Charles Darwin

Little People, BIG DREAMS

by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara, Mark Hoffmann (Illustrator)

Ismerd meg kiemelkedő emberek - tudósok, művészek, újítók - életét! Valamennyien hihetetlen dolgokat vittek véghez, pedig életüket ők is nagy álmokat dédelgető kisgyerekként kezdték.
Charles, akinek a családjában több tudós is volt, gyerekkora nagy részét azzal töltötte, hogy a természetben barangolva magokat, virágokat és rovarokat gyűjtött. Az élővilág iránti rajongása indította el egy expedícióra az HMS Beagle nevű hajó fedélzetén, és ez az utazás örökre megváltoztatta a földi élet eredetéről fennálló tudományos gondolkodást. Az inspiráló történet végén fényképes összefoglaló olvasható az író és természettudós életéről.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Childrens, Picture Books, Science, Biography Memoir, Evolution

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 5, 2021

About the author

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director perhaps best known as the author of much of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Each book tells the childhood story of one of the world's female icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, allowing them to identify with the characters in each story.


You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 5 out of 5]

5★
“Charles was 28 years old when he penned one of the most shocking ideas of his time: that one species changes into another. It was the first step to put down on paper a revolutionary theory that explained how life on Earth works.”

This is another simple biography of a man who was responsible for one of the most revolutionary ideas of his time. Evolution. I sure hope this makes it into schools everywhere to counteract those who close their eyes, put their fingers in their ears, and sing LA-LA-LA-LA when someone mentions the E word.

He was born into a family of scientists and began wondering about nature very early.

“Had worms always crawled on the ground? He wanted to find out!”

Teachers were then teaching that plants and animals appeared on earth at the same time. His father wanted him to be a doctor, like him, but poor Charles couldn’t stand the sight of blood.

Charles at medical school, having fainted during an operation

So it was back to nature and wildlife for him. In 1831, he was invited to sail on a scientific expedition on the HMS Beagle, surely one of the most famous ships in history, now.

Charles, off to Africa, South America, and Australia

On the now famous Galapagos Islands, he noticed birds who seemed related but had differences.

“On the Galápagos Islands, he met dozens of families of finches and mockingbirds. Those who ate insects had pointed beaks, while those who loved fruits had curved beaks. ‘What if these species shared the same ancestor?“’Charles thought.”

He was only a young fellow while he was on this voyage, so I imagine he probably seemed a bit wild-eyed. But after five years of exploration, he developed a theory.

Charles, at 28, figuring things out

He worked out that all living things change over time, what we now call evolution.

The famous evolution of man, culminating in Charles himself!

Natural selection, is what he called the process by which faster rabbits and smarter foxes survive to breed fast and smart offspring.

Charles, watching a speedy rabbit scamper away from a small group being stalked by a fox

Eventually, he put it all together.

“It took Charles almost a lifetime to collect all his ideas in a book called On the Origin of Species. It was one of the most important books ever written and a fascinating read for anyone who wanted to understand the secret life of nature.”

Little Charles, looking ‘over the shoulder’ of today’s scientists, knew that “knowledge takes more courage than ignorance . . . but the truth is always worth it.”

As I said, this should be in every school! Even adults will enjoy the quirky drawings, and it may even help some to understand the concept. As always, there is a short text biography at the end with four real photographs. An excellent addition to the collection.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto’s Frances Lincoln Children’s books for the preview copy from which I have so liberally shared illustrations. I think readers need to see what they’re getting with a picture book – it’s not as if I’m spoiling the plot, is it?!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This little book is about Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who we all have to thank for the theory of evolution and the one about natural selection. This book really shows how wonderful it is to think outside the box, because as we know, having the courage to swim against the tide is what can lead you to world-changing discoveries.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Charles Darwin is one of the latest installments in the amazing Little People Big Dreams series by the amazing Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.
This installment focuses on Charles Darwin from being a little boy and how he discovered natural selection. I love how these books are simplified for younger children in a biographical sense, enabling them to follow, understand and absorb the stories and which also spark interest and questions from the child too.
This series is a must for every school library and I for one cannot get enough of them.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another Little People, Big Dreams book for the little budding scientist in your life! In this picture book, kids can learn about the life of Charles Darwin and how his curiosity about animals developed into his theories about evolution including survival of the fittest. The book is full of colorful illustrations highlighting various moments in Darwin's life. The book also includes a timeline with photos so, if the kids want to dig deeper, they can. We love these books!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great picture book to introduce Darwin and his ideas, with just the right amount of text to give kids a good idea of his childhood, life and ideas, without bogging them down with too much. This is one of my favorite books of this series.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exceptional Little People, BIG DREAMS series prides itself on providing child-friendly biographies of renowned public figures and celebrities and in this, the fifty-third book in the series, we explore the life and times of Charles Darwin, one of the most prominent scientists to have ever lived, his life and times, and his astonishing legacy. Despite being one of the most famous and inspirational people on the planet having achieved incredible things, it's important to remember that he started life out in life as just a child with a dream. This potted biography runs from his birth, early years and the beginning of his love affair with nature. I have read almost all the books so far in the series and I would mark this one as the most important and empowering so far.

What's impressive is there is just enough here to enable a child to become curious yet not enough to overwhelm, and the colourful, fun illustrationscomplement the text perfectly. It's an educational and entertaining read that empowers young ones to pursue their dreams without limits and inspires children to dream bigger and realise their fullest potential, by introducing them to extraordinary people throughout history. It's a wonderfully engaging and simple to understand book that also helps kids with literacy and fosters an enjoyment of reading. You simply cannot go wrong with this series in general as everything is executed perfectly and tailored beautifully to youngsters. Highly recommended.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Darwin by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is the latest addition to the wonderful Little People, BIG DREAMS series. This time around, we learn of the famed scientist whose curiosity about the natural world led to the revolutionary theory that all things are related. I was fascinated to learn that Darwin once studied medicine but a fear of blood caused him to pursue his passion for exploring the science of the natural world instead.

As always with this series, this short but informative picture book draws even the youngest of readers into the lives of people who have in some way changed the world, and who, of course, all began the journey as little people themselves.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an ARC of this title.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading a good non-fiction book and Charles Darwin has always been an interesting soul. So why not mash those two together through another book by Maria?! Little People, Big Dreams is an incredibly awesome picture book series that features many famous, popular or incredible people who did amazing things! This time around it's Charles' turn!

I found the illustrations in this book to be a little creepy, in my personal opinion, but the book itself is still great! You are bound to learn a lot and fall in love with this series. Honestly, with so many books available there is definitely a book you'll love! Find a new famous person to learn about.

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun book about Charles Darwin! What he did and how he got to the point of evolution theory.


I just LOVE LOVE these Little People Big Dreams books and I am also happy that they are being translated to Dutch. Because now I can read even more of them. I still got several to go at the library that I want to read so eep!

In this book we learn all about Charles Darwin! I already knew several things, but I still learned a few new facts, like that he cannot stand blood. Which didn’t help the career path his dad has for him. Aka become a doctor. Well dad, that one is definitely out! I loved seeing Charles grow up and figure out what makes him happy. What he wants to study. I love that he got all the chances to study and I had fun seeing him study hard. Figure things out. And then comes the travels. The many travels that he did and the discoveries he made. And he made some fantastic ones. It was all very interesting and the author once again did a great job. Their writing style just keeps your attention. It makes you want to read on.

And the illustrations also definitely help! The illustrations were gorgeous once again. I just love how every book (or at least the ones I read) each have their own illustrator. It is fun to see which one participated in a book, I should check out the series unread books to see if there are any illustrators that I know.

All in all, a great book if you want to know more about Charles Darwin. For kids and adults a fun and interesting read. I would recommend it!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exceptional Little People, BIG DREAMS series prides itself on providing child-friendly biographies of renowned public figures and celebrities and in this, the fifty-third book in the series, we explore the life and times of Charles Darwin, one of the most prominent scientists to have ever lived, his life and times, and his astonishing legacy. Despite being one of the most famous and inspirational people on the planet having achieved incredible things, it's important to remember that he started life out in life as just a child with a dream. This potted biography runs from his birth, early years and the beginning of his love affair with nature. I have read almost all the books so far in the series and I would mark this one as the most important and empowering so far.

What's impressive is there is just enough here to enable a child to become curious yet not enough to overwhelm, and the colourful, fun illustrationscomplement the text perfectly. It's an educational and entertaining read that empowers young ones to pursue their dreams without limits and inspires children to dream bigger and realise their fullest potential, by introducing them to extraordinary people throughout history. It's a wonderfully engaging and simple to understand book that also helps kids with literacy and fosters an enjoyment of reading. You simply cannot go wrong with this series in general as everything is executed perfectly and tailored beautifully to youngsters. Highly recommended.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tough book to produce; even some 140 years after his death. Charles Darwin remains a controversial figure.

Within this wonderful series ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ there must be space for this man.

Thankfully he was born into an age of invention and discovery, within a family of scientists and professionals. But as the text suggests he placed knowledge before ignorance. He wasn’t afraid to share ideas based on things he had seen for himself.
This is the mind of a scientist, to question, observe and theorise.
As a boy he was imbued with a love of the natural world; yet he studied hard and as an obedient son looked to follow his father into medicine. Circumstances made him change courses and he was more at home among plants, animals and nature.
His name was put forward to join a scientific exploration across the Southern Oceans. Still a young man his quest for new experiences, first-hand research and to be able to witness his love in strange and exotic locations was assured when he joined the crew of HMS Beagle at Christmas 1831.

This is another good mix of text and illustration that brings the story to a young and imaginative reader.

Often we fail to remember people were once children themselves. I believe the material here will help young minds identify with a Charles in his early life. This is key in these books to inspire the next generation. Parents can share life lessons and find in these books lives with a skill, a love for, a fascination with can with determination make a difference.

As always a more detailed potted summary is provided and in this one recommendations for two further books ideal for young people to study this man’s life and influence.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the variety of subjects in the "Little People, Big Dreams" series. Charles Darwin is a controversial person when dealing with many religions. He was a scientist who realized how evolution works and is the author of the famous "The Origin of Species". He became interested in nature when he was only a young boy. His father wanted him to be a doctor, but that didn't work out. He traveled around the world observing animals in their natural habitat. What a wonderful way to make your mark on the world by doing something you love. This was a very simplistic story which is perfect for young children. I have to say that I did not really like the illustrations in this one. I spent most of the time looking at the ears of the human characters. It took a lot away from the story for me. When I read this with my grandson, every time I turned a page, he burst out laughing and made a comment about the ears. I think this is a great additions to the series, but if the children spend more time laughing about the illustrations, the subject may not be absorbed. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Sharah McConville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Darwin is the latest book in the Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. I have read about Charles in the past, so I enjoyed reading about his life as a Naturalist and his discovery of Natural Selection and Evolution. I'm yet to read On The Origin Of Species but hope to soon. Thanks to NetGalley for my digital copy.

[daniela sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

With each volume of this collection I become more and more in love with these gems. They are simple books, suitable for a more childish public. It's undoubtedly an obligatory reading, in fact, the whole collection is. I highly recommend that all parents buy one or the other copy of this collection, they are sources of knowledge.

This particular volume turned out to be a lot of fun. Mainly for me that always had a special affection for Darwin. I recommend this book, whether for the youngest or the most adult. This book is still a good reading, one of those readings that with few pages we learn a lot.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrator: Mark Hoffman
Age Recommendation: Early Primary
Topic/ Theme: Evolution, Adventure, Biographic
Setting: Global
Series: Little People, Big Dreams

This is lovely. I like the way Sánchez Vegara chooses to tell Charles Darwin's story. She does skip some of the perhaps more miserable parts of his childhood, like being one of only a few boarding students and the death of his mother. This is actually a pretty good way to introduce the concept of evolution to kids, what is in here is a perfect overview though. It does miss many of the more problematic elements of the expedition as is the norm. I like the choice to include the years it took to propose his theory, and then compile his work it lends itself to a feeling of perseverance. What sells this for me is the illustrations.

These illustrations are just super cute. The choice to put him in what appears to be a tiny bowler hat (I checked no religious significance) is an interesting one. That tiny hat combined with a large head, centred features and sizable ears makes his appearance near comical. Hoffman has made Darwin expressive and shown him as he aged, as required, I like the way this is done and the obvious use of Charles Darwin in the nature model. The animals look bright and the fossils look right. It was only after looking up the proper name for the nature model that I found out the significance of the endpages. They are rough replicas of the only illustration included in the first edition On The Origin Of The Spieces, "a picture of a family tree, or descent, also called phylogeny" (from VisionLearning). This is a wonderful inclusion in the series.

[Amanda Lavelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Another absolute gem to add to The Little People, Big Dreams cannon. Now, there might be those that would argue that Charles Darwin might not hold much interest for such young readers, but I don’t subscribe to that opinion. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, when we were all attempting to home school our children, the English Heritage did a series entitled History at Home, which they took a topic each week, got an expert on that topic, and discussed it for 1 hour, along with video and diagrams etc. My sons loved it, and one week the topic was Charles Darwin. My eldest in particular was fascinated by him and still asks questions now 6 months on. So I definitely think Mr Darwin is worthy of his place in this series, and the book is certainly right up there with their high standards of excellence. Really, really love these little books and I play a little game with myself of guessing who’s coming next. I enjoy reading them to my children, but I also enjoy reading them for myself as well.

[Elif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning about Charles Darwin with this beautiful book was so much fun! I find myself smiling because of the illustrations. This is a nice mix of educational text and fun. I'll be looking out for the Little People, Big Dreams books from now on.

[Matthieu Wegh · Rating 4 out of 5]

? Meegenomen bij de jeugdafdeling van mijn bieb nadat ik van deze serie "beroemde personen" er al meer gelezen heb.
🤔Zeker ook voor mij interessant. De meeste dingen wist ik wel, maar toch aardig om iets meer te weten over de ontdekkingsreizen van Charles Darwin.
MW1/6/24

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 5th January 2021 – publication day!

I have read almost all of the books in this series now and each time I see there is a new release I am genuinely excited!

This series is one of my favourites for children and I love the insight they can get to famous people either in the present, or those that have passed away and I love it covers all walks of life and backgrounds from music and the arts to scientific discoveries - which is the focus on this latest release.

This book features Charles Darwin and his scientific discoveries which lead to him publishing his now very famous book, On the Origin of Species - his theory of evolution. The book has just enough content to give a very brief overview of what he discovered and if that sparks interest and you want to fins out more it is a great starting point and I love the facts section at the end that gives the mini biography.

I liked the images in the book and they bring the story to life - it is 4 stars from me for this one - another great addition to the series!

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am torn about this one.

Yes, this is broadly Charles Darwin and a short explanation of evolution, suitable for children. It's an important topic, and so it's great to have your toddler learn it early on.
I am not sure what to do with the depiction of Darwin as a child, questioning the Genesis in seven days as the bible teaches it - and that's not due to any theological criticism of mine, but history. If I am informed correctly, Darwin believed and for a long time was torn about his findings because they seemed to contradict what he always had been told and accepted. Of course, I am not into modern history and not an expert on that subject, and it might be I am all wrong about that.

My rambling aside, this is a short and comprehensible biography of Charles Darwin to get toddlers interested in the topic, with beautiful pictures and at the back of the book a timeline and suggested further reading material if you want to dive deeper.
This series is awesome, and I fully recommend it.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this children's picture book about Charles Darwin and how he rose to fame by doing his scientific work. The book is informative and educational and I learned a lot from it. The illustrations in the book are lovely too.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mieke Schepens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deze recensie werd eerder gepubliceerd op mijn blog GraagGelezen.

Charles Darwin hield er als kleine jongen van om in zijn eentje lange wandelingen te maken en dan van alles te verzamelen. Hij was dol op de natuur en had daar veel vragen over.
Hij leefde in een tijd dat de gangbare gedachte was dat in één klap alles op aarde was gekomen en dat het zo nog was. Dus dieren, planten en mensen waren altijd al zoals ze op het moment waren dat Charles ze zag.
Hij betwijfelde dat ten zeerste…

Hij kwam uit een familie van wetenschappers en het was dus niet vreemd dat hij verder wilde leren. Hij besloot alles te gaan leren over planten, dieren en de natuur. Een leraar zag het enthousiasme van zijn student en stelde voor dat hij als onderzoeker mee zou gaan met de HMS Beagle.
Van 1831 tot 1836 maakte de Beagle een reis rond de wereld. Charles Darwin reisde mee als natuuronderzoeker. Tijdens deze reis zag hij dieren, waar hij zelfs nooit over had kunnen dromen en realiseerde zich dat de vele verschillende vinken die hij zag allemaal afstamden van dezelfde voorouder. Dat sterkte hem in de overtuiging dat elke soort zich aanpast aan de omgeving waarin hij (op)groeit. Ook de mens.

Hij schreef na 20 jaar onderzoek het inmiddels geprezen boek ‘On the Origin of Species’ (Over het ontstaan van soorten). Destijds was dat boek heel omstreden, maar tegenwoordig weten we beter.

De dappere Charles begreep als kind al dat moed nodig was om anders te denken dan de andere mensen. Dankzij hem heeft de wetenschap grote stappen gemaakt.
Je bent nooit te klein om het verschil te maken!

Charles Darwin is een mooie aanwinst in de serie ‘Van klein TOT GROOTS’ en ik waardeer het boekje met vijf stralende sterren.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little introduction into the life and studies of Charles Darwin. I read this title alongside my 4 year old, his first brush with the idea of evolution and the concept of scientists not simply knowing the answers but having to investigate and test their theories to establish answers! It was a wonderful moment to see the tiny wheels turning in his head as he pieced together the information that Darwin took a boat to a foreign land and studied the physical properties of animals, comparing them to each other and came up with ideas about them, building his thoughts and science from there. As a mom, and self-proclaimed science nerd, to be there at the very ground floor of that realization, with this little book? Was one of the great joys of educating my kiddo! We immediately had to look up the Galapagos on a map and investigate further, which is what any great book will do, in my opinion, send you rushing to eagerly learn more.

Charles Darwin, with its beautiful, darling illustrations and concise and entertaining information for early to middle elementary aged students, is a valuable addition to any education program, personal library or reading list for those seeking a quick introduction to important, impactful names in history and science that changed the world as we know it.

I was provided a copy of Charles Darwin by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara in an electronic format by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. I very much appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Nic Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series of books and I love the imagery throughout. The design is fun and engaging, and was a delight to read to my son, though I would just read it for myself too!

It is an excellent and succinct introduction to Charles Darwin's highly regarded work on Natural Selection/The Theory of Evolution. I love the way you see him develop from a small child at school to where he ended up, and the facts and history at the end are an added bonus.

We particularly liked this book as it it thought that Charles Darwin may have had ADHD, which is a subject close to our hearts.

The book, and the series in general is brilliant for introducing children to amazing people and how they started, and are a great way of children absorbing and remembering information about them.

They are also very inspiring as they see exceptional people for the little children they once were, just like them, it definitely makes the stories more relatable.

I loved this book and will continue to seek out more for both my child and me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an advance review copy in return for an honest opinion.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Darwin by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another release in the Little People, Big Dreams series, which I have reviewed frequently on here. I just love these little books. They are always packed with facts about the person who they are writing about and full of colourful illustrations throughout.

This book is about Charles Darwin, who was passionate and curious about wildlife, humans, and plants. After a journey to South America, he developed his landmark theory: that all living things are related. Today, he is regarded as one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived, and a hero to those who dare to think differently.

I found this little book full of easy to read, with great Illustrations throughout this small book.
It's one you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this wonderful life of iconic naturalist.

I am so glad these books are being published and I highly recommend all of these books

Many thanks to Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van klein tot groots: Charles Darwin. Tekst: Maria Isabel Sānchez Vegara. Illustraties: Mark Hoffmann.

Een nieuw deeltje in deze geweldige reeks is telkens een feest! Dit keer krijgen we het levensverhaal van de wereldberoemde Charles Darwin. Tof om te lezen dat hij als kleine jongen al dol was op de natuur en zich ook toen al vragen stelde.

Dat is het mooie aan deze reeks: ze toont kleine mensen dat ook zij al kunnen beginnen met de wereld mooier te maken, met groots te worden op hun eigen manier. Al is het maar door te beginnen met de wormen in je tuin te beloeren.

Ook grote mensen, zoals ik, raken geïnspireerd door deze boekjes. Naast prachtig zijn ze ook boeiend, enthousiasmerend én nodigen ze je uit om meer te lezen; in dit geval misschien Over het ontstaan van soorten.

De tekenstijl is deze keer iets minder mijn ding maar als er een nieuw deeltje verschijnt moét ik het hebben. Dit is een reeks die aanzet tot dromen én in geen enkele (kinder-)boekenkast mag ontbreken!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series hits somewhat controversial ground – for all the centuries' proof of the theory of evolution, some school libraries in the Bible Belt will have cancelled their subscription to these books upon seeing Darwin's life as a scientist being celebrated. The world's most important naturalist (until Sir David Attenborough, who's already had a book like this) is shown here starting humbly, as we all must do, and ending up known throughout the world, and still an influence on our life today. It's the story we all (should) know, and while it's too short to include other people who thought like he did once he'd got round to publishing his theories, it does show the man's life perfectly succinctly for the young reader. The artist really needs to grow out of their weird thing with ears, however.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series offer great information to young children. This entry is about Charles Darwin. Young readers will learn about his curiosity, questioning and scientific achievements. They will discover some interesting facts; for example that Darwin left medical school because he could not cope with the sight of blood! Children will travel on the voyage of the Beagle. They will learn a bit about evolution as well.

A lot is covered in this title entry in a terrific series. The illustrations will also engage the reader.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this. I grew up religious and took "the creation story" as gospel for my early life. I am not raising my children in any church, I encourage them to think things through. Unfortunately, my oldest thinks that whatever she believes is true, regardless of facts. I hope she evolves, because she genuinely thinks that unicorns were real and are just extinct. But, I've described natural selection and evolution theory to her, and she wasn't getting it. I'm hoping this helps her digest it a little further. As always, my kids don't really fully understand the full import of Charles' work, but someday that seed will sprout.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS biography set for elementary level readers. Vegara introduces readers to Darwin when he was a child. She shares his early interest in nature and how that played into his life's work. Readers see him grow up and grow in knowledge until he presents his ideas about how natural beings evolve to survive. Informative text and timeline at the end of the book to learn more. The illustrations are geared for elementary level readers and support the text.