It Started with a Big Bang: The Origin of Earth, You and Everything Else

With the history of our planet and that of the universe constantly in the news these days in connection with climate change as well as new discoveries by the probes and satellites we send into outer space, it’s a good time for a new book about the evolution of life on Earth. To understand where we might be going, we need to know where we’ve been, where Earth came from. This picture book is subtitled, The Origin of Earth, You and Everything Else. Written in present tense, it’s an accessible account aimed at a younger audience, using engaging, easy to follow language (a smooth translation from the original Dutch edition) and explanations of the sequences of events.

Detail to engage little minds and help them see the unfolding evolution is presented in simple terms: the nothingness of the universe before a small seed exploded began to fill with stardust, ice and rock to form the ball that is Earth. Striking animated illustrations in vivid color are first set against a black background of space, then swirls of water. Beginning life forms within it become land-based animals in an ecosystem that grows in complexity. There’s a dramatic double page spread to show the meteor that resulted in the extinction of dinosaurs and other life: “Hardly any plants survive. Only the small animals can find food to stay alive. Tough break for the dinosaurs—their time is up. Now what will live on Earth?” To ponder this question, the reader stares at a charred landscape littered with bones.

A page turn equals the passage of millions of years when new life has taken over. A variety of animals shown on grasslands and in trees includes the apes that gradually adapt to walking upright. This transition is explained as a way to make foraging more practical, and it is probably sufficient introduction for the readership about the origin of humans. Next, humans are seen as hunters, tool makers, problem solvers, users of language, and inventors. The “new world humans are building” illustration spread shows activities and distinct dwellings of several cultures and, finally, a view of our modern civilization. The book leaves the reader with an image that suggests endless possibilities beyond our power to “fly to the moon in rockets and wave to the people back on Earth.” Good inspiration to consider the future of Earth!

It Started with a Big Bang needs no glossary, and the text and illustrations are well- integrated to facilitate comprehension and stimulate curiosity. It will fit well in a library’s science collection.