The Beast in You!: Activities & Questions to Explore Evolution (Kaleidoscope Kids Books (Williamson Publishing))
Grade 4-8-A fascinating and entertaining introduction. McCutcheon opens with "Spot the Animal!," which covers "beastly vestiges" in humans (canines, claws, tailbone, goose bumps) in a manner that will have readers alternately marveling, questioning, and giggling. He discusses the science of evolution, our early ancestors, and their development. Throughout the book, the author invites readers to extend their information through further questioning and observations of the world around them. Although his friendly, humorous style occasionally borders on cutesy, ("If you were out to lunch, you became lunch"), students will likely enjoy the puns and silly humor. McCutcheon provides opposing views represented by the Bible and science texts. He maintains that "Most of us need science and faith in our lives-." Black-and-white cartoons add humor to this entertaining presentation.Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.