Book review: ‘Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species’ by Sabina Radeva

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species

Although modern evolutionary theory encompasses all manner of complex considerations, at its heart, as laid out by Charles Darwin in 1859, it is still a remarkably simple idea. I’ve often joked that a reasonably intelligent five-year-old child should be able to understand the basic concepts, even though they seem totally beyond the grasp of most creationists.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Sabina Radeva sets out to explain the basic concepts of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by means of natural selection to children of five years and upwards. She also finds room to outline how evolutionary theory has advanced since Darwin’s time, and to explain some common misconceptions about Darwin’s theory.

There are a few big words in this book that younger children (and possibly their parents) might struggle to understand, but Radeva thoughtfully includes a simple glossary at the end to help them out.

I was particularly pleased to see Darwin quoted directly in small snippets throughout this book, reminding readers that this is not a made-up story, and that Charles Darwin was a real person who wrote a really important book. Hopefully, when they grow older, the interest kindled by reading Sabina Radeva’s delightful book will encourage her readers to check out Charles Darwin’s original.

Note: I will receive a small referral fee if you buy this book via one of the above links.

Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.

Richard Carter, FCD

Writer and photographer Richard Carter, FCD is the founder of the Friends of Charles Darwin. He lives in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.WebsiteNewsletterMastodonetc…

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