Books About Evolution
As Richard Dawkins once said, If superior creatures from space ever visit Earth, the first question they will ask in order to assess the level of our civilization is: “Have they discovered evolution yet?” It is the key concept in biology and has applications across numerous fields of study. In my own reading I have come across the concept of evolution in books about history, economics, psychology, and sociology. But, it can be a difficult idea to introduce to young kids. Here are some excellent resources to use.
Little Changes:
Little Changes:
This book follows the story of a species called the "rinkidinks" as they live out their lives. In purist of their favorites foods the rinkidinks slowly diverge into two complete different species. One group of rinidinks feeds on "grubblegobs" which require one set of skills to reach and another group of rinkidinks prefers to feed on "urnglesnips" which require a different set of skills to procure. The book follows their gradual change over time as reach group rinidinks slowly adapts to their different environments. When they meet up generations later, they hardly recognize each other and could never imagine they were the once the same. The story is told in an engaging rhyme and provides an excellent brief overview of the main idea of evolution; gradual adaptive change over time.
Grandmother Fish:
Grandmother Fish:
Grandmother fish focuses on how all life is related. The book is appropriate for a slightly younger audience than Little Changes. It doesn't address the concept of evolution directly, but instead illustrates the interconnectedness of all life pointing out that we all have a grandmother fish in our genealogy as well as a grandmother reptile, and mammal. From there the story proceeds to our grandmother ape and grandmother human. At the end of the book is an illustration of our evolutionary family tree showing all our relatives and allowing young kids to make connections between many different species and humans. The book also contains some helpful tips for parents to explain concepts of evolution including descent with modification as well as natural and artificial selection.
Annabelle & Aiden: The Story of Life:
Annabelle & Aiden: The Story of Life:
The Annabelle & Aide series of books provide excellent resources for exploring all sorts of topics including death, the big bang, our beliefs, and this one on evolution. All of the books in the series use rhyme and engaging pictures to illustrate the adventures of Annabelle and Aiden as the explore their world, ask questions, and think critically about how the world works.
Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species
For slightly older kids, this book delves into the details of Darwin's travels and how he developed the theory of evolution from natural selection. The book contains a number of quotes from Darwin's own writings as well as illustrations from his studies of finches in the Galapagos islands as well as difficulties of the theory that he dealt with. There is also a show introduction to Alfred Russel Wallace whose work was very similar to Darwin's own.
The Darwin Experience
The Darwin Experience
This book provides a rich interactive experience including pull out maps and journal excerpts from Darwin's own writings as well as a detailed account of Darwin's early life, his work leading up the publication of Origin of Species, and his other scientific work on orchids, other plants, and worms. There is also a section of Origin of Species as well as how it was received by other scholars and the public at large.
The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins:
The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins:
Finally, for parents, this book provides a nicely detailed account of the evidence for evolution as well as the difficulties of the theory and how to address these. As a former professor of public understanding of science, Dawkins has a the ability to explain complex scientific concepts in clear engaging language and this book provides one of the clearest and most thorough explanations for evolution you will find written in a highly engaging style.
As Darwin himself said about evolution, "There is grandeur in this view of life," and taking the time to understand that grandeur is a richly rewarding experience that you can share with your kids as they learn more about how the world works.
This article contain links to products on Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As Darwin himself said about evolution, "There is grandeur in this view of life," and taking the time to understand that grandeur is a richly rewarding experience that you can share with your kids as they learn more about how the world works.
This article contain links to products on Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.