Summary: The story begins with the details of Charles Darwin's childhood. Darwin grew up in a poor family, but relied on his curiosity to bring good things his way. The main focus of this biography is the five years that Darwin spent aboard the Beagle. Darwin's adventures are portrayed within the pages of the story to bring his journey to life for young readers. Darwin finds many creative creatures throughout his journey. The beetle appears to be his favorite. Lasky concludes the story with Darwin's publication of The Origin of Species.
Citation:
Lasky, K. (2009). One beetle too many: The extraordinary adventures
of Charles Darwin. New York: Candlewick.
My Impression: Many young readers cringe when they find out they have to read a biography. This story is one that is sure to change their negative thoughts. Lasky uses such clever words to create a well-flowing story that will not bore young readers. So many details about Darwin's life are packed into the pages of this story that readers will also walk away with new knowledge. This is a must-read especially for those little scientists of the world. Trueman adds an amazing touch to the story through beautiful illustrations that jump from the pages to enthrall readers.
Professional Reviews:
Library Media Connection
"This new biography arrives just in time for the Bicentennial of Charles Darwin?s birth. During his lifetime, Darwin was an avid collector of specimens of various plant and insect life, especially beetles. The author gives young readers a well-rounded look at the man who collected and cataloged the animal and plant life he observed while traveling to South America and on to the Galapagos Islands in the early 1800s. The author also shows Darwin as a family man who enjoyed his brood of 10 children. This well-rounded look at Darwin is enhanced by the illustrations, which add a touch of whimsy to the pages. At times Darwin looks a bit like Henry David Thoreau, a person with whom he might have much to discuss, while in others he stares at his surroundings intently concentrating on what he sees, though the reader may not see the object. Readers can watch the scientific method in action as the author describes the thesis, synthesis, and information gathering that was done by Darwin as he struggled to make sense out of his findings. Highly Recommended."
Radloff, L. (2009, August 10). [Review of the book One beetle too many:
The extraordinary adventures of Charles Darwin,by K.
Lasky]. Retrieved from http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/
Publishers Weekly
"Distilling tough concepts into light, conversational prose, Lasky (John Muir) gives middle-graders a just-right introduction to Charles Darwin. In colorful, cut-to-the-chase language ( "He found anatomy class disgusting, and he once rushed out of an operating room, unable to stand the sight of blood"), she highlights Darwin's insatiable curiosity, his failures at school and his voyage aboard the Beagle. The author invites readers to follow Darwin's reasoning and the questions that led up to his theory of evolution. Taking advantage of the large trim size, Trueman (Noah's Mittens) up-ends perspective with multilayered mixed-media illustrations; mostly paint, these also incorporate bits of flowers and weeds as well as string, paper and fabric. Like the text, they aim for a homely, friendly style, as when young Darwin and his brother are shown gleefully exploding things in their homemade lab. Highly accessible. Ages 7-12."
Publishers Weekly. (2008, December 15). [Review of the book One beetle too
many: The extraordinary adventures of Charles Darwin,
by K. Lasky]. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com
Uses within the Library:
1. Comic Book Creations: Students will create their own comic book based on Darwin's adventures and life story. Allow students to share their comic books with another grade to pique interest in One Beetle too Many.
2. Giant Word Search: Create a giant word search with a giant piece of vinyl or plastic tablecloth using vocabulary from the book. Students can use a dry erase marker to circle vocabulary as they find them.
Book Cover: Book cover courtesy of the Mansfield Public Library.
Retrieved from http://www.mansfield-tx.gov/departments/library/
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