Annabelle Aiden SAPIENS Our Human Evolution

As a huge science geek, I love stories on human evolution, so this was a treat to read. I haven't come across many picture books like this one, which is very science oriented, that allows your mind to explore and prompts the reader to ask many questions. The origin story is one of familiarity, but it was a joy to go on this adventure with Annabelle and Aiden. I loved the illustrations and the fact that author explored different timelines and continents. Although it was hard to read the fine text dotted around the edges of the pages, I found them very useful and educational. I must admit, I was a little surprised by the display of the world at the end, the fact that it wasn't very inclusive of other cultures, considering the story implied a connected and linked history/origin throughout, so it wasn't the image I had conjured in my mind. The image of the world undermined the diaspora and multiculturalism that played an important role in the plot. This was somewhat disappointing as it limits identification among children and families who are not identified as white. Despite the world image, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a refreshing read and so much fun to delve back into the past. I highly recommend this book for the entire family. Read more

This book is amazing. Written for kids, but I learned a lot from it. Since my kiddos are still pretty little, I appreciated how the story is told in bite-size rhymes, easy enough for them to understand. But there is additional information on every page explaining the story in a more in-depth, factual way for interested older kids and adults alike. The illustrations are beautiful and the content is something everyone should have a better understanding of. After all, it is OUR evolution story. Read more

This book is AWESOME. We are a very science-loving, evidence based household. When 5 year old started asking questions about where humans came from, I ordered her this book. I’m so glad I did! It explained human evolution in a very clear, factual and super interesting way! I think I enjoyed reading it as much as she did. The main story was easy for her to understand, and there were little side notes that were a bit more advanced that I really enjoyed as an adult. When my sister came over and perused it, she asked if she could borrow it for my niece. I told her to keep it and reordered another one for my daughter. That’s how much I think every kid should own this book! We’ve since ordered a few more books in this series, and while they’re all good this one remains my favorite. Read more

We love the Annabelle & Aiden series, as they’re great tools for teaching kids about big, complex topics in a compelling way. This book, which tells the story of human evolution, is beautifully illustrated, wonderfully written, and includes fascinating tidbits (I had never stopped to think about the importance of our big toe in evolution!). This is another great addition in the series and it’s opened up my kids’ minds to the much bigger picture of what it means to be a homo sapien. Read more

Joseph Becker's Sapiens tells the story of how all humans have a common ancestor, and therefore are of the same species. This is all written in rhymed text aimed at 4-7 year olds, as well as small text, which appears to be part of the graphics, but is actually a more detailed explanation for parents or older children, so they know enough to discuss the text with the children. This is the fifth in a series of books about pretty abstract science for small children. All of them discuss things that aren't quite as easily accessible to children, including the development of the solar system, about death and even one about myths used to explain such things. He was inspired to write the books by questions his child has asked, so they are very engaging and thoughtful. The poetry isn't exactly high art, but children enjoy rhymes (thinking of Dr Seuss!) and I think it will help engage them. Read more

Becker writes factually correct informative books introducing children to important concepts with a cute poems and lovely artwork, but they are very hard to read on Kindle. Read more

I was already a fan of the Annabelle & Aiden series before I purchased this, so I might be a little biased. I think this book nails the basics on human evolution without over simplifying the subject matter. (No, humans didn't come from apes...) I love the illustrations. For me, that's what sets this series apart from the other children's science books. Technology will forever continue to advance and an early appreciation of science helps to builds ones technical knowledge and prepare them for the future. Read more

The Annabelle & Aiden series of books are a must-have in any child's library. They are well written and the illustrations are gorgeous. The secular nature, honesty, and truth in the stories is a welcome breath of fresh air to the fables being forced as truths. I highly recommend these books to anyone who believes in science and facts. Read more