwin’s excursions to observe and collect data about everything from seashells atop a mountain to variations in species of plants and animals. Candlewick, $17.99, ages 7-12, ISBN 978-0-7636-1436-2; Jan.
What Darwin Saw: The Journey That Changed the World by Rosalyn Schanzer follows the 22-year-old naturalist’s time on the Beagle and the observations he made on board and ashore. National Geographic, $17.95, ages 10-14, ISBN 978-1-4263-0396-8; Jan.
A century and a half after its original publication, On the Origin of Species: The Illustrated Edition by Charles Darwin, ed. by David Quammen, pairs Darwin’s text with illustrations that include reproductions from his The Voyage of the Beagle. Sterling, $35, ages 10-up, ISBN 978-1-4027-5639-9; Oct. ’08
(R)evolutionary Pursuits
Darwin’s life is explored in a number of biographical and fictional titles.
Darwin by Alice B. McGinty, illus. by Mary Azarian, uses excerpts from Darwin’s journals and letters as it explores his life and idea of “survival of the fittest.” HMH/Houghton, $18, ages 6-9, ISBN 978-0-618-99531-8; Apr.
Charles Darwin and the Mystery of Mysteries by Niles Eldredge and Susan Pearson is a biography that includes archival materials, maps and photos. Roaring Brook/Flash Point, $19.95, ages 9-14, ISBN 978-1-59643-374-8; Sept.
Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman examines Darwin’s inner conflicts as he devised the theory of evolution, particularly in light of his wife’s religious devotion. Holt, $18.95, ages 12-up, ISBN 978-0-8050-8721-5; Dec. ’08
The historical novel The True Adventures of Charley Darwin by Carolyn Meyer covers Darwin’s upbringing, time aboard the Beagle, and scientific career. HMH/Harcourt, $17, ages 12-up, ISBN 978-0-15-206194-4; Jan.
