What makes us human, and where did we come from? How did a clever ape climb down from the trees and change the world like no other animal has done before?

This large-format, highly illustrated book guides readers through the key aspects of the human story, from the anatomical changes that allowed us to walk upright and increased brain size in our ancestors, to the social, cultural and economic developments of our more recent cousins and our own species. Along the way, focus spreads take a closer look at some of the key species in our history, from the ancient Australopithecus Afarensis, 'Lucy', to our recent cousins the Neanderthals and ourselves, Homo sapiens.

Looking beyond the anatomical evolution of humans, this book explores how our culture and way of living has evolved, from how trails of cowry shells reveal early trade between tribes, to how and why humans first domesticated dogs, horses, and farm animals, and began settling in permanent villages and cities. Through digestible information and absorbing illustration, young readers will be given an insight into their own origins, and what it really means to be a human.

 

This book is part of a book series called Incredible Evolution .

This book has been graded for interest at 7-11 years.

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published 2019 by Aurum Press .

Michael Bright is a best-selling author and award-winning radio and television producer, who has worked with the BBC's world-renowned Natural History Unit.

This book has the following chapters: 1. Introduction
2. How do we know? Fossils and genes
3. Standing tall: bipedal walking
4. Bigger brain, smaller gut
5. Making tools: advanced hunting
6. Harnessing fire: cooked food
7. Nurture: raising children in family groups
8. Developing speech
9. Working together, spreading ideas
10. Out of Africa: a journey over generations
11. Art: the world on the wall
12. Burial rites: body and soul
13. Trade: the cowry shell trail
14. A roof over our heads
15. Out to sea: ocean-faring boats
16. Living with wolves: animal domestication
17. Putting down roots: farming
18. Living together: town life
19. Butcher, Baker, Candlestick maker: specialised jobs
20. Concluding spread: where next?
21. Map spread
22. Family tree spread

Species focus spreads:
1. Australopithecus afarensis
2. Austrolopithecus africanus
3. Homo habilis
4. Homo erectus
5. Homo floresiensis
6. Homo hiedelbergensis
7. Homo Neanderthalensis
8. Homo sapiens