Some books just stand out from the crowd and this is one of them. There's a deep respect for children and for the subject that gets communicated right off the bat in this informational picture book that offers beauty and a reverence for nature along with its science and wisdom.
This is the journey of the peppered moth. Discover it camouflaged against the lichens on the trees. Nature is so brilliant and so good at arming its vulnerable species. For thousands of years the peppered moths survived in a world where the light colored moths blended in successfully to avoid being eaten.
Then along came the human species with its "wonderful machines" and suddenly the landscape changed to one where the light colored moths were endangered as the lichens have darkened due to the presence of soot. The light colored moths now stand out against the sooty lichens.
This happens quickly. It doesn't take the thousands of years for evolution to occur here. These moths are hopping to it and getting in the game. They begin to evolve. Usually this takes generations upon generations. But their wings turn dark so they can survive. Natural selection is up close and personal here and we can see vividly how it worked and why it was needed.
Gorgeous book with fascinating information. One of my favorites of the picture books this year. It just strikes you with its elegance, intelligence and its great voice. Truly a book that speaks to you.
48 pages 978-1547600205 Ages 6-10
Keywords: evolution, moths, science, STEM, natural selection, industrial revolution, environment, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, informational picture book, nonfiction, cause and effect, adaptation, survival, camouflage, nature, how things work, change, pollution, change, hope, inspiration, wonder
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
*********** Powerful and visually spectacular, Moth is the remarkable evolution story that captures the struggle of animal survival against the background of an evolving human world in a unique and atmospheric introduction to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection.
“This is a story of light and dark…”
Against a lush backdrop of lichen-covered trees, the peppered moth lies hidden. Until the world begins to change...
Along come people with their magnificent machines which stain the land with soot. In a beautiful landscape changed by humans how will one little moth survive?
A clever picture book text about the extraordinary way in which animals have evolved, intertwined with the complication of human intervention. This remarkable retelling of the story of the peppered moth is the perfect introduction to natural selection and evolution for children.--from the publisher
