Gene Zion

Advantages: Bright illustration, super character.
Disadvantages: Sixer got wet. (There aren't any others, honest).

...brush he'd hidden under his pillow." Written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margery Bloy Graham, Harry looks perky and mischievous; his whole head is tilted upwards, drawing your eye to that little, black, inquisitive nose of his which is always in search of something new, something exciting, and something he's bound to enjoy. Harry's always so busy, just as children are, and to him the world is a enjoyable, happy place, just as it is to most children. In fact, all the characters in Harry the Dirty Dog are drawn with an air of infectious enthusiasm. Just looking at them makes you start to smile. They're busy pictures but not too detailed, drawn with confident, exuberant strokes. The backgrounds are gentle and blurry with but plenty of white space, drawing your children's eyes straight to Harry and his deeds, moving them along... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lucid, enjoyable, informative, gripping
Disadvantages: None

...The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins was first published in 1976. Even after 31 years of its first publication, it remains an international best seller. Dawkins, an expert in his field (Evolutionary Biology) explains complex biological ideas in a very interesting and lucid way so that even a layman can understand him. In essence, this book explains the theory of evolution by natural selection from genes' action point of view. He explains, through numerous examples that the ultimate goal of any gene is to survive in future generations. To do so, the genes adapt to the environment and if necessary resort to "exploitation" and "deceit"; and hence the name "Selfish Gene". The genes that are thus successful in adapting favourably towards the changing environment are selected by the nature and they pass on to the future generations. Others... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A good way to broaden the mind with respect to genetics
Disadvantages: Difficult to understand for the wrong audience

...The author of this book, Richard Dawkins, is a professor at Oxford University, so you know that what you are about to read is going to be some pretty neat stuff. The book examines the gene as the replicator of DNA, and how every gene is selfish in that it wants to get itself replicated more than any of the other genes it is competing with. Sometimes however these genes benefit and do better in the presence of other genes than they would do on their own, and so organisms form. The book is based strongly on Darwinian Theory of Natural Selection; the Survival of the Fittest. That is, a gene that is fitter than others metaphorically speaking, will benefit the body it is in, and so it will be more likely to be passed on to the offspring. Dawkins takes us through 13 chapters of tales and stories, as well as imagined situations in order... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful