Author(s): Polly Owen

Bugs and Insects | Biology

Learn the funny and fascinating story of Charles Darwin, and the groundbreaking discoveries that resulted from his love of the humble earthworm in this hilarious illustrated children's book. Charles Darwin is widely known for his On the Origin of Species book, yet Darwin had another great love, and that was for worms. Told for the first time for children, this is the silly and fascinating true story of how Charles Darwin came to discover that the humble earthworm is the most important species on our planet. Darwin suspected worms were special, but his scientist friends laughed at him. In a quest to find out the worms' special talent, Darwin played the bassoon to the worms to see if they could hear, and laid out a picnic for them to see how well they could smell, among many other weird but entirely true experiments. But Darwin didn't find anything extra special about worms. Until, one day, he realized that worms do have a superpower. They POOP! Without their life-sustaining, nutrient-rich poop, there would be no plants and no animals on earth. Darwin's 40 years studying worms are still essential to our understanding of worms today, and ever since, scientists have taken him VERY seriously, and never again laughed at his love for worms. The story of Darwin and the worms not only centers around the perennially brilliant subject of poop, it: Teaches children about a key historic figure, the food cycle, and deductive scientific thinking. Is also a heartwarming story of the triumph of a zany underdog who won't let bullies get in the way of his love for worms. Is told in a humorous and engaging way, with nonfiction information on each page to help educate alongside the story. Features charming and humorous full-color illustrations. Curious minds will love this fact-filled, laugh-out-loud book!