Kew: Darwin and Hooker

by Alexandra Stewart, Joe Todd-Stanton

On 24th November 1859, Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species was first published, selling out almost immediately. Describing the now well known theory that humans evolved through a process called natural selection, it became an instant classic and cemented Darwin as one of the greatest biologists of all time.

However, he couldn't have done it without the support, encouragement and advice from those who believed in him. None more so than Joseph Hooker, his friend, confidant and fellow collector, who supported and helped Darwin when he didn't dare ask anyone else. Hooker, too, had his own adventures and made his own discoveries - many of which not only aided Darwin, but went on to change what the world knew about plants. Becoming head of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he came to be one the world's most influential botanists.

Across many years, countless adventures and numerous letters, this captivating and wonderfully illustrated book tells the story of one of greatest friendships to happen to science. Publishing in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this book will show children how teamwork, curiosity, openness and trust can be the greatest tools a scientist will ever need. They might even help you change the world.

Genres: Nonfiction

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Nicola Michelle]

This book is stunning. And I don’t just mean it’s a bit pretty and the design is nice. I mean, beautiful! The illustrations and designs for this book is truly out of this world and the level of detail on each page is a feast for the eyes.

It’s based on such a fantastic topic: Charles Darwin is well known for his ‘On the Origin of Species’ and his theory of evolution. This book is a fab way of exposing this to younger audiences and delving deeper into the life of such an amazing man. But not only that, giving the spotlight to Robert Hooker too, a man instrumental in these groundbreaking discoveries was also so so nice to see. His friendship with Darwin is such a brilliant focal point. I truly loved reading this!

The information and content is sound, thorough, insightful and informative. It’s written in an easy to comprehend way and balances information with ease of understanding so well.

Separated into four parts, the book sees us on a journey through the early lives of Charles & Robert, their adventures on their respective voyages and the starts and progressions of their great friendship to the amazing legacies they left behind them. It was really compelling and interesting reading. Loved it from start to finish!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Theediscerning]

This official Kew Gardens product takes us back to the time of Charles Darwin, but ties his story very much with Kew. We see him set sail (and suffer near-constant sea-sickness) on the Beagle, and come back with tons of data and specimens, about the finches’ variety, the Galapagos turtles and so much else. What followed was decades of work finalising and clarifying his findings, and relying heavily on the friendship and support of Joseph Hooker, who himself had sailed away for years, collecting copious botanical samples, to such an extent he was eventually able to follow his father into the role of Director of Kew. Hooker had looked up to Darwin before leaving for his voyages, yet came back to be a principal supporter of the older man’s science.

This is nicely done stuff. The pages looked wordy to me at first, but certainly they’re broken up enough with illustrations and diagrams. The level is decent for upper end of primary school audiences. About the only thing I disliked was the use of first names so much of the time – too chatty and informal, and almost disrespectful. Oh, and it kind of hides Wallace (sorry, “Alfred”) under a rock a bit too much, mentioning his simultaneity with Darwin and then forgetting about him. But as a slice of science history, and a book conveying the truth and importance of evolution, this is still right up there. A highly evolved four and a half stars.

[Karen Hammond]

My older grandchildren read this on their own but kept stopping to show the pictures and relating interesting points to the younger children. They said that it was one of the most interesting books that they had read in ages. They are still talking about it a week later and telling their friends and teachers.

[Annarella]

It's well researched and informative book and it can be appreciated by children and adults as it help to under who Darwin and Hooker were and their researches.
It's well researched, easy to follow, and entertaining. I liked the drawing and the style of writing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Veselina Zhecheva]

I absolutely loved this book! I picked it because of the illustrations of my favorite illustrator - Joe Todd-Stanton, but the story was told in such a captivating way, that I could not put down this book until I finished it!

[Dave Allan]

Excellent. Well written, clear and concise.

[Susan Eubank]

4.5 Nominated for the 2023 Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries Annual Literature Award