Walker Studio, February 2020
Nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2021
Darwin’s Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution
Follow Victorian naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace on his epic journeys around the globe and find out how he discovered the theory of evolution by natural selection, independently of Charles Darwin. 'Darwin's Rival' traces Wallace’s life from his childhood in the Welsh countryside to becoming one of the world’s most famous scientists, via dense tropical jungles and perilous sea journeys. With evocative illustrations by Harry Tennant, this book, for children and adults alike, introduces the man so often eclipsed by his contemporary and friend Charles Darwin.
Age 10+
"This beautiful book, with elegant prints by Harry Tennant of ships and landscapes, equipment and creatures, is the story of the naturalist and explorer whose work inspired Darwin’s On the Origin of Species."
The Sunday Times, April 2020
"This illustrated book tells us the fascinating tale of explorer Alfred Russel Wallace, a self-taught scientist who travelled to the Amazon and Southeast Asia to collect specimens of wonderful creatures, and uncover the origins of species."
National Geographic Kids – Fact book of the month, April 2020
"Wallace's fascinating story is illustrated throughout with evocative, earthy-coloured illustrations of maps, places and many of the insects, birds and creatures encountered and collected."
The School Librarian
"A handsomely designed tribute to the brilliant naturalist who very nearly scooped Darwin."
Kirkus review