February 06, 2010

Evolution for Kids

profile pic

Daniel Loxton

Daniel Loxton, editor of Junior Skeptic, talks about his children’s book Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be. He explores why books about evolution for children are so rare. He explains how children can become filled with “spiritual” awe by learning about evolution. And he talks about how he challenged creationism and addressed the religion vs. science controversy in the book.

Listener Reactions

  1. What a great conversation to listen to on my way to work on a snowy and windy day!  I know what Daniel means about that “goose-pimply” feeling a parent gets when the child shares the wonder of evolution or science, in general.  A recommendation for parents of young children (younger than the ones, I think, to whom Daniel’s book is pitched): http://www.charliesplayhouse.com/.  The website has an extensive list of science and evolution books for kids. 

    science-based humanist 10:07am, 02/09/2010 #1

  2. Started reading the book to my kids last night.  They are 6 yo/twin girls.  They seemed to enjoy the pictures and the details, tho one was more interested than the other.  Some of the words are a little advanced for them but I’m trying to read it like a story to hold their attention.  I really like it and hope to continue reading it to them.

    Rick Pearce 10:33am, 02/09/2010 #2

  3. Another excellent episode!  I can’t wait for the next one!

    Josh Hunt 11:06am, 02/12/2010 #3

  4. My 6 year old daughter and I read this, a few pages at a time, over the course of a week.  She completely loved it and asked tons of questions and wants to start over from the beginning.

    The interview was as expected excellent.  I liked that they addressed the accommodationist point directly but in a collegial manner.  D.J. excels at disagreeing with a guest will still completely respecting them.

    Rev Matt 03:31pm, 02/12/2010 #4

  5. I really enjoyed this episode.  I have ordered and am eager to read Daniel’s book, especially with my 8-year-old son.

    While I have no quarrel with and do myself accept the theory of evolution, I am one of that “cross-section” of buyers who is religious; in fact, I’m an ordained (Presbyterian) minister. I was a little disappointed, therefore, to hear the idea that suggesting a young person with religious questions should consult a religious leader would somehow be “embracing religion,” in Daniel’s view.  If kids should be told (and they should be) to ask recgonized scientific authorities about scientific questions, why shouldn’t they be told to ask recognized religious authorities about religious questions?  Not all of us are going to try and promote creationism!  Acknowledging that religious leaders are a potential resources is not, in and of itself, an “embracing of religion.”

    Aside from that minor objection, thanks for a great interview and an interesting podcast.

    Mike P 02:01pm, 02/18/2010 #5

  6. Great book! I bought one for my daughter’s science class and the public library. The way Daniel addressed the fundy questions was excellent!

    Harold Meyer 03:26pm, 02/22/2010 #6

Leave a Reply

* indicates required field


*Please enter the word you see in the image above