Published by Candlewick

Summary:  Which two are the most closely related: hippo, dolphin, shark?  That question is asked before the title page; the text goes back to the beginning of life on earth to find an answer.  Each two-page spread shows animals for a geologic period, with several sentences of text telling what happened during this time.  The final three (Paleozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, and Cenozoic Era) are covered on two pages and take us up to the present, where we learn how the hippo and dolphin are related.  “Always changing.  Always evolving.  From out of the blue…and back again.”  Includes a list of sources.  32 pages; grades 1-5.  

Pros:  An excellent introduction to geological history and evolution.  Kids will enjoy poring over the illustrations of so many interesting creatures from so many different time periods.  A first-rate science book.

Cons:  It’s pretty challenging to cover the history of life on Earth in just 32 pages, and I can’t help thinking a little more back matter could have added more substance.