I always love a new children’s book about Darwin. This new one following Darwin on the HMS Beagle voyage and his land excursions is no exception.
Jennifer Thermes, Charles Darwin’s Around the World Adventure (New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2016), 48 pp.
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Publisher’s description In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on his first voyage. Though he was a scientist by profession, he was an explorer at heart. While journeying around South America for the first time aboard a ninety-foot-long ship named the Beagle, Charles collected insets, dug up bones, galloped with gauchos, encountered volcanoes and earthquakes, and even ate armadillo for breakfast! The discoveries he made during this adventure would later inspire ideas that changed how we see the world. Complete with mesmerizing map work that charts Darwin’s thrilling five-year voyage, as well as “Fun Facts” and more, Charles Darwin’s Around-the-World Adventure captures the beauty and mystery of nature with wide-eyed wonder.
This book show beautifully the extent to which Darwin traveled, and the maps are detailed and charming. I can imagine the idea of traveling around the world for years could be a difficult thing for young kids to get their minds around – Jennifer Thermes provides a fun and informative account.
Enjoy these images from Charles Darwin’s Around the World Adventure:
The Dispersal of Darwin 
Excellent,
The only thing I don’t like about the publishers description is the idea that scientists and explorers are two separate kinds of people.
Another very short book. The front cover looks strangely babyish. What’s the target age range?
CB – They surely can be two different kinds of people. But in Darwin’s case, he was both and his explorations were indeed scientific, as well as many other figures in the history of science.
Paul – the book is geared toward lower elementary-aged kids.