Lawson, Kristan. Darwin and evolution for kids; his life and ideas, with 21 activities - Brief Article - Children's Review - Book Review

Kliatt, March, 2004 by Janet Julian

Chicago Review Press. 146p. illus. bibliog. index. c2003. 1-55652-502-8. $16.95.

Darwin and Evolution for Kids is intended for ages 9 and up. Eight chapters present young readers with Darwin's life: his younger years, the famous trip on the HMS Beagle, his theory of evolution, his detractors and opponents. The final chapter tells what happened after Darwin's death in 1882, including the Scopes trial and the work of Gregor Mendel. A brief glossary is provided, as well as a list of Web sites and a selected bibliography. The index points readers to such topics as the Bible, creationism, DNA, embryology, fossils, genetics, sexual attractiveness, and transmutations.

The 21 activities cover taxonomy, nature studies, and acquired characteristics. Readers are also instructed in baking Shrewsbury cares from an authentic 1808 recipe, studying Greek and Latin vocabulary, going on a botanical treasure hunt in the grocery store, tying knots, cooking a Chilean dish of beans and tomatoes, keeping a journal, and making fossils. Most of the activities require adult supervision. The text is written clearly and enhanced with many illustrations. Janet Julian, Grafton, MA