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Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure: A Picture Book
Complete with mesmerizing map work that charts Darwin’s thrilling five-year voyage, as well as “Fun Facts” and more, author/illustrator Jennifer Thermes’s picture book biography Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure captures the beauty and mystery of nature with wide-eyed wonder.
In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on his first voyage. Though he was a scientist by profession, he was an explorer at heart. While journeying around South America for the first time aboard a 90-foot-long ship named the Beagle , Charles collected insects, dug up bones, galloped with gauchos, encountered volcanoes and earthquakes, and even ate armadillo for breakfast! The discoveries he made during this adventure would later inspire ideas that changed how we see the world.
“A notable choice for both STEM curricula and family sharing.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A colorful, childlike presentation of Darwin’s eye-opening voyage of discovery.” — Booklist
In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on his first voyage. Though he was a scientist by profession, he was an explorer at heart. While journeying around South America for the first time aboard a 90-foot-long ship named the Beagle , Charles collected insects, dug up bones, galloped with gauchos, encountered volcanoes and earthquakes, and even ate armadillo for breakfast! The discoveries he made during this adventure would later inspire ideas that changed how we see the world.
“A notable choice for both STEM curricula and family sharing.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A colorful, childlike presentation of Darwin’s eye-opening voyage of discovery.” — Booklist
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2016
3 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Thermes
16 books40 followersJENNIFER THERMES is an award-winning children’s book author-illustrator and map illustrator. Her nonfiction picture book The Indestructible Tom Crean recently received the Bank Street College of Education’s 2024 Flora Stieglitz Straus Award in the Younger Reader category and is an ALSC Notable Children’s Book. Both Tom Crean and her book A Place Called America were named to the Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2023 list. She also creates black & white maps for middle-grade and young adult novels including the bestselling Vanderbeekers series. Jennifer is fascinated by big-picture ideas that span history, adventure, and the natural world, and weaves maps throughout her stories to explore new places and visualize how the past connects to our lives today.
To learn more please visit www.jenniferthermes.com, @jenthermes on Twitter and @jenniferthermes on Instagram.
To learn more please visit www.jenniferthermes.com, @jenthermes on Twitter and @jenniferthermes on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 15, 2020
REVIEW OF THE KINDLE EDITION
I do have to admit that while Jennifer Thermes does provide in her Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure a decent enough general picture book introduction to Charles Darwin (with a sufficiently engaging narrative and accompanying artwork that is bright, colourful but also a bit too cartoony and one dimensional for my personal aesthetic tastes) and how Darwin’s voyages as chief naturalist on board of the HMS Beagle created the roots for his theory of evolution, Thermes’ presented text is also (in my opinion) rather simplistic in content and from where I am standing equally stops in the middle so to speak, ends precisely when Charles Darwin gets back to England from his voyages and does not really continue on with how after his return to England, Charles Darwin then used his observations and experiences whilst on the Beagle to come up with his theory of evolution and to pen his The Origin of Species. And this factoid does indeed leave me after having read Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure with an annoying feeling of incompleteness, as though Jennifer Thermes has focussed much too heavily on Charles Darwin’s travels and seemingly ignoring what happened post then (except for a bit in the supplemental notes, but for me, it would certainly be much better and much more interesting to have had a more complete general narrative and not have Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure finish with only really the first half of Darwin’s life and his achievements).
So yes and indeed, albeit that I do still consider Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure decently informative, I also think that compared to other picture book introduction to Charles Darwin which not only focus within the text proper on Charles Darwin on board of the HMS Beagle, on Charles Darwin’s field work and travels, Jennifer Thermes narrative is simply too lacking in depth and in the details on what Darwin’s life was post his return to England (and how he came to “discover” and set in writing the theory of evolution) for me to consider more than a rather low three star ranking and to recommend Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure only with reservations and caveats that many picture books on Charles Darwin are far more complete.
I do have to admit that while Jennifer Thermes does provide in her Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure a decent enough general picture book introduction to Charles Darwin (with a sufficiently engaging narrative and accompanying artwork that is bright, colourful but also a bit too cartoony and one dimensional for my personal aesthetic tastes) and how Darwin’s voyages as chief naturalist on board of the HMS Beagle created the roots for his theory of evolution, Thermes’ presented text is also (in my opinion) rather simplistic in content and from where I am standing equally stops in the middle so to speak, ends precisely when Charles Darwin gets back to England from his voyages and does not really continue on with how after his return to England, Charles Darwin then used his observations and experiences whilst on the Beagle to come up with his theory of evolution and to pen his The Origin of Species. And this factoid does indeed leave me after having read Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure with an annoying feeling of incompleteness, as though Jennifer Thermes has focussed much too heavily on Charles Darwin’s travels and seemingly ignoring what happened post then (except for a bit in the supplemental notes, but for me, it would certainly be much better and much more interesting to have had a more complete general narrative and not have Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure finish with only really the first half of Darwin’s life and his achievements).
So yes and indeed, albeit that I do still consider Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure decently informative, I also think that compared to other picture book introduction to Charles Darwin which not only focus within the text proper on Charles Darwin on board of the HMS Beagle, on Charles Darwin’s field work and travels, Jennifer Thermes narrative is simply too lacking in depth and in the details on what Darwin’s life was post his return to England (and how he came to “discover” and set in writing the theory of evolution) for me to consider more than a rather low three star ranking and to recommend Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure only with reservations and caveats that many picture books on Charles Darwin are far more complete.
June 15, 2016
This is a gorgeous picture book about Charles Darwin's trip on the Beagle and how it influenced his life. The pictures are lovely and the text is easy to follow and understand. There are lots of diagrams and information to pore over. I can't wait to put this one in my library.'
May 20, 2021
Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Jennifer Thermes. It is an introduction to Darwin and focuses on his five-year exploratory journey on the HMS Beagle.
Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science.
Thermes' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It follows the travels of Charles Darwin while concisely explaining the influence they had on his growing understanding of the interconnectedness of nature. Backmatter includes an in-depth look at Darwin's later life and research, as well as a spread of eighteen additional facts tied to his journey. Thermes' neatly outlined pencil-and-watercolor images mix full-bleed scenes of bounteous wildlife with maps of the corresponding landscapes, labeling towns, geographic features, and local animals.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As Darwin sails from England to the South American coast and the Galápagos Islands, a boyish enthusiasm is frequently apparent in Thermes' portraits of the young scientist at work, even when seasickness was getting the best of him.
All in all, Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure is a notable choice for both STEM curricula and family sharing.
Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science.
Thermes' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It follows the travels of Charles Darwin while concisely explaining the influence they had on his growing understanding of the interconnectedness of nature. Backmatter includes an in-depth look at Darwin's later life and research, as well as a spread of eighteen additional facts tied to his journey. Thermes' neatly outlined pencil-and-watercolor images mix full-bleed scenes of bounteous wildlife with maps of the corresponding landscapes, labeling towns, geographic features, and local animals.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As Darwin sails from England to the South American coast and the Galápagos Islands, a boyish enthusiasm is frequently apparent in Thermes' portraits of the young scientist at work, even when seasickness was getting the best of him.
All in all, Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure is a notable choice for both STEM curricula and family sharing.
November 15, 2016
This is a very interesting and beautifully illustrated account of the five years Darwin spent on the Beagle (a 90-foot ship) exploring South America. During this voyage, he collected insects, studied bones, and explored many aspects of life on this interesting continent. This book has great descriptions of his experiences and great map diagrams. This would be a wonderful nonfiction resource to have in my classroom library!
August 20, 2018
This came in to the library the same month that we're discussing Darwin in Children's Books!
Too bad it suffers in comparison to One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin and doesn't really add anything to the lore, nor does it suit a different age level any better. In fact, in the Further Reading, Lasky's book is listed.
One thing I particularly didn't like here was the use of the word 'change.' Finch's beaks do not change. The beaks of their offspring sometimes come in (slightly) different shapes & sizes, and etc. .... "Evolve" is the word, tyvm. Otherwise it sounds as if you're talking about Lamarckian evolution, which is more properly called Lamarckian inheritance.
Otoh, if you can't get a copy of One Beetle Too Many and can get this, it's perfectly fine and worth reading.
Too bad it suffers in comparison to One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin and doesn't really add anything to the lore, nor does it suit a different age level any better. In fact, in the Further Reading, Lasky's book is listed.
One thing I particularly didn't like here was the use of the word 'change.' Finch's beaks do not change. The beaks of their offspring sometimes come in (slightly) different shapes & sizes, and etc. .... "Evolve" is the word, tyvm. Otherwise it sounds as if you're talking about Lamarckian evolution, which is more properly called Lamarckian inheritance.
Otoh, if you can't get a copy of One Beetle Too Many and can get this, it's perfectly fine and worth reading.
April 20, 2018
This is a fun primer for younger ones about Charles Darwin and his adventures in South America, and of course the Galápagos Islands. It's got beautiful illustrations and maps and makes for a quick, yet interesting read.
It's especially fun if you can find a way to apply this book to your child's life. I reminded my boy of him catching bugs with the bug box I got him, or the butterfly house that we visit, or even his rocks that he collects and told him he was a Naturalist and he got excited and that helped him understand the book a little better.
It's especially fun if you can find a way to apply this book to your child's life. I reminded my boy of him catching bugs with the bug box I got him, or the butterfly house that we visit, or even his rocks that he collects and told him he was a Naturalist and he got excited and that helped him understand the book a little better.
November 26, 2018
This is a nice introduction to Charles Darwin, specifically his time spent on the Beagle exploring and collecting and taking notes on what he observed. The illustrations are well done and engaging.
October 6, 2021
A beautifully illustrated biography of Charles Darwin and his trip around the world!
We read this for B&R-1st grade Science curriculum and paired it with lots of fun 'Book Seed' activities!
We read this for B&R-1st grade Science curriculum and paired it with lots of fun 'Book Seed' activities!
January 3, 2017
Thermes, Jennifer Charles Darwin’s Around the World Adventure. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams, 2016. $19.
Charles Darwin when only 22 when he left his family home and traveled aboard The Beagle for a five year trip around South America and around the world and back to England again. Along the way he collected many species of animals and insects, wrote long letters to scientists back home, and formulated ideas about the interconnectivity of life.
The book is simple enough for an elementary school lesson – but not detailed enough to be a complete biography. It talks briefly about Darwin's ideas about evolution, but is really about his travels.
EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Charles Darwin when only 22 when he left his family home and traveled aboard The Beagle for a five year trip around South America and around the world and back to England again. Along the way he collected many species of animals and insects, wrote long letters to scientists back home, and formulated ideas about the interconnectivity of life.
The book is simple enough for an elementary school lesson – but not detailed enough to be a complete biography. It talks briefly about Darwin's ideas about evolution, but is really about his travels.
EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
December 14, 2016
Just gorgeous, and the perfect tie-in with another book in I'm reading by Nathaniel Philbrick, In the Heart of the Sea. Themes' maps, as always, are phenomenal!
January 29, 2018
A great introductory biography about Charles Darwin, this book details the fateful 5 year voyage of the HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin's many discoveries. The information in this book was great, I especially loved the Fun Facts and all of the information in the back. But I thought the illustration style at times was a little too cartoonish, especially in regards to some of the animals in the book. I would recommend this book for 3rd graders.
July 4, 2020
Nice picture book about some of the discoveries Darwin made during his 5-year voyage aboard the Beagle.
December 1, 2017
This picture book is easy and enjoyable to read. It focuses on Darwin's curiosity and enjoyment of nature, and it also describes his observations (and many of the animals he saw).
However, it's almost exclusively about his years on the HMS Beagle and doesn't really delve into his thinking or work after his experiences. I think it should have included a few other ideas to be really great. I would have liked if the book focused a bit more on Darwin's thinking, instead of simply saying, "Years later, Charles learned that some finches had small beaks because they ate tiny seeds, and some had big beaks strong enough to crack hard seeds." The author made it seem like Darwin found that information in book somewhere. It also would have been better if it showed how Darwin discussed his ideas with other scientists, like A.R. Wallace, used the ideas of geologists before him, and went to other scientists with questions about some other animals, plants, and horticulture techniques he wasn't as familiar with.
However, it's almost exclusively about his years on the HMS Beagle and doesn't really delve into his thinking or work after his experiences. I think it should have included a few other ideas to be really great. I would have liked if the book focused a bit more on Darwin's thinking, instead of simply saying, "Years later, Charles learned that some finches had small beaks because they ate tiny seeds, and some had big beaks strong enough to crack hard seeds." The author made it seem like Darwin found that information in book somewhere. It also would have been better if it showed how Darwin discussed his ideas with other scientists, like A.R. Wallace, used the ideas of geologists before him, and went to other scientists with questions about some other animals, plants, and horticulture techniques he wasn't as familiar with.
July 25, 2023
It's a little frustrating that this beautifully illustrated book is clear that Darwin's thoughts were really important, without getting into more detail about what those thoughts actually were. Still, the book is for children, with lots of scenes showing the young Darwin collecting animals and trekking through the Andes. The story nods at his youth and his mature career, but focuses on his experiences on the voyage of the Beagle.
December 28, 2023
Jennifer Thermes is an outstanding illustrator/author whose specialty is using maps to help us understand historical events. She is fabulous and I highly recommend here books for anyone who loves history of all ages. This one on Charles Darwin and how his 5-year voyage around the world influenced his scientific theories, complete with maps, timelines and an excellent biography/bibliography at the end does not disappoint.
May 29, 2018
This is an interesting story that describes the fantasy adventure of a scientist. The book captures the beauty and mystery of nature and brings eye-catching miracles. This book records some geography and some insects and illustrations. I like the illustrations in this book. They are beautiful, with rich details and little information. This knowledge of geography and biology is helpful in class.
June 18, 2023
Travel. Charles Darwin's trip around the world from 1931 to 1935 was on a 90 foot long ship named the Beagle and he was only 22 years old. His journey of discovery during those 4 years continued for the rest of his life and what he learned from his observations and study would change the world forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
This book allows children to step inside the voyage and adventure while they read. It truly feels like you are part of the adventure as you are reading. This book is a good one for children bc it is exciting and fun! It is more than just a read and children would truly enjoy.
October 26, 2018
Great book about Darwin’s journey. Great for the young explorers and scientists. I love the utilization of maps in the illustrations. The topic is very mature but written at a level children can understand
January 24, 2019
I like this book because Charles Darwin likes to learn about science and I like to learn about science too! Charles learned about animals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, fossils and shells. Charles went to the Galápagos Island, Ecuador on the Beagle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
Gorgeous illustrations interesting story historical account of Charles Darwin. Very brief mention of his theory of adaption/evolution/transmutation (all the names are given in the text). Also an explanation of a scientific "theory". Excellent introduction to natural history before there was a science of biology. Excellent way to introduce an interest in South America.
November 4, 2016
Loved the pictures! Darwin's discoveries are explained in a way young children can understand. Great notes/resources in the back.
July 9, 2017
An interesting book with beautiful illustrations.
Me and my 6 year old son loved sharing this very interesting book. Full of amazing animal facts and great illustrations.
Me and my 6 year old son loved sharing this very interesting book. Full of amazing animal facts and great illustrations.
August 27, 2017
4.5 really.
January 11, 2018
What a great introduction to Darwin for children!
September 30, 2019
Written well for children, with interesting little side notes and information.
September 12, 2021
Around the world with Charles Darwin with maps and narrative for kids. I love Jennifer Thermes' Manhattan. Darwin is interesting and informative.
June 9, 2022
Excellent book
October 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I think it's a great introduction to one of the top thinkers in history (according to Will Durant).
March 25, 2025
A picture book biography of Charles Darwin early exploring years including maps of where he went and the species, he discovered. elementary and up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews