We

by Alice Schertle

Book Overview

A poetic exploration of the emergence of humankind out of Africa, following the course of human development from seven million years ago to today. Noted children's author and poet Alice Schertle uses sparse, lyrical verse to highlight the emergence of diversity among peoples and the spread of culture, technology and our ability to form complex, and sometimes troubled, societies. A fascinating first look at the development of today's richly diverse human community.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584300604
• ISBN13: 9781584300601
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Much-needed evolution book for children - truthful and gorgeous

Many children's books that deal with complex matters over-simplify to the point of talking down to their audience and, ultimately, removing the core truths of whatever they're trying to explain. Ms. Schertle's text, expertly supported by Mr. Addison's riveting cutout collages, manages to avoid this trap altogether. It also never degenerates into preachy hyperbole, something a children's book about human history could so easily do. The story of our evolution is told in a manner both elegant and straightforward, without skirting uncomfortable issues (e.g. humans are responsible for creating many things, including damaging things like war and irrational things like religion), and yet maintaining throughout an awareness of the beauty and wonder that have marked humankind's journey from it's origins to the present.

A singularly amazing picturebook

Award-winning author Alice Schertle presents We, a singularly amazing picturebook that encapsulates the phenomenon of human evolution. Illustrated with fantastic color collages by the late Kenneth Addison, We traces not only human achievements, but also human curiosity. Highly recommended as a giftbook and for children's library collections. "We wondered what was at the bottom / of the deepest ocean / so we went there / to see // And we peered into our own bodies / to see what it was / we were made of // We looked through instruments and wondered about other worlds // And some of us / returned to the water-carved canyon / to find our bones // But we had forgotten / the river running slow and cool / and the African wind in our hair / in the first place"