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A Árvore da Vida
O livro conta a vida do naturalista Charles Darwin desde a sua infância, quando surgiram os primeiros interesses pela natureza. Passa pela adolescência e juventude, época em que Charles vivia em atrito com o pai que o queria médico. Fala ainda da sua vida adulta - enfatizando a viagem que ele fez ao redor do mundo, durante cinco anos, na qual coletou informações cruciais para elaborar sua teoria de evolução das espécies. Termina com a sua morte, quando já era um aclamado cientista.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2003
5 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Peter Sís
111 books231 followersPETER SÍS is an internationally acclaimed illustrator, filmmaker, painter and author. Born in 1949 in Brno, Czechoslovakia, and grew up in Prague. He studied painting and filmmaking at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague and the Royal College of Art in London. His animated work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. He came to America in 1982, and now lives in New York's Hudson Valley with his family. Peter Sís is the first children's book artist to be named a MacArthur Fellow. In 2012 he won The Hans Christian Andersen Award.
His many distinguished books include Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei, Tibet: Through the Red Box, Madlenka, Rainbow Rhino, The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin, The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain, and The Conference of the Birds.
His many distinguished books include Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei, Tibet: Through the Red Box, Madlenka, Rainbow Rhino, The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin, The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain, and The Conference of the Birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 11, 2020
This is an older children’s book and one for kids who are interested in history or don’t have to have action and monsters, like my nephew. It would also make a decent book for a grade school book report they need to do.
This is a facts book about Charles Darwin and his writing of the Origin of Species. I haven’t read the original, but someday before I die, I do hope to read it. I know someone who did and he said it was a great read. This is a Peter Sis book through and through. He tells much of the story through his illustrations and the sentences become part of the picture.
Nephew was totally bored with this. The artwork is not colorful at all. The content is sort of scientific and about nature, but not anything he’s interested in. I sort of knew he wouldn’t like this going in. To bad. So he gave this 1 star. There you have it.
This is a facts book about Charles Darwin and his writing of the Origin of Species. I haven’t read the original, but someday before I die, I do hope to read it. I know someone who did and he said it was a great read. This is a Peter Sis book through and through. He tells much of the story through his illustrations and the sentences become part of the picture.
Nephew was totally bored with this. The artwork is not colorful at all. The content is sort of scientific and about nature, but not anything he’s interested in. I sort of knew he wouldn’t like this going in. To bad. So he gave this 1 star. There you have it.
February 28, 2020
Although and indeed thankfully not quite as massively and painfully difficult on the eyes and thus also not quite as personally frustrating to and for me as Peter Sís' Caldecott Honour winning picture book on Galileo (which I actually ended up really NOT liking at all because I literally could not physically read much if not most of the supplemental information presented) his The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin (Which of course is all about about the life and accomplishments of 19th century British naturalist Charles Darwin, the so called "father of the theory of evolution"), also does still display some of the same issues and annoyances as the former (namely a generally decent and engaging enough main narrative, with much interesting and valuable supplemental information that is unfortunately presented in very small, well, actually more like minuscule font sizes so as to often necessitate the use of reading glasses and sometimes even a magnifying glass).
And combined with the fact that The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin also does not (and once again) contain ANY type of a bibliography with suggestions for further reading (which would greatly increase both teaching and learning values and potentials and should really be a given and even a requirement for this type of history of science based non fiction picture book), while I do much appreciate the information presented and find especially the fact that Charles Darwin had not only issues with the general British establishment with regard to his theories of natural science and evolution (especially and namely the Church) but also with his own nearest and dearest, with his own family (and especially his father obviously much resented his son becoming a naturalist) both interesting and worthy of being more publicly known, presented and discussed, the manner in which Peter Sís has decided to show, to feature most of the additional details (the information above and beyond the main plot and narrative) does make a comfortable and easy perusal of The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin rather limited at best (and definitely often more of a reading chore than in any manner a pleasure).
And with regard to the accompanying illustrations, while I do think they are descriptive and intriguingly detailed (and very much demonstrate Peter Sís' artistic acumen and abilities), I for one and personally do find some of them a bit overly exaggerated (and indeed even potentially creepy) and the often green and brown colour schemes a bit monotonous and bland. The illustrations do, I guess, work well enough with the presented text, providing an entrancing and evocative mirror of the same, but I cannot say that I would consider them in any way personal favourites (and actually would go so far as to state that I have enjoyed other artwork by Peter Sís considerably more than his illustrations for The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin). And thus, while I do still recommend The Tree of Life: Darwin, I do so only with some major reservations (and with the caveat that there are sadly once again potential issues with being able to easily read and discern rather much of the supplemental details).
And combined with the fact that The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin also does not (and once again) contain ANY type of a bibliography with suggestions for further reading (which would greatly increase both teaching and learning values and potentials and should really be a given and even a requirement for this type of history of science based non fiction picture book), while I do much appreciate the information presented and find especially the fact that Charles Darwin had not only issues with the general British establishment with regard to his theories of natural science and evolution (especially and namely the Church) but also with his own nearest and dearest, with his own family (and especially his father obviously much resented his son becoming a naturalist) both interesting and worthy of being more publicly known, presented and discussed, the manner in which Peter Sís has decided to show, to feature most of the additional details (the information above and beyond the main plot and narrative) does make a comfortable and easy perusal of The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin rather limited at best (and definitely often more of a reading chore than in any manner a pleasure).
And with regard to the accompanying illustrations, while I do think they are descriptive and intriguingly detailed (and very much demonstrate Peter Sís' artistic acumen and abilities), I for one and personally do find some of them a bit overly exaggerated (and indeed even potentially creepy) and the often green and brown colour schemes a bit monotonous and bland. The illustrations do, I guess, work well enough with the presented text, providing an entrancing and evocative mirror of the same, but I cannot say that I would consider them in any way personal favourites (and actually would go so far as to state that I have enjoyed other artwork by Peter Sís considerably more than his illustrations for The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin). And thus, while I do still recommend The Tree of Life: Darwin, I do so only with some major reservations (and with the caveat that there are sadly once again potential issues with being able to easily read and discern rather much of the supplemental details).
December 9, 2009
A masterful fusion of art, narrative, and primary sources, The Tree of Life should be read by anyone older than the age of ten. Sis selects quotations from Darwin's diaries and correspondence that capture the development of his thoughts as he formulated his theory. My favorite was written by Darwin on his famous Beagle voyage: "See a bed of fossil shells. A forest of snow-white petrified trees--pines once on the shores of Atlantic, now 700 miles away. Then sunk beneath the sea, then raised 7,000 feet. It is sublime, like hearing a chorus of the Messiah with full orchestra." I feel that same wonder when observing the natural world. Darwin was captivated by life and relentlessly worked to uncover its origins. Sis also leaves open the possibility that creation and evolution worked in tandem, writing, "Darwin did not say that God had not created life on earth. What he said was that creation did not happen all at once." Regardless of your religious beliefs, this book is vital to an understanding of history and the interplay between science and religion. Parents and children should read it together. Important discussions will certainly result.
June 29, 2014
Stunningly illustrated and researched, this picture book biography of Charles Darwin will appeal to older readers and adults because of its detail and the way in which Peter Sis makes the theory of natural selection so accessible and relevant. He covers Darwin's early years, his lengthy voyage on the Beagle, and his return to England. One of the aspects of the book that I loved were the thumbnail sketches and notes about what he observed while on his five-year-long journey. I felt as though I were peeking over Darwin's shoulders. Another element that allows readers to understand the complexity of the man and the times was how Sis divides Darwin's life into three areas: his public life, his private life, and his secret life. This creative decision lets readers see how one aspect affected another as well as how his thinking of difficult issues surrounding evolution was changing. Although this book will have little appeal for young readers, it will be a treasure for middle graders. This is a book to savor and not race through because there is so much to explore.
October 10, 2008
Nice illustrated look at Darwin's life. Librarian trick: juvenile fiction is a great way to get a quick overview of a subject. Now you know.
April 3, 2013
Really, really interesting biography decisions made here.
Post Darwin's trip and decision to start studying further, the layout of the book changes: Top 2/3 of the page is an (amazing, of course! Peter Sis!) illustration. The text below is divided into "public life" "private life" and "secret life." What a GREAT way to tell a story!! Especially given that young kids are all (it seems) obsessed with diaries and secrets.
Super well-researched, beautifully laid out. A book that is going to challenge all its readers and provide numerous new adventures on re-readings.
Post Darwin's trip and decision to start studying further, the layout of the book changes: Top 2/3 of the page is an (amazing, of course! Peter Sis!) illustration. The text below is divided into "public life" "private life" and "secret life." What a GREAT way to tell a story!! Especially given that young kids are all (it seems) obsessed with diaries and secrets.
Super well-researched, beautifully laid out. A book that is going to challenge all its readers and provide numerous new adventures on re-readings.
March 27, 2016
Peter Sis has brought Charles Darwin's diary to life with wonderously detailed pictures. Darwin regretted that he himself couldn't draw and I'm sure he would be pleased with this version. I especially liked the art on the inside cover pages that are a bonus because they don't appear anywhere else in the book.
September 4, 2013
Nádherná věc. Taky bych se chtěl někdy stejně silnou věcí vypořádat se svým dětstvím.
March 30, 2015
Starts off fine, but quickly becomes too cluttered and the narrative disappears, making it hard to follow and understand (particularly for children).
November 18, 2021
I bought this children’s book because of its wonderful illustrations. The book is recommended for children 5-8. The small print and cursive may make this book difficult to read for the younger ages. The author has done a remarkable job in distilling the life and achievements of Darwin down to the bare bones making this book a good resource for students in this age group doing a book report or a report on Darwin. The salient facts of his life are here.
Because of the artwork, this is a good book for parent and child together.
Because of the artwork, this is a good book for parent and child together.
November 24, 2020
As a kid I would have loved to have this book as an introduction to Darwin. As an adult it was just as enjoyable. The artwork is well done and the small details and blurbs of text on the page allow you to feel you are on an expedition or exploration like Darwin.
So why haven't I read The Voyage of the Beagle yet? Shame on me. I have sort of read around the actual books by Darwin but not the books themselves. I really do promise to rectify that soon.
So why haven't I read The Voyage of the Beagle yet? Shame on me. I have sort of read around the actual books by Darwin but not the books themselves. I really do promise to rectify that soon.
January 14, 2019
viac takýchto krásnych kníh!
December 9, 2017
This book, subtitled “A Book Depicting the Life of Charles Darwin” presents the life of iconoclast and scientist Charles Darwin and his contributions to our understanding of the process of natural selection and of the evolution of living things.
Darwin is of course best known for his theory of the science of evolution. Darwin published his ideas with compelling evidence in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species, overcoming scientific rejection of earlier concepts of transmutation of species.
Sís begins with Darwin’s childhood, moving on to his time as a medical student, and the voyage around the world on the H.M.S. Beagle that provided Darwin with the materials to form the basis of his discoveries.
As usual, the drawings by Sís are outstanding, and include excerpts from Darwin’s journals about the voyage and what he found on it, such as descriptions of many unique species, and a collection of fossil bones. As Darwin wrote:
“The voyage of the Beagle has been by far the most important event in my life and has determined my whole career . . . I owe to the voyage the first real training or education of my mind. I was led to attend closely to several branches of natural history, and thus my powers of observations were improved, though they were already fairly developed.”
Much of the text is divided into three sections: “Public Life,” “Private Life,” and “Secret Life.” Why secret life? Because his theory of evolution constituted a revolution in thinking, one that was extremely polarizing and controversial. He was afraid to publish, and only did so when he feared that a rival, Alfred Russel Wallace, might beat him to it.
Darwin’s theories were fiercely attacked by the religious establishment, and in particular the Bishop of Oxford, who was appalled at the proposition that man could be descended from an ape.
But Darwin persisted, and eventually of course, his ideas were vindicated.
Peter Sís, children’s book author/illustrator, is known for his picture books that aren’t really just for children. In this tribute to Darwin, once again as in other books he celebrates the power of ideas - particularly when they are resisted by the authorities - and the courage of those who promulgated those ideas.
The illustrations by Sís are standouts; made from fine pen and ink and watercolors, they are detailed evocations of historical documents from Darwin’s time and and truly wonder-inspiring. He also incorporates excerpts of handwritten passages from Darwin’s notebooks, diaries, correspondence, and published writings. In addition, there are charts, maps, and a gatefold spread highlighting the ideas presented in The Origin of Species.
Evaluation: This book with its mesmerizing pictures teaches some important lessons about truth, courage, and persistence even when it may result in social censure and widespread calumny.
Darwin is of course best known for his theory of the science of evolution. Darwin published his ideas with compelling evidence in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species, overcoming scientific rejection of earlier concepts of transmutation of species.
Sís begins with Darwin’s childhood, moving on to his time as a medical student, and the voyage around the world on the H.M.S. Beagle that provided Darwin with the materials to form the basis of his discoveries.
As usual, the drawings by Sís are outstanding, and include excerpts from Darwin’s journals about the voyage and what he found on it, such as descriptions of many unique species, and a collection of fossil bones. As Darwin wrote:
“The voyage of the Beagle has been by far the most important event in my life and has determined my whole career . . . I owe to the voyage the first real training or education of my mind. I was led to attend closely to several branches of natural history, and thus my powers of observations were improved, though they were already fairly developed.”
Much of the text is divided into three sections: “Public Life,” “Private Life,” and “Secret Life.” Why secret life? Because his theory of evolution constituted a revolution in thinking, one that was extremely polarizing and controversial. He was afraid to publish, and only did so when he feared that a rival, Alfred Russel Wallace, might beat him to it.
Darwin’s theories were fiercely attacked by the religious establishment, and in particular the Bishop of Oxford, who was appalled at the proposition that man could be descended from an ape.
But Darwin persisted, and eventually of course, his ideas were vindicated.
Peter Sís, children’s book author/illustrator, is known for his picture books that aren’t really just for children. In this tribute to Darwin, once again as in other books he celebrates the power of ideas - particularly when they are resisted by the authorities - and the courage of those who promulgated those ideas.
The illustrations by Sís are standouts; made from fine pen and ink and watercolors, they are detailed evocations of historical documents from Darwin’s time and and truly wonder-inspiring. He also incorporates excerpts of handwritten passages from Darwin’s notebooks, diaries, correspondence, and published writings. In addition, there are charts, maps, and a gatefold spread highlighting the ideas presented in The Origin of Species.
Evaluation: This book with its mesmerizing pictures teaches some important lessons about truth, courage, and persistence even when it may result in social censure and widespread calumny.
March 17, 2018
I liked his biography of Antoine de St. Exupery, but I loved this one. The format was constantly changing and each portion of his life story was set up differently. He used less of his trademark circling text, so it wasn't as irritating to read as it has been in other books. Darwin's story is told with some quotes from letters and books and in palatable little chunks. I am a fan of Darwin and learned new things from this book despite already knowing quite a bit.
I was amused by several of the quotes from his journals as Darwin described his various accidents and mishaps. The picture and description of him accidentally bringing down his own horse with the bolas made me laugh hysterically. The gall of his using General Ramos's name to escape armed gunmen made me admire his quick thinking. The crazy coincidence of him being in Conception when the earthquake and tsunami hit was cool. He described seeing geological sights so lovely that it was "sublime" and "like hearing a chorus of the Messiah with full orchestra".
He got a little tired of the trip toward the end, as one tends to do on any trip! He wrote:
and later:
I guess that much time on a boat will get to anyone. I wouldn't have lasted more than a few days! His dedication and exuberance for learning more about the natural sciences and making observations gave him the drive to make it through, though. He really enjoyed his work his entire life. We should all be so lucky to do something that makes us as happy. He also proved to be a good scientist and kept an open mind and always wanted evidence.
I was amused by several of the quotes from his journals as Darwin described his various accidents and mishaps. The picture and description of him accidentally bringing down his own horse with the bolas made me laugh hysterically. The gall of his using General Ramos's name to escape armed gunmen made me admire his quick thinking. The crazy coincidence of him being in Conception when the earthquake and tsunami hit was cool. He described seeing geological sights so lovely that it was "sublime" and "like hearing a chorus of the Messiah with full orchestra".
He got a little tired of the trip toward the end, as one tends to do on any trip! He wrote:
Oh, the degree I long to be once again living quietly with not one single novel object near me! No one can imagine it, till he has been whirled round the world during five long years in a ten-gun brig.
and later:
I loathe, I abhor the sea and all ships which sail on it.
I guess that much time on a boat will get to anyone. I wouldn't have lasted more than a few days! His dedication and exuberance for learning more about the natural sciences and making observations gave him the drive to make it through, though. He really enjoyed his work his entire life. We should all be so lucky to do something that makes us as happy. He also proved to be a good scientist and kept an open mind and always wanted evidence.
I have steadily endeavoured to keep my mind free, so as to give up any hypothesis, however much beloved (and I cannot resist forming one on every subject), as soon as facts are shown to be opposed to it.
October 5, 2008
The Tree of Life is an illustrative biography of the life of Charles Darwin. Sís shows us in wonderful graphic detail the crossroads, opportunities and discoveries of Darwin who was not only a naturalist, geologist, and thinker but husband and father.
A multi-layered exploration itself, Sís masterfully brings to life Darwin’s story in The Tree of Life. His illustrations are wonderfully detailed but yet uniquely stylized adding to the overall spirit of discovery. Sís’ decision to divide Darwin’s story into the categories of public life, private life, and secret life is an ingenious strategy to develop a complex character within the genre of picture books. Additionally, his illustrations often demonstrate the interconnectedness of living beings.
Sís drew heavily from Darwin’s diaries, letters, journals and writings to create this wonderfully imagined picture book. In fact, The Tree of Life incorporates Darwin’s actual correspondence and diary entries making history come alive for the reader. Although Sís reimagines Darwin’s journal entries by adding drawings to them, by doing so he gives Darwin the gift he always dreamed of – the skill and art of illustration.
I found this picture book to be a wonderful way to whet a reader’s appetite for biographies of historical figures, such as famous scholars, scientists, philosophers, and writers . If such a series existed, I would be sure to own every single one! I thought Sís’ focus on Darwin’s persistence in following his passions a wonderful example for youth figuring out their path(s) in life. I especially loved the diary entries. Not knowing much about Darwin, they helped bring to life his world and his thoughts. On a completely side note, I was impressed to find out that Sís is not only a diverse and prolific artist but also a McArthur Fellow.
A multi-layered exploration itself, Sís masterfully brings to life Darwin’s story in The Tree of Life. His illustrations are wonderfully detailed but yet uniquely stylized adding to the overall spirit of discovery. Sís’ decision to divide Darwin’s story into the categories of public life, private life, and secret life is an ingenious strategy to develop a complex character within the genre of picture books. Additionally, his illustrations often demonstrate the interconnectedness of living beings.
Sís drew heavily from Darwin’s diaries, letters, journals and writings to create this wonderfully imagined picture book. In fact, The Tree of Life incorporates Darwin’s actual correspondence and diary entries making history come alive for the reader. Although Sís reimagines Darwin’s journal entries by adding drawings to them, by doing so he gives Darwin the gift he always dreamed of – the skill and art of illustration.
I found this picture book to be a wonderful way to whet a reader’s appetite for biographies of historical figures, such as famous scholars, scientists, philosophers, and writers . If such a series existed, I would be sure to own every single one! I thought Sís’ focus on Darwin’s persistence in following his passions a wonderful example for youth figuring out their path(s) in life. I especially loved the diary entries. Not knowing much about Darwin, they helped bring to life his world and his thoughts. On a completely side note, I was impressed to find out that Sís is not only a diverse and prolific artist but also a McArthur Fellow.
November 6, 2012
Grade Level/Interest Level: 4-5th
Reading Level: 5.6 Level 5th grade
Main Characters: Charles Darwin
POV: Ominous third person narrator
Setting: N/A
The tree of life is an amazing book. It is the biography of Charles Darwin and talks about his life as a young boy and how his father wanted him to be a doctor but he always had an interest in nature, biology and botany. He struggles with this throughout his schooling and into college where he attends courses that are not within his required schedule. Once he graduates, he receives a letter from a professor inviting him on a journey around the world by boat studying animal species and plant life. He convinces his father to allow him to go and this completely changes his life, which eventually leads to him making his claims about evolution. This book absolutely blew me away for several reasons. It has great imagery that is so unique; it really grasps your attention. The pictures are so different and the placing of the words is all over the pages. It is something you truly have to witness to be astonished. I would definitely use this to have students write their own autobiographies describing themselves using pictures and words in the way this book depicts it. Also, one may not think that learning about the life of Charles Darwin would be interesting, but when you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down.
Reading Level: 5.6 Level 5th grade
Main Characters: Charles Darwin
POV: Ominous third person narrator
Setting: N/A
The tree of life is an amazing book. It is the biography of Charles Darwin and talks about his life as a young boy and how his father wanted him to be a doctor but he always had an interest in nature, biology and botany. He struggles with this throughout his schooling and into college where he attends courses that are not within his required schedule. Once he graduates, he receives a letter from a professor inviting him on a journey around the world by boat studying animal species and plant life. He convinces his father to allow him to go and this completely changes his life, which eventually leads to him making his claims about evolution. This book absolutely blew me away for several reasons. It has great imagery that is so unique; it really grasps your attention. The pictures are so different and the placing of the words is all over the pages. It is something you truly have to witness to be astonished. I would definitely use this to have students write their own autobiographies describing themselves using pictures and words in the way this book depicts it. Also, one may not think that learning about the life of Charles Darwin would be interesting, but when you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down.
December 7, 2014
I really liked this picture book about Charles Darwin. It was so full of information, I think many adults would also enjoy this, I got it for my son to read. My son pointed out that I am a bit obsessed with Darwin and this is NOT the first Darwin book I have had, he is in 5th grade and he said we read one when he was in 1st.... oops I guess I like Charles Darwin! lol maybe because my lifestyle and what I enjoy doing with my son and husband is pretty much what he enjoyed. I like that he so respected nature and animals and was so ahead of his time and to me the fact he came up with the theory of evolution is beyond brilliant. wonderfully detailed illustrations and detailed facts...I never knew the voyage was 5+ years and he traveled all over the world not just Galapagos and that he discovered and studied sooo many different animals and insects etc. I also liked how he put into the timeline of Darwin's life after the voyage what he was doing in his public, private and secret lives. Makes sense considering how controversial, even today, the theory of evolution is to the much established, rich and powerful established CHURCH, and when you think about it, his life may have been in danger.
March 7, 2010
Peter Sis' biography of Charles Darwin is a picture book for older students, all the way up to those in high school. The Tree of Life is written and illustrated in Sis' unique style, where a reader becomes fascinated with all the information that is fit on just one page. A biography of Charles Darwin may be controversial for some schools to have on their library shelves, but Sis does a wonderful job of focusing on his life and studies before, during and after his ground-breaking work "The Origin of Species." I think this book can serve as an excellent science classroom resource or for a report on Darwin. The only negative criticism I have is that there is so much information found in the middle of the book, the observations made by Darwin while on the Beagle, that it becomes hard to follow, and coupled with the very small print almost easier to skip than read. Overall, I was impressed by Sis' book, and became curious to read more of his work, including The Wall.
May 12, 2009
The Tree of Life is a beautifully illustrated and informative biography of Charles Darwin's life that is set up more like a picture book. Text is often written in circles and there are a lot of small pictures of the people and important aspects of his life that are briefly described above. This would be a good non-fiction book to promote to a teen or even tween who needed to learn about Darwin's life and have it not read like a text book. It goes in chronological order and many pages have a "public life," "private life," and "secret life" section to get to know more about Darwin as a person rather than just what his work was about. It is a quick read and would probably be more interesting to read than a thicker book on the same topic for a young person but would still give them valuable information.
Voya Ratings 5Q, 3P, M, J
Voya Ratings 5Q, 3P, M, J
July 11, 2010
Peter Sis' illustrations are just outstanding. I just sat there and looked at all the minute details on each page. I love how there are several illustrations on each page, the text appear right along with the pictures, and each page looks completely different! Really unusual and really fabulous.
I guess the best thing about this book is that it is packed full of information. I read a portion of Darwin's travelogue and Origin of the Species back in high school. Ugh...it was so boring, but this gives a nice taste of both of those without boring you to tears.
Some Favorite details:
*Darwin discussing the taste of all the exotic animals he is eating.
*How his life was split three way: Public, Private, Secret. What was happening in each of those spheres in a given time.
*His opinions on slavery while in Brazil and the mistreatment of aboriginals in Australia.
Loved it!
I guess the best thing about this book is that it is packed full of information. I read a portion of Darwin's travelogue and Origin of the Species back in high school. Ugh...it was so boring, but this gives a nice taste of both of those without boring you to tears.
Some Favorite details:
*Darwin discussing the taste of all the exotic animals he is eating.
*How his life was split three way: Public, Private, Secret. What was happening in each of those spheres in a given time.
*His opinions on slavery while in Brazil and the mistreatment of aboriginals in Australia.
Loved it!
June 18, 2014
The Tree of Life has a dream-like quality. Reading excerpts of Darwin's journals and letters as well as supplementary text and sublime illustrations by Peter Sis, it I almost felt like I were Darwin myself looking back on my life, and God was I cool! Sis does a superb job of portraying Darwin as a complex character, from a headstrong child to adventure-seeking young man aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, to family man and scientific pioneer. This book is appropriate for children and young adults, though I don't know how well it would work as a class read-aloud. Students could read it from cover to cover or pick and choose memories and events in Darwin's life as if they were flipping through the pages of a diary. It's hard to imagine students looking at these illustrations and not wanting to learn more about Darwin.
March 4, 2015
A gorgeous book and a great introduction for young ones to Darwin, read it with my 6-year old who is very interested in science, animals and evolution.
Much of what makes the book special are the extraordinary illustrations, reminiscent of old maps- of which there are several. A lot of focus on his 5-year expedition on "The Beagle," with images of his biological findings and specimens, the boat, and his trajectory mapped out across the world. Lots of short excerpts in his writing of correspondence and notebooks.
A great book to set the stage for future investigations into evolution and history and more in-depth biographies. We are complementing it with such non-fiction science books, and even the Bible for contrast!
Much of what makes the book special are the extraordinary illustrations, reminiscent of old maps- of which there are several. A lot of focus on his 5-year expedition on "The Beagle," with images of his biological findings and specimens, the boat, and his trajectory mapped out across the world. Lots of short excerpts in his writing of correspondence and notebooks.
A great book to set the stage for future investigations into evolution and history and more in-depth biographies. We are complementing it with such non-fiction science books, and even the Bible for contrast!
November 2, 2017
I feel like everything I know about Charles Darwin came from this book. In fact, I even cited this during a class discussion just a few weeks back. This is a hugely informative and intricate book, and I'm glad to have read it. The illustrations are honestly so beautiful, and almost what you'd expect in a book about Charles Darwin--anatomical and detailed.
This is a great book to read to students when introducing them to evolution or Darwin, no matter their age. They'll definitely learn something. I know I did!
Review cross-listed here!
This is a great book to read to students when introducing them to evolution or Darwin, no matter their age. They'll definitely learn something. I know I did!
Review cross-listed here!
October 5, 2007
This book is great! The story and the illustrations rock!
Inside are fascinating details about the life of Charles Darwin. I had no idea his life was so exciting.
Young people will especially enjoy the tiny gory bits: the bloodsucking bugs, for example.
I took my niece and nephew to a Natural History Museum, and we sat down to read this book together surrounded by skeletons, taxidermied things, and live reptiles.
Perfect thing to do on a rainy day.
Peter Sis is awesome. I would really like to see him biography someone like Madame Curie or Ada Lovelace.
Inside are fascinating details about the life of Charles Darwin. I had no idea his life was so exciting.
Young people will especially enjoy the tiny gory bits: the bloodsucking bugs, for example.
I took my niece and nephew to a Natural History Museum, and we sat down to read this book together surrounded by skeletons, taxidermied things, and live reptiles.
Perfect thing to do on a rainy day.
Peter Sis is awesome. I would really like to see him biography someone like Madame Curie or Ada Lovelace.
August 8, 2017
Text: 3 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Children's nonfiction picture book about the life and work of Charles Darwin. There is a ton of information presented on the pages and it is not appropriately distilled for child readers. A lot of the text is interesting, but it isn't organized well. To compound that, much of the text appears in a very small handwritten-type font, which is very difficult to read. Appropriate for upper elementary school students and best use within a guided group setting where an adult can focus the content.
Illustrations: 4 stars
Children's nonfiction picture book about the life and work of Charles Darwin. There is a ton of information presented on the pages and it is not appropriately distilled for child readers. A lot of the text is interesting, but it isn't organized well. To compound that, much of the text appears in a very small handwritten-type font, which is very difficult to read. Appropriate for upper elementary school students and best use within a guided group setting where an adult can focus the content.
September 12, 2018
This picture book offers a detailed look at Charles Darwin's life, focusing on his famous explorations on the HMS Beagle.
This book was selected as one of the books for the August 2018 - Charles Darwin discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This book was selected as one of the books for the August 2018 - Charles Darwin discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
December 20, 2017
Sis, Peter Tree of Life PICTURE BOOK Farrar, Straus, Giroux –
Peter Sis applies his unique illustration style to short, but in-depth look at the life of Charles Darwin. Tiny, detailed drawing, along with (tiny, detailed) writing make this book only appropriate for middle school or high school. If a teacher used an opaque projector, their class could be enjoy this look at Darwin.
MS, HS – OPTIONAL
Peter Sis applies his unique illustration style to short, but in-depth look at the life of Charles Darwin. Tiny, detailed drawing, along with (tiny, detailed) writing make this book only appropriate for middle school or high school. If a teacher used an opaque projector, their class could be enjoy this look at Darwin.
MS, HS – OPTIONAL
January 16, 2018
I spent at least 30 minutes just looking at this visually stunning biography about Charles Darwin. Beautifully done!
January 23, 2018
gorgeously illustrated, rich contextual information
August 8, 2018
Visually quite stunning. But the illustrations were so detailed and dense it was overwhelming at times. I would have appreciated more narrative or some back matter as it ended rather abruptly.
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