Living Fossils: Survivors from Earth's Distant Past

by Rebecca E. Hirsch

In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. Author Rebecca E. Hirsch introduces readers to six living fossils, including the chambered nautilus, the horseshoe crab with its sticky blue blood, and venomous platypuses that sting, as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction for readers who may not be familiar with the terms yet. Readers will also discover a a spectacular timeline of the history of animal life on Earth. Dive into the stories of these incredible animals and find out how they help scientists piece together evolutionary history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Picture Books, Nature, Childrens

48 pages, Library Binding

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

Rebecca E. Hirsch is a botanist-turned-writer and the author of more than 80 science and nature books for children. Her books have won a Riverby Award, a Green Prize for Sustainable Literature, a Green Earth Book Award Honor, and many starred reviews. www.rebeccahirsch.com

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful photos and info!

Living Fossils: Survivors from Earth's Distant Past
By Rebecca E. Hirsch
Fantastic nature book on animals that have survived through the ages relatively unchanged through time. Great pictures and information on each. Also a great timeline of major Earth events.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I freely admit that any non-fiction book dealing with animals is going to have to be REALLY BAD before I give it a poor review, but Rebecca Hirsch’s Living Fossils isn’t just “not bad” - it taught me things I (a 30-year-old children’s librarian who is obsessed with animals) had never heard before. While some of the introductory information about evolution and mass extinction might be a bit of a slog for kids, anyone who’s fascinated by evolution and animals will find a lot to love here.

Give this title to kids who enjoyed books like What Makes a Monster, Lesser-Spotted Animals, and Two Truths and a Lie: It’s Alive!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Hirsch introduces readers to several species who have survived since before the mass extinctions in earth's past. She shares information on each species that middle grade readers will understand. The graphs and photos further explains why these species are important to study and to protect. A glossary and references for future research are included at the end.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living Fossils: Survivors from Earth's Distant Past by Rebecca E. Hirsch is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 6 2020. In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. This book introduces readers to six living fossils, including the chambered nautilus, the horseshoe crab with its sticky blue blood, and venomous platypuses that sting, as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction for readers who may not be familiar with the terms yet. Readers will also discover a a spectacular timeline of the history of animal life on Earth.

Living Fossils is a well organized and clearly written book that uses a blend of accessible text, interesting facts, and intriguing images to capture and keep the attention of readers. I also liked the use of timelines to illustrate the history and evolution of life, and the fact boxes to break up the pages. The information was very interesting, and while I have done some reading on horseshoe crabs and platupi, some of the animals included I was fairly ignorant about, like the solenodon. The amount of information included in this book is impressive, especially since it was so readable and accessible to young readers and adults alike. I was intrigued and plan on following up on the resources suggested in the endpages to learn more.

[Angela Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in the juvenile collection of ebooks from my local library. Because of this, I expected a few fun facts in huge print and simple language. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of detail in this short book. And the "fun facts" are actually fun! There was a lot of information in this book that I had no idea about. A great read for anyone interested in wildlife, regardless of age.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating book. A few of the animals presented here I had heard about, but not most of them. It is an eye opener to animals which have survived past extinctions, particularly those which have survived all of the 5 mass extinctions. Will they survive the 6th extinction currently in progress?

[Claire Binkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking for horseshoe crabs today, but I hadn't originally thought that platypuses were that size, compared to the person, due to the plush toy I remember having as a child which the dachshund had ripped apart. There are a couple of other interesting animals depicted in here as well. Even if it seems to be aimed at a youthful audience, I enjoyed it.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this because we're going to San Diego Zoo next month and I'm currently facinated by the platypuses. It's short, but it's not a picture book. It covers 6 animals and was interesting.



#JennyGuyColvin

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting in-depth look at a few ancient species, plus a conservation focus.

[Glorimar Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for kids and adults.

Living Fossils Review

Great pictures, interesting and educational. Good book for kids and adults. My 7 year old loved it. Its short and on point.

[Ardyth · Rating 1 out of 5]

9yo son and I both hated this immediately, don't know why.

[Chloee Copper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot juvenile nonfiction was a genre but now I know so much about tuatara