“Island: A Story of the Galapagos,” by Jason Chin.
Roaring Brook Press, New York, 2012, 40 pages, Grades 3-4.
All lands change with the passage of time. The famous Galapagos Islands reveal this. Set some 600 miles west of Ecuador, the Galapagos is home to many unusual plants and animals and the site of Darwin’s famous study of evolution. Through the centuries, some of the islands have been created while others have sunk back into the sea. Fifteen islands are left today. Jason Chin, famed writer and illustrator of children’s books, has created a literary masterpiece of the Galapagos Islands. In his beautiful pictures and concise text, young readers can learn much about the science and biology of the islands. He names this fine book “Island: A Story of the Galapagos.”
Several million years ago, volcanic eruptions occurred off of the western coast of Ecuador. The molten rock from the volcanoes cooled at the surface of the ocean and formed a series of islands. Though barren at first, over the centuries plant and animal life began to develop on the newly formed land masses. Since the islands were isolated, many of these species became endemic, or localized to the Galapagos. Since the islands sit on the top of volcanoes, the land gradually sinks a tiny bit each year. After several millennia, the islands will sink below the water again, only to be reformed through another volcanic eruption.
All of this constant change forces all the plant and animal life to continually change and evolve. When Charles Darwin arrives in the Galapagos Islands in 1835, he observes all of these fascinating changes and will eventually publish the famous book: “On The Origin of the Species.” No discussion is made about Darwin’s book. Chin seems to have used him in the text because Darwin first studied the changing biological environment of the Galapagos Islands.
Chin draws many of the 200 plants and 130 or so birds that are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. The pictures are beautiful and informative. The writing draws young readers into the story and allows them to experience the fascinating Galapagos Islands. This book would be particularly useful in a science class in the middle grades. It lends itself to sharing and group work. Chin’s detailed analysis of how some birds may have evolved over the centuries is an excellent account of the theory. Another fine use of this book would be sharing at home with the younger members of your family. As you point out the numerous examples given by the author, you could discuss some of the drawings with your youngsters. Chin is a gifted author/illustrator and the pictures are luscious and beautiful.
I would encourage any parents or teachers to consider using this book to help students understand some basic scientific principles. So, if you get a chance, go to the library and check out this beautiful picture book, “Island: A Story of the Galapagos” by Jason Chin. I liked the book and think you will as well. Enjoy!
