The story begins even before the title page with a thumbnail of a hippo, dolphin, and shark and a question: "Which two of these animals are the closest relatives?"
The story begins with the beginning of life in the empty ocean with single-celled microbes. From there readers move through the evolution of microbes into sponges and creatures like jellyfish, the development of plant life, and on to the Cambrian period with arthropods, chordates, annelids, and more.
Speculation on the first creature to go ashore follows with suggestions that it may have been a millipede, an early arthropod. While life begins to evolve on the land, it continues to develop in the ocean. Crustaceans, then insects appear, then mollusks and finally fishes, animals with spines.
Preston-Gannon's art really shines here, showing an ocean teeming with life and unique, colorful fish. Tetrapods are the next to develop, the early ancestors of mammals, followed by the Permian extinction. After this period, life begins anew with an emphasis on creatures on the land and the development of mammals. However, life still exists in the ocean and the question at the beginning is answered - hippos and dolphins are most closely related!
Back matter includes sources and acknowledgements. This is a little lengthy for a read-aloud, but the bright pictures will hold the attention of even the youngest listeners and the text clearly explains the process of evolution.
Verdict: This is a strong introduction to evolution and the role oceans played, suitable for browsing and discussion with preschools and read-alouds or one-on-one discussion with elementary students. The attractive art makes this a must-have for your early STEM sections.
ISBN: 9781536214109; Published May 2021 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library
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