Powerful and visually spectacular, Moth is the remarkable evolution story that captures the struggle of animal survival against the background of an evolving human world in a unique and atmospheric introduction to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. “This is a story of light and dark…” Against a lush backdrop of lichen-covered trees, the peppered moth lies hidden. Until the world begins to change... Along come people with their magnificent machines which stain the land with soot. In a beautiful landscape changed by humans how will one little moth survive? A clever picture book text about the extraordinary way in which animals have evolved, intertwined with the complication of human intervention. This remarkable retelling of the story of the peppered moth is the perfect introduction to natural selection and evolution for children. A 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Finalist A School Library Journal Best Book of 2019 A Horn Book Best Book of 2019 A Shelf Awareness Best Book of 2019 PreS-Gr 1—Thomas and Egnéus show how adaptation and natural selection work in the evolutionary process in order to change a species. In Great Britain, when industry heavily relied on coal, environmental factors affected the survival rates of the peppered moth, because predators could now see what was once camouflaged. The text and illustrations are clear and move at a steady pace with a summary in the back matter, which solidifies the content. Despite the lack of source material, the value of this text is high. Children will understand how the environment can change an animal's survival rate and the passing of its genetic information. Moths as a subject do not usually garner high circulation rates, but if this book is placed in a display, the cover will attract attention. The illustrations throughout are mixed media, but the cover literally shines: silvery moths against a night sky is an attention grabber. Originally published in Great Britain in 2018, this text will enhance any juvenile nonfiction collection. VERDICT Buy this title for its clear presentation.—Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA “* From its striking silver-plated cover on, this is a stunner. . . A gorgeous blend of text and illustrations and a wonderfully successful introduction to nonfiction for younger readers.” ― Booklist, starred review “* Gorgeous mixed-media illustrations . . . Thomas deftly builds an easily understandable explanation of natural selection into the well-paced narrative.” ― Horn Book Magazine, starred review “* A strikingly illustrated story of survival and adaptation.” ― Foreword Reviews, starred review “* This superb book, with its message of hope, is a standout.” ― School Library Connection, starred review “* Egnéus creates stunning visuals that feel soft and organic, yet also intricate and precise…. A deeply fulfilling look at the ups and downs of natural selection.” ― Shelf Awareness, starred review “Egnéus' lovely illustrations-in traditional mixed media and Photoshop-provide a stylized overview of the moth's adaptive journey. . . A fascinating story with striking visuals.” ― Kirkus Reviews “This text will enhance any juvenile nonfiction collection.” ― School Library Journal “This stylish, atmospheric picture book . . . adds nuance to evolution books for children.” ― BCCB “Sophisticated effect . . . Eye-catching introduction to Darwinian evolution.” ― Publishers Weekly Isabel Thomas is a science writer and the author of a galaxy of books for young audiences. They include Moth and Fox illustrated by Daniel Egnéus, which both won the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books. She also writes for science magazines including The Week Junior Science + Nature and creates STEM outreach resources for organisations such as the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the BBC. Isabel studied Human Sciences at the University of Oxford and Education Research at the University of Cambridge. www.isabelthomas.co.uk | Instagram: @isabelthomasbooks Daniel Egnéus is a prolific artist who has illustrated numerous books, including several Neil Gaiman titles. He was voted Best Illustrator by the Association of Illustrators in 2005, and his picture book, Lubna and Pebble, (written by Wendy Meddour) was chosen by TIME Magazine as one of the 10 best picture books 2019. He has illustrated multiple titles for Bloomsbury, including Be Wild, Little One by Olivia Hope and Fox by Isabel Thomas. He is based in Athens.