What Mr Darwin Saw

A picture book approach to the whole Darwin adventure makes a very accessible way into childhood and early science of the great man. Brita Granstrom's double-page illustrations, full of cuddly and smiling Victorians, provide an attractive backdrop to the story of Darwin's life, with much attention paid to his childhood passion for everything to do with nature. (And by way of encouragement to all child readers and their parents, much emphasis on on his ordinariness when young.) The biographical story as told in the pictures and with speech bubbles is easy to enjoy, but there is also a great deal of factual information to be had from the information boxes that accompany them. - Guardian

"It was interesting because I like maps and I could see what places around the world look like. I think you would like this book if you like history or maps like I do." - First News

An entertaining and accessible introduction to the theory of evolution that brings Chalres Darwin to life. The watercolour illustrations are full of witty detail and the text is cleverly blended in, using speech bubbles and diary extracts. The result is to convey a huge quantity of fascinating information in amazingly few words. - Glasgow Herald

Narrated in diary form with excellent illustrations, this is a treasure of a book, which will engage event the most reluctant reader. - Irish Examiner

A finely balanced combination of facts and fun in this engaging guide to the life and discoveries of the British naturalist…The award-winning author and illustrator team clearly understand how to grab the interest of young children - the gory pictures of an early operating theatre and Darwin being seasick will be pored over as much as the more scholarly information! - Daily Mail

This really is a book to enlighten and inspire young readers. - Junior Education

An excellent introduction to the discoveries made by the young naturalist… The lively style and charming pictures sdescribe the evolution of his thoughts and his thoughts on evolution with economy for 7+. - Times

Darwin's theory of evolution may seem like a complex subject to discuss in English class with younger students. But this new non fiction children's book makes life easier for teachers everywhere. It shows Darwin's theory in simple, no nonsense terms. It combine's fabulous visual information to tempt even the fussiest visual learner, along with simple text and an appealing page layout. Each double spread of this book is designed to appeal to a well thought out target audience. - www.brightbhub.com

This beautifully illustrated picture book brings to life Charles Darwin and his epic voyage on the "Beagle". A must for curious young readers. - Bookseller

Published in celebration of the bicentennary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ON THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES, this book offers a unique and compelling introduction to his fascinating life. Written in the first person in illustrated diary form, there is immediacy to the story that is both vivacious and engaging. This is an inspiring book for children that entertains as it introduces the theory of evolution in simple terms. There are lively examples of Darwin's observations throughout which give life to his voyages and discoveries. - Bookseller

I wholeheartedly recommend this book, not least for bringing Darwin to a young audience. - INIS

This is a stunning book that combines a compelling adventure story with descriptions of major scientific discoveries and Darwin's theory of evolution. The illustrations hold the eye of the reader with their content and ever-changing colours and scenes. The book is one to return to may times from perhaps guided use for a child interested in adventure and nature study to an older child wanting an adventure story and scientific information. - Ibby Link

The text is pacy and lends itself to a whole-class read, or group or individual activity. Darwin is portrayed as affable and interesting; his ideas engage and inspire us as readers. It's a wonderful story with a well-chosen glossary - perfect for KS2. - Scholastic: Read Me