‘A 2019 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students: K–12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council).

From the moment life crawled out of the oceans and onto land, to when our primate ancestors climbed down from the trees, the history of Planet Earth is filled with incredible stories. This beautifully illustrated guide explores some of the most exciting and incredible events in evolution, through 13 case studies.

Step back in time and discover a world where whales once walked, crocodiles were warm-blooded, and snakes had legs! Meet terrifying giant birds, and tiny elephants living on islands in this fascinating creature guide like no other. Learn how whales once walked on four legs before taking to the oceans; how dinosaurs evolved into birds; and how the first cats were small and lived in trees.

Featuring a stunning mix of annotated illustrations, illustrated scenes, and family trees, evolution is explained here in a captivating and novel style that  will make children look at animals in a whole new way.’

When the Whales Walked was a wonderful read, and a fairly quick one too. It’s geared more towards middle-grade kids, who have at least some science knowledge. Many of the lessons in here were new to me. So many animals have gone through such radical changes over the millennia, with several shifting from sea to land to sea again. Or land to sky to land.

Concepts of evolution and extinction were covered, and the several waves of extinction are discussed. It’s sad to consider that we are causing the current wave of extinction- the sixth extinction. I think sooner or later, we ourselves are going to succumb. The earth has a way of regulating population that gets out of control, usually with sickness. I read this with my cubs, and we all really enjoyed it! Perfect for dinosaur or nature loving kids.

***Many thanks to Netgalley/ Quarto Publishing for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review.