The Sandwalk Adventures: An Adventure in Evolution Told in Five Chapters

by Jay Hosler

"In The Sandwalk Adventures--now, stay with us here--Darwin engages in discussion with follicle mites that live in his left eyebrow. The mites believe Darwin is a god, one of the myths they have handed down from generation to generation. Darwin sets them straight about that and other mite fables as well, the result being lessons in natural selection." - The Chicago Tribune

Genres: Graphic Novels, Science, Comics, Evolution, Humor, Nonfiction, Adventure

159 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. Jay Hosler is an Associate Professor of Biology at Juniata College and an award-winning cartoonist who writes and draws comic books about biology and natural history. His work has been called "ingenious" (The London Times), "goofily inventive" (The New York Times), and "entertaining and slyly educational" (The Comics Journal). His works include Active Synapse classics such as Clan Apis, The Sandwalk Adventures, and Optical Allusions. You can visit Jay's website for a more in-depth introduction to this multi-talented cartoonist-biologist-professor-daddy.

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what I just read here…or even why I read it beyond it being offered as one of Scrip’d’s totally random suggestions. The back cover said the New York Times called it “goofily inventive” and I’d say that description nails it, as it will probably be the only evolution lesson that I’ll ever read told from the perspective of a mite living in Charles Darwin’s left eyebrow. Art is very inky and vintage-y; reminiscent of Barney Google or Moon Mullins.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting take on presenting Darwin's evolutionary theory. I just can't put my finger on what disturbs me.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! A great comic overview of Darwin and evolution, told in a way kids will find funny.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This obviously fictionalized tale based on biographical and historical details relating to Darwin explains the theory of evolution in an inventive and fun manner for both children and adults to enjoy. Jay Hosler is a professor of biology where I attended undergrad, though I only knew him in passing as I finished up my senior year research and he was just settling in. I had picked up his Clan Apis comic and soon after going off to grad school I was giving comics a try and ordered this. Finally got around to reading it in another attempt to approach comics. They still aren't really my thing, but I appreciated Hosler's illustrations more than typical comics illustrations. Here the pictures complemented the text and were less busy than a typical comic. The story is clever and allows both presentation of historic and scientific facts along with some zany comic fun that children will enjoy, moments that spice up what could become bogged down in dryness, without taking away from the serious moments. As a view on the rifts between ideas of creationism and the science of evolution the text is rather fair and mostly respectful, but just doesn't delve into it enough to make this aspect more than secondary to the actual presentation of evolutionary theory as described by Darwin. Hosler's newest comic, Last of the Sandwalkers, just had a featured excerpt on Tor.com, coinciding nicely with my writing up something on this, so you can check out his recent work there.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandwalk is a comic that dramatizes an ongoing conversation about evolution between Charles Darwin and a mite living in his left eyebrow. It's funny and interesting and fairly light. Jay Hosler is an entymologist by day, so he really knows his science, but he also has a clear writing style that allows his subject matter to remain conversational and humorous. The artwork is clean, in black and white, with thin but well-balanced lines and inks. It's a short and fun read. Clan Apis - Hosler's other graphic novel about the lives of bees - is much better, in my opinion, but it's more of an emotional story, whereas this is more like an interesting thought experiment illustrated on paper. "What if Darwin himself could explain evolutionary biology to you?" Well, now he can... and you only have to identify with a cute, smarmy skin mite.

Oh, and these books would be *fabulous* additions to a classroom. They are totally kid-friendly and easy enough to read without pandering in the least. Hosler is supposedly developing other comics about science specifically for teaching under a grant from the Natinoal Science Foundation.

[Bill Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bizarre premise - Charles Darwin, in the twilight of his years, talks about the nature of things with an eyebrow mite who thinks he's a god - but a really wonderful book. Lots of discussion about the natures of science and relgion, where they meet, where they part company, and how perception can mean the difference between reality and myth. And impressively, it manages to do all that without being insulting to either side of the argument (though its pretty clear that Hosler, a science teacher, falls clearly on Darwin's side). It's cute, it's laugh-out-loud funny, and you may just learn something, too.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was hilarious and also really informative, which is a good combo! The notes in the back are extensive, although they might have been better placed in the front. I didn't know they were there until I got to the end of the book. I think this would be a great supplemental read for a kid interested in learning more about evolution. I'm not sure it's basic enough for an introduction, but it's definitely one of the more interesting things I've read about the evolution theory. Hosler is a biology PhD, which definitely lends some credibility to the text. The drawings are great and this was a really quick read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Sandwalk Adventures really provided the reader with a unique perspective on Charles Darwin. This story is written in comic book form with the dialogue between Darwin and a follicle mite in his left eyebrow telling the story. I find this story difficult to classify as non-fiction because of the fantasy aspect... the whole having conversations with mites thing. On the other hand, what a great way to hook a young reader who doesn't want to pick up another non-fiction, encyclopedia-looking, book with section after predictable section about Darwin's life.
I also could see how true believers in creation would have a problem with this one being taught.

[Brian Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictional account of Charles Darwin explaining evolution to a follicle mite living in his eyebrow. Sounds a bit out there? Well, it is, but that just makes it even more entertaining. It's a good tale, with good art, that appeals to all ages. And, for those with a deeper interest, lots of references to the events in Darwin's life and the context in which they occurred. Great entertainment for a cold and rainy afternoon.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun look at Darwin's theory of evolution. I did find the mites to be cute. I chose to overlook the fact that their brains are too small to evolve such senses of humor. I still find that when I read a graphic novel, I don't spend enough time looking at the pictures. I tried a bit more in this one.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an educational graphic novel. It's also an amusing fantasy. One Charles Darwin engages in discussion with several young follicle mites, and explains evolution to them. At first, they think he is a mythical being, a god of their legends. But although he isn't one of their myths, Darwin helps them save their lives. Lots of endnotes. Confession: I actually learned something from this.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Darwin explains his theories to a mite living in his left eyebrow.

No, really. And somehow it ends up being the cutest little heartwarming story about life, myths, and truth. I greatly enjoyed this little graphic novel.

[Lorraine M. Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you not like a story in which a family of mites living in its host's eyebrows has a conversation with its host? The drawings were charming and I learned more about Darwin the man as well as his theory. If you are looking for an in-depth analysis forget it this is not the book to read.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute graphic novel about an elderly Charles Darwin teaching a mite that lives in a hair follicle in his eyebrow about evolution and survival of the fittest. A quick and easy read for upper elementary and middle school. Students will love the juvenile humor and drawings in the book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

FU-NNY. Oh, and informative and educational and what-not. Very well put together. Follicle mites, though. Ew. I'm glad they don't have butts.

[Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as charming as Clan Apis, and a little more technical, still a great fun read by someone who cares deeply about spreading knowledge and love of science.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I missed what others I know that read this book liked about it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good stuff - the panels were OK, but the notes in the appendix made it all come together and added some more depth to the panels themselves. It took me about 3 hrs...

[Kitap Yakıcı · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good humored, well drawn, accessible explanation of Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection. Excellent end notes section adds to the educational (and fun) value.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish every science (text)book were written as a comic. This one was so entertaining I ended up reading all the notes at the back.

[Aimee Sue]

Proud to say this book was written by one of my college professors!!! What a great tool for my future science classroom. Go Juniata!!!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best educational graphic novel I have found yet - follows a conversation between Charles Darwin and a mite living in his eyebrow. A wonderful fantasy, great artwork and teaches evolution.

[Ame · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's hardly anyone more fascinating than Charles Darwin...unless you count the mites that live in his eyebrows.

[Brian Merritt]

Interesting to read a Creationism VS Natural Selection debate formatted into a children's picture book.

[Kiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming tale in comic book form of conversations between Charles Darwin and.... hair mites. The art is fun and compelling, and the book covers many great ideas as well as some biographical bits about Darwin's life. Inspires thoughts about science, faith, creation, and evolution.