This illustrated biography series combines non-fiction and fiction to introduce readers to famous historical characters. Each book begins with a diary, told from the point of view of a child who works for the famous person. At the end of each book there is an illustrated reference chapter.At ten years old, James becomes an assistant to Charles Darwin on the Beagle's second voyage, helping him collect and contain creatures that fly, scuttle, leap and hide from the naturalist. James' diary tells of an exciting moment in 19th-century history; it's a young boy's insight into the actions and thoughts of one of the world's most famous and controversial scientists.

 

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published 2008 by Pan Macmillan .

Alan and Robbie Gibbons are father and son. Together they have written three stories for the Read On series. Leo Brown is a painter, illustrator, author, art director, sculptor and animator. He created the feature animation Believe - The Quest for Innocence, and published the first in a series of children's illustrated novels, Stargazers - There is Always Someone Watching. As a concept artist, his clients range from the BBC, Disney, Gary Kurtz, producer of the Star Wars films, and Mike Ploog, art director of Ghost Rider.

This book has the following chapters: Chapter 1 James's Diary; Chapter 2 What Happened Next?; Chapter 3 Reference: Darwin.