Science Comics: Dogs: from Predator to Protector
By Andy Hirsch
ISBN: 9781626727670
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary
How well do you know our favorite furry companion? Did they really descend from wolves? What’s the difference between a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard? And just how smart are they? Join one friendly mutt on a journey to discover the secret origin of dogs, how genetics and evolution shape species, and where in the world his favorite ball bounced off to.
Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic–dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you’re a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you! (Goodreads)
Review
I am always delighted to read a Science Comics book – I learn SO much while reading these comic books ☺. This title – Science Comics: Dogs: From Predator to Protector is well written and illustrated to catch the reader’s attention. The preface at the beginning of the book laid out all that the book would try to cover, which I found very informative.
This gem of a graphic novel imparts SO many pieces of interesting facts (some of which I did not even know). For example:
“Dogs are the most physically diverse species on the planet.”
“Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes, each with different information.”
Rudy takes the reader through a journey from 25,000 years ago to the present in demonstrating the evolution of dogs. The journey was well explained (as well as illustrated). Along the way the reader(s) is imparted with information about genetics, evolution, adaptations, natural selection, and breading – all in a very fun way. And in the end of Rudy’s journey, he once again returns to his owner for another ball toss.
The illustrations are just fantastic. I really, really loved them as did my younger reader ☺ The use of vibrant color throughout was great.
By far in my opinion (and with the limited number of Science Comic books that I have read – four as of now), this is the Science Comic book I found the most engaging for both young (though for those younger than 10 years old, more explanations may be necessary) and not-so-young alike, wonderfully illustrated and filled with so much information detailed in such a way as to keep my interest and that of my young one engaged throughout the whole book. I see this book as one that can be read over and over again as the young reader matures and has more advanced learning needs.
