Life (As We Know It)

A dizzying ride through 4.6 billion years of life on Planet Earth. We know think this much is true…. Once upon a time, before time even existed, all matter in the universe was concentrated in a single point a fraction of the size of an atom. and then? and then it exploded. Tracing the origins of the universe and the planet itself, this book takes readers on a vivid exploration of the extraordinary emergence of life and its subsequent evolution. The earliest life-forms on Earth were single-celled organisms capable of photosynthesis -- harnessing sunlight to produce energy and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Over billions of years, the planet filled with oxygen, and this paved the way for life to diversify dramatically during what is known as the Cambrian Explosion. From that point, the evolutionary story unfolded: sea creatures gave rise to fish, which eventually evolved into reptiles, dinosaurs, and, ultimately, mammals. Life As We Know It celebrates this awe-inspiring evolutionary journey, reflecting on the path that brought us here and pondering the possibilities of what lies ahead. We tell stories of apples and snakes, of gods and monsters. But the creation story told by science is more perplexing and incredible than any we could ever make up. Written by award-winning writer, Ziggy Hanaor, and gorgeously illustrated by Cristobal Schmal, this striking book is both emotive and educational and will appeal to education, parent and gift markets.