Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The hidden history within cells propels this curiosity-sparking encounter with evolution's wonder. Vitale's questions ("Who will it be?"), clues ("It has gills"), guesses ("It's a fish!"), and hints ("No, it loves water but has lungs") are paired with Bossù's vibrant watercolor splashes, splotches, and bubbles to evoke the strange possibilities of cellular development. As Bossu's blots resolve into recognizable forms, like delicate feathers and swirling foxtails, the book crescendos to a reveal of which incredible creature is being described: "Human beings are mammals, but we are also part fish, amphibian, reptile, bird." Then Vitale pivots, offering an elegant, concise introduction to Darwin's Tree of Life--the finding that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor--along with more granular information about the evolutionary processes: "Life always begins with a single cell. That cell splits and grows to become an embryo." A creative introduction to the fundamental marvel that is life. Ages 5--8. (Apr.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Vitale introduces young children to the theory of evolution supported by eye-catching artwork. The text demonstrates how humans are linked to Earth's earliest life forms. Citing Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, Vitale explains that all living creatures come from simpler life forms. As a human embryo grows and changes, it develops various parts that connect humans to other vertebrates. For example, humans in the womb begin with slits on their necks similar to the gills of a fish. But soon those slits become lungs. Bossù's vibrant illustrations were created with a liquid medium that uses primary colors to draw the reader in. The appendix contains information about evolutionary science. The story can be a good starting point for curious youngsters asking the question, "Where did I come from?" VERDICT A beautifully illustrated introduction to the topic of evolution for elementary students.--Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The mystery of evolution is presented in this Italian import. Constructed essentially in two parts, this richly illustrated picture book begins with a spare, poetic portrayal of the development of a vertebrate embryo from conception to birth. The text gracefully and sure-handedly leads readers to the startling fact that developing vertebrate embryos, whether fish, toad, snake, duck, fox, or human, all look alike, and for a time, it is impossible to tell what--or who--the embryo will become. This fascinating fact, presented artistically and subtly in the first part of the book, raises a desire for more information--which is obligingly supplied by the second part of the story. Here, the text leaves behind spare poetry and turns to more fact-filled information. A key evolutionary theory of Darwin's--that all vertebrates are descended from a single ancestor and have evolved to adapt to survive particular climates--is presented in an easily understandable way while also underscoring the fascinating conclusion that all creatures are connected through evolution: a satisfying circling back to the earlier part of the book. Bossù's illustrations both soothe and stimulate with colorful, soft-edged circles and amorphous shapes on pure-white backgrounds, imbuing richness and anticipation to the theme of evolution. Richly illustrated and both poetically and informatively written. (Informational picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
