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The Mystery of Life

How Nothing Became Everything

Illustrated by Floor Rieder / Translated by Laura Watkinson

About The Book

How did nonliving atoms evolve into modern people? Find out in this engaging illustrated exploration of how nothing became everything.

The science of evolution is a topic of utmost importance, especially as the focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education continues to increase. Fortunately, important doesn’t have to mean boring. From explaining how scientists discovered how life began on earth to speculating about whether space aliens are carnivores, this engaging investigation of all things evolution is infused with fun as well as facts.

Coupled with gorgeous illustrations, curious minds yound and old will discover how to build a planet, the truth about DNA, whether trees really want to be tall, how to survive without a butt, and much, much more!

About The Author

Photograph courtesy of author

Jan Paul Schutten has been writing children's nonfiction books since 2003. A native of The Netherlands, his books are popular and critically acclaimed; he has won several awards including the Gouden Griffel (Golden Stylus) for his book Children of Amsterdam.

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: Aladdin/Beyond Words (September 1, 2015)
  • Length: 240 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481429184
  • Ages: 10 - 14

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Raves and Reviews

"A lighthearted view of the universe's progress, from the Big Bang to the evolution of bacteria, bonobos—and 'Joe Schmo from Buffalo.'...[Schutten's] overall account of life's origins and tenure is as rich in detail as it is entertaining."

– Kirkus Reviews

"Taking a big picture approach, he puts all the pieces of the puzzle that comprise our complex world into one accessible, entertaining title, using just the right mixture of fun facts, scientific information, and age-appropriate language....Interspersed liberally throughout the text are clear, rather playful illustrations, which add to the lighthearted and humorous tone. A great choice for libraries looking to bolster their STEM collection."

– School Library Journal

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More books from this author: Jan Paul Schutten