Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure

£12.99

Beautifully Illustrated
STEM Inspired

The voyage that changed everything

In 1831, a 22-year-old Charles Darwin stepped aboard a 90-foot-long ship called the HMS Beagle and embarked on an extraordinary five-year voyage that would transform our understanding of the natural world. Though he was a scientist by profession, Darwin was an explorer at heart—and this beautifully illustrated book biography captures the wonder and excitement of his journey of discovery.

From the tropical forests of South America to the volcanic Galápagos Islands, Darwin collected insects, dug up ancient bones, galloped with gauchos across the pampas, survived earthquakes and volcanoes, and even ate armadillo for breakfast. He marvelled at giant tortoises, studied peculiar finches, and watched glaciers calve into the sea. Every new place brought fresh questions, every specimen sparked curiosity, and the observations he carefully recorded during this adventure would later inspire ideas that changed how we see the world.

Author-illustrator Jennifer Thermes brings Darwin's voyage to life through mesmerizing watercolour and pencil illustrations paired with engaging narrative. Meticulously detailed maps chart the Beagle's route around South America and beyond, whilst "Fun Facts" boxes add fascinating details about the journey.

Suitable for children aged 5 years and up

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Further Information

What's Included: 48-page hardback book with full-colour watercolour and pencil illustrations throughout, detailed maps, fun facts boxes, and back matter about Darwin's legacy.

Format: Hardback

Pages: 48

Publication Date: 4 October 2016

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

About the Author-Illustrator: Jennifer Thermes is an award-winning children's book author-illustrator and map illustrator. Her nonfiction picture book The Indestructible Tom Crean recently received the Bank Street College of Education's 2024 Flora Stieglitz Straus Award and is an ALSC Notable Children's Book. Both Tom Crean and A Place Called America were named to the Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2023 list. She also creates black-and-white maps for middle-grade and young adult novels including the bestselling Vanderbeekers series. Fascinated by big-picture ideas that span history, adventure, and the natural world, she weaves maps throughout her stories to explore new places and visualize how the past connects to our lives today.

About Abrams Books for Young Readers: Founded in 1949, Abrams was the first company in the United States to specialize in publishing art and illustrated books. Abrams Books for Young Readers publishes picture books and illustrated nonfiction for preschool through middle-grade readers, including award-winning titles that celebrate creativity, discovery, and learning.

Reviews:

"A notable choice for both STEM curricula and family sharing." —Kirkus Reviews
"A colorful, childlike presentation of Darwin's eye-opening voyage of discovery." —Booklist
"Cartophiles and observers of human nature alike will enjoy this book." —School Library Connection

Product Specifications

ISBN: 9781419721205

Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Author-Illustrator: Jennifer Thermes

Format: Hardback

Pages: 48

Age Range: 5 years and up

Dimensions: 23 x 28 cm (9 x 11 inches)

Key Features: Full-colour watercolour and pencil illustrations, detailed maps of Darwin's voyage, fun facts boxes, educational back matter

Why we like it

Thermes captures Darwin's sense of wonder—the thrill of seeing a new creature, the satisfaction of finding a fossil, the excitement of each new landfall. The detailed maps are wonderful for visual learners, turning geography into part of the story rather than just background information. It's a book that celebrates curiosity and exploration in equal measure, showing children that scientific discovery can be as exciting as any adventure story. Perfect for budding naturalists and young explorers.

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Rated Excellent on Reviews.io

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Abrams Books

Founded in New York in 1949 as America's first publisher dedicated to illustrated books, they've spent over 75 years perfecting the art of book-making. What sets Abrams apart is their commitment to books that work as objects as well as stories. The Questioneers series—starting with Ada Twist, Scientist—became their first #1 New York Times bestselling picture book through a combination of Andrea Beaty's clever writing, David Roberts' distinctive illustrations, and production values that make each book feel special. Many of their titles have won major awards, including Newbery and Caldecott Honours.

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