Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection introduces children to Darwin and his theory with captivating graphics and easy-to-understand language. Why was this an important book for you to write? This was an important book to write and...
Alan J. Hesse Author InterviewCharles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection introduces children to Darwin and his theory with captivating graphics and easy-to-understand language. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was an important book to write and illustrate because when a student of zoology and evolution in my younger years I had initially struggled to grasp the true mechanisms describing Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, and I wanted to present this information in a way that was easier to understand. The general public, including children, tends to misunderstand Darwin’s legacy, and for this reason, the subject is still shrouded in controversy. In addition, I was physically present in the Galápagos at the time of researching and creating this book, which made creating it all the more compelling.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder as well as awareness of the fragility of the Galápagos islands’ biodiversity and Nature in general. With the non-fiction content of the graphic novel, I wanted to highlight the scientific, geographical, historical, and biographical aspects of Darwin’s story to enable my readers to get a glimpse of what Victorian exploration and science could have looked like, who Darwin really was, and how his Theory actually works. I also wanted all this to be engaging and memorable, hence the graphic novel format.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My main goal was to stick to the facts as much as possible, and reflect what actually happened, making sure to get the science, history, and geography absolutely spot on! It was also very important for me to become so familiar with the workings of Darwin’s theory myself that I could explain it in simple language to children. At the same time, I had to make the book fun to read, hence the style of illustrations, inspired by Tintin, among others.
Will this graphic novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
This is not a series but a stand-alone work. My main focus nowadays is to document climate change, in all of its various forms and sub-topics, focusing always on showing solutions. This is a series, called The Adventures of Captain Polo, and these books, too, are graphic novels. At the moment, I am working on the 5th book in this series, which is dedicated to Brazil and why that country is a major player in the fight against global warming.
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If you are a fan of Tintin, Maus or the popular Science Comics series you will love Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection.
For most people, Darwin’s ground-breaking legacy remains shrouded in controversy. The detailed mechanics of the Theory of Evolution are largely confined to Life Science academics and professionals. Yet Darwin’s work is still the best explanation we have for the fabulous diversity of life on Earth, and it is rightly present in the science education curriculum the world over.
Researched and created on the Galápagos Islands themselves, this historically, geographically and scientifically accurate graphic novel explains Darwin’s theory in clear language, and provides thoroughly researched insight into Darwin’s thought process and the pressures he had to deal with. As an educational resource, the book provides an entertaining learning experience for curious kids, and is perfect for science teachers who want to teach evolution in their classrooms. It is also great for any adult interested in natural history, Darwin and his theory, and Victorian scientific exploration in general.
Charles Darwin: the comic
What you will discover:
How the field observations made by Darwin and his crew while visiting the legendary Galápagos islands eventually led to the Theory of Natural Selection
How Darwin tapped into the scientific minds of his time and related with his peers
Darwin’s inner struggle while developing his work, including the dilemma he faced as a God-fearing Christian
The little-known truth behind how the Theory of Natural Selection was actually stumbled upon
How the Theory actually works, explained in simple language and with cartoon illustrations
Extend your knowledge and that of your kids in finally understanding the only scientific explanation for Life on Earth by traveling back in time to enter the mind of Charles Darwin!