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larrys's review against another edition
4.0
I have a 10 year old who:
1. Loves dogs
2. Is interested in science
3. Loves graphic novels
So this was an obvious choice for her. She says "It was great. I loved it."
She's been asking lately, "How did wolves turn into dogs?" so I tried The Magic of Reality. Richard Dawkins talks to kids like he talks to women -- doesn't have a clue -- so that fell flat. (On the other hand, I think adults can get quite a lot out of Dawkins' science writing.) After his section on wolves she still had no idea about evolution, which is a bummer because I thought he made it clear.
The first third of this book is not well-simplified. To be fair, evolution is a counterintuitive concept. It must be, or most of the world's population would accept it. Genetics gets even more complicated, and there's a good argument to be made that high school genetics should move beyond the punnet squares to reflect at least a little of the modern understanding around epigenetics.
I read this comic myself before handing it to the ten-year-old, and was a little disappointed at how the punnet square basics were handled. It happens I listened to Carl Zimmer in an interview earlier this week, talking about Mendel and his peas. Zimmer makes an entire career out of explaining difficult concepts in a simple way, and it's no surprise Zimmer does a better job of it, even though he's talking to adults. You can't really mention the peas without talking about smooth and wrinkly peas, but as presented in this comic? Clear as mud. Here's the problem: Sticking pictures next to dry text doesn't fix the dry text.
I quizzed the ten-year-old because I'm interested to hear how much she picked up. She seems to have grasped the idea that puppies are a mix of their parents, but I hope she knew that already.
I'd recommend this comic to, say, year tens rather than ten-year-olds. For younger than ten, if they persevere through the genetics section they'll eventually hit upon what this comic should have been from the beginning -- a light-hearted and easy-to-understand insight into what it might be like to be a dog.
1. Loves dogs
2. Is interested in science
3. Loves graphic novels
So this was an obvious choice for her. She says "It was great. I loved it."
She's been asking lately, "How did wolves turn into dogs?" so I tried The Magic of Reality. Richard Dawkins talks to kids like he talks to women -- doesn't have a clue -- so that fell flat. (On the other hand, I think adults can get quite a lot out of Dawkins' science writing.) After his section on wolves she still had no idea about evolution, which is a bummer because I thought he made it clear.
The first third of this book is not well-simplified. To be fair, evolution is a counterintuitive concept. It must be, or most of the world's population would accept it. Genetics gets even more complicated, and there's a good argument to be made that high school genetics should move beyond the punnet squares to reflect at least a little of the modern understanding around epigenetics.
I read this comic myself before handing it to the ten-year-old, and was a little disappointed at how the punnet square basics were handled. It happens I listened to Carl Zimmer in an interview earlier this week, talking about Mendel and his peas. Zimmer makes an entire career out of explaining difficult concepts in a simple way, and it's no surprise Zimmer does a better job of it, even though he's talking to adults. You can't really mention the peas without talking about smooth and wrinkly peas, but as presented in this comic? Clear as mud. Here's the problem: Sticking pictures next to dry text doesn't fix the dry text.
I quizzed the ten-year-old because I'm interested to hear how much she picked up. She seems to have grasped the idea that puppies are a mix of their parents, but I hope she knew that already.
I'd recommend this comic to, say, year tens rather than ten-year-olds. For younger than ten, if they persevere through the genetics section they'll eventually hit upon what this comic should have been from the beginning -- a light-hearted and easy-to-understand insight into what it might be like to be a dog.
truestorydesu's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely brilliant - a great book for anyone who is a fan of science, dogs, comics, or all three. If you have a dog, or want a dog, or just like dogs, then this comic is a fantastic resource: all sorts of useful information about dog genetics, dog history, dog behavior.... all presented in a fun and accessible manner. Some rather complex scientific concepts are presented very clearly, so if you want a refresher on Mendelian inheritance and how dog eyes process color, then this is definitely the book for you. Would definitely do well in a middle-grade or young adult nonfiction collection.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go cuddle my dog.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go cuddle my dog.
smitty2567's review against another edition
5.0
Hi-Lo Non-fiction
Target Audience: 4-12th Grade
Summary:
This graphic novel addresses evolution, genetics, natural selection through the story of how dogs evolved from wolf-like animals to our beloved pets.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Dogs approaches some very complicated subjects in an easy, narrative way. The scientific ideas flow naturally from one to the next, as the narrator (a dog named Rudy) explains different aspects of dogs' history and anatomy to the reader. Evolution and natural selection become easy to understand when explained through dogs. Using adorable, cartoon dogs is a good way to gain and keep the audience's attention. The author also makes good use of humor to keep the reading simple and entertaining.
Personal critique:
While this graphic novel might not be in depth enough for students trying to pass a Biology AP, it would a great introduction to genetics and evolution younger students or a gateway book for older students to understand the broader ideas presented. The explanations were really clear and concise and I really enjoyed the artwork.
Illustrations:
Color Illustrations .
Notable awards:
None
Lesson Planning:
This would be a great companion text for high school students in biology who need explanations of genetics and evolution at a lower reading level.
Target Audience: 4-12th Grade
Summary:
This graphic novel addresses evolution, genetics, natural selection through the story of how dogs evolved from wolf-like animals to our beloved pets.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Dogs approaches some very complicated subjects in an easy, narrative way. The scientific ideas flow naturally from one to the next, as the narrator (a dog named Rudy) explains different aspects of dogs' history and anatomy to the reader. Evolution and natural selection become easy to understand when explained through dogs. Using adorable, cartoon dogs is a good way to gain and keep the audience's attention. The author also makes good use of humor to keep the reading simple and entertaining.
Personal critique:
While this graphic novel might not be in depth enough for students trying to pass a Biology AP, it would a great introduction to genetics and evolution younger students or a gateway book for older students to understand the broader ideas presented. The explanations were really clear and concise and I really enjoyed the artwork.
Illustrations:
Color Illustrations .
Notable awards:
None
Lesson Planning:
This would be a great companion text for high school students in biology who need explanations of genetics and evolution at a lower reading level.
amdame1's review
4.0
Dog-lovers will enjoy this romp through a detailed scientific look at many facts and facets about dogs. In graphic novel format, one dog takes the reader along to explore whether or not dogs are descended from wolves, differences between breeds, and much more. The level of scientific detail regarding genes is thorough and accurate (as far as I could tell, although college biology was a long time ago). Because of the depth of science, this is not a book to browse; it must be read thoughtfully - or some readers may skim through the parts they do not understand and just try to figure out where the guide dog's ball went. A great scaffold or support for students learning about genetics and how evolution shapes species. May have limited appeal due to technicality of writing, although it is made as accessible as possible.
Grades 4 and up
Grades 4 and up
solanarj's review
5.0
The science comics series is one of my favourite things. They cover a wide array of topics and are ideal for kids ages 9-13.
A graphic novel depicting the evolution of dogs from wild creatures to our best friends. With a basic introduction to genetics, this book will captivate dog lovers, young and old.
A graphic novel depicting the evolution of dogs from wild creatures to our best friends. With a basic introduction to genetics, this book will captivate dog lovers, young and old.
izze5's review
4.0
A lot of factual information about the genetics and mechanics of our four legged furry friends.
alys's review
4.0
Very well done, a (reasonably) accessible introduction to genetics. I felt the focus of the book was more on genetics than it was on dogs, more that it was using dogs as a specific example of genetics rather than being about dogs in general, but that might have been my own expectations of the book. It was definitely felt more intense than some of the other Science Comics series we have read. I ended up doing this one as a read-aloud to my first grader, whereas some of the others he has read on his own. We both enjoyed it, and I learned a lot. I'm pretty sure large chunks of it went over his head, but you never know what's going to stick and help to create understanding later.
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