Starred review from December 1, 2022
We're more closely related to our prehistoric ancestors than we realize. The author opens this intriguing book provocatively--"We are human animals"--to introduce to readers a Paleolithic dark-skinned, dark-eyed family who lived in what's now France circa 25,000 years ago. In clearly written prose, she supports her proposition that early people's lifestyles were somewhat comparable to humans' lives today. For example, this family's and their neighbors' lives were governed by the seasons and nature's cycles; they banded together cooperatively; they were creative and made art and objects; they wondered about their world and used language. Such ideas will resonate with children, who will be fascinated to learn present-day humans are somewhat connected to very long-ago folk--and, in some ways, may still be compared to them. Adults presenting this volume should encourage kids to discuss their ideas about commonalities shared by present-day and prehistoric people and to consider the author's use of animals to describe humans and whether they believe this word choice is apt. The digital illustrations, enhanced with handmade textures, are colorful and evocative; children will enjoy the realistic, warm scenes of the prehistoric world and appreciate the similarities portrayed between the worlds of then and now. Endpapers feature faces of racially diverse people. Excellent backmatter concludes the book. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A first-rate introduction to paleontology for young readers and a fine conversation sparker. (author's note, examples of prehistoric artifacts) (Informational picture book. 5-9)
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March 1, 2023
Readers journey to the Stone Age to meet our human ancestors and the animals that inhabited the Earth with them. Haine's text is spare and lyrical. Although there is no written history, the archaeological record -- including artifacts of tools and cave paintings that are shown throughout in eye-pleasing earth-tone digital illustrations with handmade textures -- allows her to make assertions and relate facts about life at that time. "Some animals became our friends. Others were our food. Some thought that we were their food!" Subtle hints about evolutionary development appear on the endpapers, with the opening set depicting humans as they may have appeared then and the final set imagining similar-looking humans with slight cosmetic changes today. The dual concepts -- that all animals are connected and that humans are connected to their past -- occasionally bifurcate the account, but the distraction is slight. An author's note provides brief information about the Paleolithic period spotlighted here as well as additional renderings of artifacts from the period. Betty Carter
(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
April 28, 2023
K-Gr 3-In her quest to connect young readers with prehistoric humans, Haine spoke with an archaeologist and visited caves, ultimately developing this contemplative work of nonfiction, which asks readers to reflect on our connections to our early ancestors. The book addresses early human relationships with animals, art, religion, and the development of language and community. Kinetic digital illustrations use handmade textures to emphasize the rough-hewn yet meaningful lives of prehistoric humans. An author's note at the end provides more details on the development of the book and features a number of illustrated examples of prehistoric art. All people featured in the book are European, but have dark skin and eyes, which is historically accurate to how Europeans of 25,000 years ago looked (per the author's note). Given technological and social advancements, humans often forget our basic nature as animals. Here is an excellent reminder of those connections and beyond. VERDICT Hand this book to kids dreaming about cave-dwelling eras, and be prepared to discuss the similarities. A solid choice for most collections.-Kadie Seitz
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
May 29, 2023
Through spare prose and digital art consisting of earthy handmade textures, Haine provides a picture of Paleolithic life depicting two children, portrayed with brown skin, cavorting among wild animals including rhinos, a mammoth, and hares. The book goes on to highlight a close relationship with nature: “The seasons were our calendar.” In one spread, hands of different sizes hold a stick, a leaf, an animal tooth, and more (“We knew our world so well”). Later examples touch on the emergence of art and language (“We made up names for all of it.... Every creature, thought, and flower”) before transitioning to a present-day scene that underlines the titular phrase. It’s a straightforwardly wrought introduction to early humans and a reflection on, per an author’s note, how “much of what we did then has made us who we are now.” Ages 5–9.
January 1, 2023
Readers journey to the Stone Age to meet our human ancestors and the animals that inhabited the Earth with them. Haine's text is spare and lyrical. Although there is no written history, the archaeological record -- including artifacts of tools and cave paintings that are shown throughout in eye-pleasing earth-tone digital illustrations with handmade textures -- allows her to make assertions and relate facts about life at that time. "Some animals became our friends. Others were our food. Some thought that we were their food!" Subtle hints about evolutionary development appear on the endpapers, with the opening set depicting humans as they may have appeared then and the final set imagining similar-looking humans with slight cosmetic changes today. The dual concepts -- that all animals are connected and that humans are connected to their past -- occasionally bifurcate the account, but the distraction is slight. An author's note provides brief information about the Paleolithic period spotlighted here as well as additional renderings of artifacts from the period.
(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)