Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

The only picture book available about the father of genetics and his pea plants

How do mothers and fathers--whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans--pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world's first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules.

Living the slow-paced, contemplative life of a friar, Gregor Mendel was able to conceive and put into practice his great experiment: growing multiple generations of peas. From observing yellow peas, green peas, smooth peas, and wrinkled peas, Mendel crafted his theory of heredity--years before scientists had any notion of genes.

Children will be inspired by Gregor's neverending search for knowledge, and his famous experiments are easy to understand as an introduction to genetics. F&P level: Q

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 09/01/2006
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.18lbs
Size: 10.34h x 10.30w x 0.44d
ISBN: 9780810954755
Age: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 110579 / Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas


Award: Orbis Pictus Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 07/01/2006 pg. 62
Kirkus Review - Children 08/15/2006 pg. 833
School Library Journal 09/01/2006 pg. 188
Science Books & Films 03/01/2007 pg. 82
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2007 pg. 169 - Recommended, Satisfactory