This may not look like the kind of book you can go ahead and read straight through -- especially if you're a grownup -- but this book has *heft*. Not only does it cover the history of the idea of evolution (which is far older than I ever suspected), it explains the concept itself using accessible language. But it doesn't oversimplify. If you're a lightweight like me, I strongly recommend reading this book before tackling Darwin himself. ( )

Book was difficult for me to read, not due to any religious beliefs or creation beliefs or evolution beliefs, but no where in the book did it mention anything about the author. Who is Kristan Lawson, i wanted to know if this author was/is capable of writing a book on Darwin. Never did I question the author of works until, Part E "Is the author qualified to write about this topic"...I am going to take a closer look at the author when evaluating materials. The book itself had great activities, easy to follow, fun, engaging and informative and hands on. The activities by itself would be a great book but the story of Darwin is a bit questionable. The book itself is broken into two parts, part one Darwin and his life, and second part is about evolution and Darwin's theory. This book made me question more than it gave me answers. Never been interested in Darwin's life but I think I may have found some holiday break reading. Seems like a very interesting, brilliant, tormented individual. A great book due to the activities but I think there is or I would hope there are better books for children that discuss Darwin and his theories.
Ages 9 and up. ( )

In Darwin and Evolution for Kids, Lawson provides a biography of Darwin combined with a sketch of his ideas and their development, along with “engaging and fun activities where children can: make their own fossils using clay, seashells, and plaster; keep field notes as backyard naturalists; investigate whether acquired traits are passed along to future generations; explore the adaptive strategies plants have developed to distribute seeds; observe how carnivorous plants trap and devour their prey; go on a botanical treasure hunt.” Darwin and Evolution for Kids was selected by National Public Radio’s Science Friday as one of the best science books of 2003. For ages 9 and up.