Stones & Bones
A Child’s Guide to Evolution
Words by Char Matejovsky
Illustrated by Robaire Ream
Described by BioScience as “appealing to both the eyes and the ears of younger readers” and by Midwest Book Review as “the most witty, accurate, scientific, succinct, intriguing treatment of a summary of human and life evolution over 60+ million years,” Stones & Bones sketches the story of evolution in seventeen verses. Through words and illustrations readers will find answers to questions such as, when did the Age of Mammals begin and what is it called? When did the first horses appear on earth? The first whales? When did the earth begin to form? And many more.
Includes a CD of the Stones & Bones Song and a bonus recording of The Song of the Meadowlark, recipient of an award for Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting (lyrics) from the Great American Song Contest in 2004. Performed by the Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus.
From the pages of Stones & Bones:
“About sixty million years ago; no, make that sixty five, with the; Cenozoic Age; the age of mammals would arrive …”
“Evolution’s the solution to the data that we find, when we study bones and fossils and we keep an open mind …”
Char Matejovsky is Managing Editor for books and journals at Polebridge Press and Westar Institute. A veteran editor, typesetter, and book designer, she earned a B.A from the University of Montana and a French Language Certificate from the Sorbonne.
Robaire Ream has more than 30 years of graphic design and production experience, with a diverse graphic design résumé that includes work as a stained glass window designer, art instructor, and prop and background designer for Warner Bros. Animation. He has a graphic arts certificate from Ecole Sornas, France, and studied graphic design at California State University Northridge.
A selection of BioScience, the flagship publication of the American Institute of Biological Sciences, for its Fall 2008 recommended science books for young readers.
“This is the most witty, accurate, scientific, succinct, intriguing treatment of a summary of human and life evolution over 60+ million years that has presented complete to date. … Its impeccable science and background is also a strong selling point for solid education.”
—Midwest Book Review
“A fanciful jaunt through evolutionary science executed so well it must have Jerry Falwell turning back to stardust in his grave. … I’d recommend it to children ages two to 102. It’s an exceptional example of making learning really fun.”
—P. Joseph Potocki, North Bay Bohemian
“Stones and Bones will delight the picture-book set with its rhythmic verse and gorgeous, intricate pictures. Readers (and the read-to) also are likely to learn the real science of evolution, a definite plus.”
—Eugenie C. Scott, Executive Director, National Center for Science Education
“Not only is the book great and right-on, but the support materials of CD and the incredible web site make the whole package one of the most satisfying and imaginative ones I’ve seen to date. It is truly spectacular.”
—Phyllis Tickle, Founding Religion Editor, Publishers Weekly
“An exceptional children’s book that teaches through rhyme and incredibly detailed images … I encourage parents to pick up this book for their young ones. Without hesitation, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.”
—Lillian Brummet, host of the Conscious Discussions radio show
“Stones & Bones is a delight from the perspective of both language and art. Readers—children and adults alike—will easily be drawn into the world of science while having fun.”
—Michael Zimmerman, Butler University
“Stones and Bones, importantly and unusually, offers the acknowledgement that not everything is known, and it handles this very well. The lack of knowledge in certain areas is not taken as a sign of defeat, rather it is held out as an exciting invitation to learn more, gather more information and contribute to a deeper understanding of the planet’s past. All in all, a very exciting view of the scientific method, discovery and interpretation.”
—Christie Schaefer, World Socialist Website
Visit the interactive website for Stones & Bones for a timeline, taxonomy, dinosaur facts, coloring activities, quiz, and more.
