Grandmother Fish: A Child's First Book of Evolution
What’s inside...
A charming and accessible introduction to the concept of evolution, using fish as a metaphor for the evolution of life on Earth. The story follows a young girl as she learns about the different stages of evolution, from the first fish to the eventual emergence of humans. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the text is both informative and easy to understand. The book also includes a timeline of evolution and a glossary of scientific terms for further learning. Meet Grandmother Fish, told in an engaging call and response text where a child can wiggle like a fish or hoot like an ape and brought to life by vibrant artwork. The book takes children and adults through the history of life on our planet and explains how we are all connected. It also includes comprehensive backmatter, such as an elaborate illustration of the evolutionary tree of life, helpful science notes for parents, and tips on how to explain natural selection to a child.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think animals change over time?
What makes humans different from other animals in the book?
Can you think of any traits we have that are similar to the creatures in the story?
Why do you think it's important for creatures to adapt to their environments?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as different animals from the book and discuss how they would adapt to their environments. Draw parallels between the evolutionary traits in the book and observable traits in animals they are familiar with. Highlight the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of changes over time. Use simple, relatable examples to expound on the concept of evolution discussed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Evolution
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and simple, interactive text, 'Grandmother Fish' introduces children to the concept of evolution, showing how different traits were passed down from ancient animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diversity of life and understand the connection between all living things, fostering a respect for nature and science.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: 'Grandmother Fish' encourages children to think about where humans come from and how species change over time, promoting a basic understanding of scientific inquiry.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and explore answers about the natural world, enhancing their analytical skills and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Family Connections
Explanation: The book traces traits through various ‘grandparents’ from fish to human, making abstract scientific concepts more relatable by likening them to family relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by exploring their own family tree and understanding their connections to their ancestors, enriching their sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Interactive Learning
Explanation: With calls to wiggle and chomp, the book makes learning interactive, helping children link physical actions to the story’s messages.
Real-World Application: This method can be applied in various learning scenarios, making education an active, engaging, and enjoyable process for young learners.