When I was a little kid, I had a lot of science books. Some of them were aimed at kids. Another, my big hardback encyclopedia of the universe, I spent a few years just admiring the gorgeous photographs of planets and galaxies until I was old enough to learn what they were. I was also incredibly lucky enough to have had, starting way back in first grade, teachers who were excited about science and communicated that excitement to their students. This is why even though most of my life has been spent working and playing in the humanities and performing arts, I have never lost that first fascination with sciences of all kinds, and a desire to learn more.
Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be is by Daniel Loxton, editor of Skeptic magazine’s awesome Junior Skeptic insert. He knows what he’s doing when it comes to communicating the wonder and coolness of the natural world to kids, as well as explaining what seem like — and are too often described as — miracles or magic. Did I say kids? I know for a fact I’m not alone in turning to Junior Skeptic before I read the rest of the magazine.
I don’t know how many kids today are as fortunate as I was to go through a public school experience that not only encouraged and rewarded critical and scientific thinking, but made them seem both important and fun. If you have kids, or know people with kids, and want to help them discover how fascinating are the natural processes that shape life on this planet, do them a favor and get them this book. And although it says “ages 8-13,” don’t be afraid to give it to a younger child. She can always look at the pictures until she’s old enough to want to know more about our world.
Speaking of great science for kids and grown-ups alike, I send you off with They Might Be Giants, who are doing a fantastic job on the musical side of things with their album Here Comes Science.
