“It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself” (Charles Darwin)
This is what you can read on the back cover of the book we recommend for the month of August. We begin our presentation with this very important phrase because too often the survival of a species or an individual is associated with actions of oppression while Charles Darwin through his revolutionary work – The Origin of Species – managed to change forever the concept that man had of themselves, of nature and of its development.
The Origin of Species by Anna Brett is a large book-journey in album format, which tells the story of Darwin’s voyage aboard the brig Beagle, accompanied by many examples and wonderful artistic illustrations, and is dedicated to children aged 11 and over. To be read and discussed at home and at school for the many ideas that can be used by teachers to introduce the theme of evolution.
Illustrator: Nick Hayes | Publisher: Editoriale Scienza, 2022
Pages: 64, ill., Hardback | Recommended reading age: from 11 years
EAN: 9788893931465
After an initial introductory part linked to Darwin’s biography, double pages follow that delve into an aspect of this “journey” of knowledge. Using quotes taken from the original text, key concepts such as natural selection, adaptation to the environment, instinct, competition, are explained clearly and precisely; the criticisms that were leveled at his theory at the time of publication are also addressed. Each concept is explained through extracts from Darwin’s observations, which are made accessible with a language that is understandable to the young reader while maintaining excellent scientific rigor. In fact, the text has a conciseness that could make it seem simple; instead, it manages to express very complex content through the precise use of scientific language, allowing for independent reading and offering an introduction to the theory of evolution for everyone and not just for those who dream of becoming naturalists.
Credits
Author: Anna Lacci is a scientific popularizer and expert in environmental education and sustainability and in territory teaching. She is the author of documentaries and naturalistic books, notebooks and interdisciplinary teaching aids, and multimedia information materials.
Translation by Maria Antonietta Sessa
