Who Will It Be?: How Evolution Connects Us All

The hidden history within cells propels this curiosity-sparking encounter with evolution's wonder. Vitale's questions ("Who will it be?"), clues ("It has gills"), guesses ("It's a fish!"), and hints ("No, it loves water but has lungs") are paired with Bossù's vibrant watercolor splashes, splotches, and bubbles to evoke the strange possibilities of cellular development. As Bossu's blots resolve into recognizable forms, like delicate feathers and swirling foxtails, the book crescendos to a reveal of which incredible creature is being described: "Human beings are mammals, but we are also part fish, amphibian, reptile, bird." Then Vitale pivots, offering an elegant, concise introduction to Darwin's Tree of Life--the finding that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor--along with more granular information about the evolutionary processes: "Life always begins with a single cell. That cell splits and grows to become an embryo." A creative introduction to the fundamental marvel that is life. Ages 5-8. (Apr.)

K-Gr 3--Vitale introduces young children to the theory of evolution supported by eye-catching artwork. The text demonstrates how humans are linked to Earth's earliest life forms. Citing Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, Vitale explains that all living creatures come from simpler life forms. As a human embryo grows and changes, it develops various parts that connect humans to other vertebrates. For example, humans in the womb begin with slits on their necks similar to the gills of a fish. But soon those slits become lungs. Bossù's vibrant illustrations were created with a liquid medium that uses primary colors to draw the reader in. The appendix contains information about evolutionary science. The story can be a good starting point for curious youngsters asking the question, "Where did I come from?" VERDICT A beautifully illustrated introduction to the topic of evolution for elementary students.--Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

"★ A good starting point for curious youngsters ... A beautifully illustrated introduction to the topic of evolution for elementary students." -Annette Herbert, School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"Richly illustrated and both poetically and informatively written." — Kirkus Reviews

"This delightful picture book reveals one of the mysteries of evolution..." —Clifford Cunningham, Ph.D. (Professor of Biology, Duke University)