Charles Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’

Radeva introduces the story of evolution through accessible, picture-filled spreads. “Since life on Earth began, tiny organisms, plants and animals have been changing slowly, over millions of years.” The text briefly presents a smartly suited Charles Darwin, his journeys aboard the HMS Beagle, and the observations that resulted in the publication of his magnum opus. Animals shown in chalky, stylized art (Radeva takes a primarily nonnaturalistic approach) are used to illustrate complex concepts such as species, variations, competition, and natural selection. One spread depicts gray wolves in an ornately rendered nighttime forest opposite several domesticated dog breeds. Quotes from Darwin are also integrated throughout. While the book may not help readers fully grasp the incremental nature of evolutionary change, it is a welcome primer on the topic. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]