By Ben Martynoga (author) , Moose Allain (illustrator) Part of the Explodapedia series
"A fascinating deep dive into the history of all life on earth"
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November 2023 Book of the Month
The third book in this outstanding new series of non-fiction by the renowned neuroscientist turned author, is another eye-opening brilliant read.
The series concept, described as the ‘exploded encyclopedia’ with “everything you need to know about science, one book at a time!”, takes key scientific subjects and presents them in a way that is both entertaining and readable with an attractive pocket-sized format and witty illustrations demonstrating that the series is designed for reading for pleasure.
But what is most important is that each book provides reliable, current, in-depth information which will help readers gain a real and lasting understanding of these crucial subjects. The illustrations too provide clear and informative explanatory diagrams as well as the amusing cartoon asides. I certainly feel that I now fully understand how evolution has worked and continues to work and how everything on earth is connected and has descended from LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor).
Evolution builds on what is there and so it has taken four billion years to create us and all other living things on the planet, and we still contain the vestiges of everything we have evolved from. I found the explanation of why we get hiccups being the remnants of our lungfish ancestors particularly fascinating.
But it was final invisible adaptation, making Homo Sapiens the dominant species, that blew my mind. Developing a shared identity and passing on collective intelligence. Basically, a scientific explanation for politics and altruism! We only survived because we learned from each other and to co-operate for the greater good.
The book ends with a message of hope for the planet. We are the only creatures that have evolved the ability to decide to change our behaviours and as with evolution, small changes add up!
Brilliantly readable and fascinatingly informative!
Explodapedia is an exploded encyclopedia - everything you need to know, one book at a time!
Read the full description
It's a fresh approach to non-fiction, taking key scientific subjects and presenting them in a way that's hugely entertaining and readable, whilst still presenting reliable, serious, in-depth information that will help readers gain a true and lasting understanding of these crucial topics.
Evolution , in an approachable, compelling way, celebrates the ground-breaking work of Charles Darwin and the myriad other thinkers who inspired his work, and those who have developed his discoveries into today's cutting-edge science.
Watch author Dr Ben Martynoga introduce Explodapedia!
'Accessible, entertaining and focused on the history of science, as well as cutting-edge discoveries' - New Scientist, Brilliant reads for young minds
'Easy to read for anyone curious about science' - Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize winning scientist
'The perfect balance between charm, quirkiness and wonder' - Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prize Winner
'[These books] should lead their readers willingly to the wonders of the biological world' - Professor Richard Fortey
'Accessible and funny [...] a clever way to introduce young readers to some very complicated ideas that underpin the basis of our understanding of all life today' - Professor Venki Ramakrishnan (President of the Royal Society)
'I am a huge fan of the potential of narrative nonfiction, supported by solid science to inspire children's engagement and understanding of the natural world. The scientific detail and narrative approach of Explodapedia is an exciting new series in this field.' - Catherine Barr
Praise for The Cell;
'A totally fascinating book, brimming with amazing scientific knowledge and fab illustrations. I had no idea cells were so interesting (or funny)!' - Greg Jenner
Praise for The Virus;
'Fascinating . . . I can't think of a more interesting or relevant book for our times' - LoveReading4Schools
'A riveting read for young readers and adults alike' - The Letter Press Project
'Mixing hard scientific fact, stories and humour' - British Journal of General Practice
Dr Ben Martynoga is a neuroscientist and science writer. After more than a decade at the forefront of brain research, he swapped his white coat for a pen. He has written on everything from the history of biology through to the latest technological innovations, running, stress and creativity. Always working to open up the hard science and find a compelling angle, he publishes books, chapters, blogs, videos and podcasts. His work appears in the Guardian, New Statesman, the i newspaper, the Financial Times and beyond. He lives, works, wanders and wonders in the Lake District.
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An accessible and entertaining introduction to the Theory of Evolution.
Explodapedia is the brainchild of neuroscientist and science writer Ben Martynoga. As a writer he wants to take the biggest ideas in biology and share them with children and young people. As he explains, the future of life will soon be passed into their hands. In this title, he takes on Evolution.
Students who don’t like books often say that reading doesn’t entertain them. This book both entertains and educates. Martynoga explains the complicated Theory of Evolution and gene science with ease and simplicity but with enough scientific detail to satisfy aspiring biologists. The addition of an exhaustive timeline and comprehensive glossary and index, elevate the book; it's academically weighty enough to recommend for research. And yet, it also manages to be accessible and diverting enough for a casual reader to enjoy dipping into.... Read Full Review
Explodapedia is an exploded encyclopedia - everything you need to know, one book at a time! It's a fresh approach to non-fiction, taking key scientific subjects and presenting them in a way that's hugely entertaining and readable, whilst still presenting reliable, serious, in-depth information that will help readers gain a true and lasting understanding of these crucial topics.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Explodapedia: Evolution and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-18 years old
Explodapedia: Evolution features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Encyclopaedias, Reference Works, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Science, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Explodapedia: Evolution was written by Ben Martynoga and published by David Fickling Books
Explodapedia: Evolution has 173 pages
Yes it is part of Explodapedia series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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