Who Will It Be? How Evolution Connects Us All

The hidden history within cells propels this curiosity-sparking encounter with evolution’s wonder. Vitale’s questions (“Who will it be?”), clues (“It has gills”), guesses (“It’s a fish!”), and hints (“No, it loves water but has lungs”) are paired with Bossù’s vibrant watercolor splashes, splotches, and bubbles to evoke the strange possibilities of cellular development. As Bossu’s blots resolve into recognizable forms, like delicate feathers and swirling foxtails, the book crescendos to a reveal of which incredible creature is being described: “Human beings are mammals, but we are also part fish, amphibian, reptile, bird.” Then Vitale pivots, offering an elegant, concise introduction to Darwin’s Tree of Life—the finding that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor—along with more granular information about the evolutionary processes: “Life always begins with a single cell. That cell splits and grows to become an embryo.” A creative introduction to the fundamental marvel that is life. Ages 5–8. (Apr.)