A parent might reach for this book when their child's natural curiosity about the world expands to the deep past, sparking questions like, 'Who were the very first people?' or 'How did they live without houses?' This visually rich book uses the classic Dorling Kindersley format of photos, illustrations, and bite-sized text to explore the lives of our earliest ancestors. It covers their origins, the tools they invented, how they hunted and gathered, and the beginnings of art and community. The book fosters a sense of wonder and an appreciation for human resilience and ingenuity. Its factual, accessible approach makes it a perfect introduction to prehistory for curious elementary and middle school readers who love learning how things began.
Published in 1989. Some scientific interpretations and artistic renderings may be dated.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with survival, which includes the hunting and death of animals. These scenes are depicted factually as a necessary part of life and are not gratuitous. There are photographs of hominid skeletons and skulls, which are presented in a scientific, archaeological context. The approach is entirely secular, based on scientific evidence of evolution and anthropology. Depictions of early humans show them in minimal clothing (animal skins), which is historically accurate and non-sexualized.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 8 to 12-year-old nonfiction lover who thrives on facts, diagrams, and timelines. It's perfect for the child who just visited a natural history museum and is now obsessed with fossils, or the one who enjoys survival-themed stories and wants to know the real-world history behind them. This reader is curious about origins and 'how-to' information on a grand historical scale.
Parent Prep
A parent should be prepared to discuss the concept of human evolution, as it is the book's foundational premise. It would be helpful to preview the pages on hunting (e.g., the mammoth hunt illustration) and the photographs of skeletons to gauge if they are appropriate for a particularly sensitive child. The book is from 1989, so a parent could also provide the context that our scientific understanding continues to evolve. The parent's child has started asking big questions about human origins: 'Where did people come from?', 'Were people alive with the dinosaurs?', or 'What did the first houses look like?' The child might be showing an interest in survival shows, archaeology, or games set in primitive worlds.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely be captivated by the dramatic visuals: the powerful animals, the sharp stone tools, and the mysterious cave paintings. They will absorb the 'what' and 'how'. An older reader (10-12) will better grasp the chronological sweep and the significance of each development. They will understand the 'why', connecting tool use to brain development and cooperation to successful societies.
What Makes It Special
Its key differentiator is the iconic DK 'Eyewitness' style. Unlike text-heavy history books, this one places real photographs of artifacts (stone axes, fossils, beads) right next to detailed illustrations and dioramas. This scrapbook-like layout breaks a massive topic into engaging, self-contained spreads, making it exceptionally accessible and visually stimulating for young readers.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book provides a comprehensive overview of early human history. It follows a thematic and chronological structure, beginning with our primate ancestors and the discovery of early hominid fossils like 'Lucy'. Subsequent two-page spreads explore key developments such as the Stone Age, the control of fire, the creation of tools and weapons, and hunting techniques for large game like mammoths. The book also delves into the social aspects of early human life, including family structures, shelter building (huts and caves), the creation of clothing, and the emergence of art through cave paintings and carved figures.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book shows many different tools made from stone, bone, and wood. If you had to create a tool using only natural materials around you, what would you make and what would you use it for?
2
On the pages about cave paintings, we see images of bison, horses, and mammoths. Why do you think early humans chose to paint these specific scenes deep inside dark caves?
3
Cooperation was essential for hunting large animals and building shelters. What is a big project you've worked on with others, and how did teamwork help you succeed?
4
The book explains how controlling fire was a major turning point for early humans. What were the top three most important benefits of having fire?
