Discover the world of Darwin through the diary of a ship's boy. Combining non-fiction and fiction but factually absolutely accurate, this book is published to coincide with Darwin's 200th birthday. It begins with a diary, told from the point of view of a child who works for Darwin whilst on that infamous voyage on the Beagle. The informative text and beautiful, detailed illustrations make this a wonderfully involving read. You almost feel on board the Beagle as you read it. Finally, at the end of the book is an illustrated reference chapter with everything a 7-10 year old needs to know about this famous and controversial scientist.
At ten years old, James becomes an assistant to Charles Darwin on the Beagle's second voyage, helping him collect and contain creatures that fly, scuttle, leap and hide from the naturalist. This diary offers a young boy's insight into the actions and thoughts of one of the world's most famous and controversial scientists.
In cinemas from 25 Sep 2009 'Creation' a film about Charles Darwin's life. See below for a trailer.
Alan Gibbons is a full time writer and a visiting speaker and lecturer at schools, colleges and literary events nationwide, including the major Book Festivals: Edinburgh, Northern Children's Book Festival, Swansea, Cheltenham, Sheffield and Salford. Alan is also a key contributor at the QCA/National Literary Strategy 'Writing Together' conferences. As well as being a writer, Alan is a high profile library campaigner. He lives in Liverpool with his wife and four children.
He has written over 60 books and won many prestigious awards such as the Blue Peter Award for ‘The Book I Couldn’t Put Down’, the Angus Book Award and the Stockport Book Award. He has also been shortlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal and his books have been published into dozens of languages.
