Collection
Status
Available
Genres
Publication
Harry N. Abrams (2015), Edition: Reprint, 32 pages
Description
"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."--Publisher's website. Presents the life of the geneticist, discussing the poverty of his childhood, his struggle to get an education, his life as a monk, his discovery of the laws of genetics, and the rediscovery of his work thirty-five years after its publication.… (more)
Subjects
Awards
Orbis Pictus Award (Honor — 2007)
AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (Finalist — 2008)
Notable Children's Book (2007)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
10 x 9.9 inches
ISBN
1419718401 / 9781419718403
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
An engaging picture-book biography of Gregor Mendel, the nineteenth century scholar and monk whose experiments breeding peas laid the groundwork for the modern science of genetics, Cheryl Bardoe's debut children's title (and her only one, to date) is a triumph! Following Mendel's life from his
Bardoe, who is the Senior Project Manager at The Field Museum in Chicago, has a clear understanding of, and sympathy for, her subject, something that is immediately apparent in her narrative, which makes a rather complicated topic (the conclusions to be drawn from Mendel's experiment) comprehensible for young readers. Jos A. Smith's accompanying watercolor illustrations are simply lovely, making the book an aesthetic pleasure as well! All in all, this children's biography of an important figure in scientific history is a success, and I highly recommend it to all young readers with an interest in science, or to any teacher trying to explain the concept of heredity to children.
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humble origins, as the son of ethnically German farmers in what is now the Czech Republic, through his early days as a student, his life as a monk and teacher, at the Augustinian Abbey of St. Thomas, in Brno, and his ground-breaking study of heredity, which demonstrated the existence of dominant and recessive traits, and led to the promulgation of Mendel's Laws, Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas is as enjoyable as it is educational.Bardoe, who is the Senior Project Manager at The Field Museum in Chicago, has a clear understanding of, and sympathy for, her subject, something that is immediately apparent in her narrative, which makes a rather complicated topic (the conclusions to be drawn from Mendel's experiment) comprehensible for young readers. Jos A. Smith's accompanying watercolor illustrations are simply lovely, making the book an aesthetic pleasure as well! All in all, this children's biography of an important figure in scientific history is a success, and I highly recommend it to all young readers with an interest in science, or to any teacher trying to explain the concept of heredity to children.
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LibraryThing member Nicole.Virden
This is a book about a man named Gregor Mendel who when he was a child wanted to bad to gain knowledge that his parents scrapped up all the money they had to send him to college. After a while they could not do that anymore so Gregor had to pay his own way through college. He became a friar and
This story is good for elementary students because it teaches a lot but it is more of a children's book. It has big pictures and it is written on a level for children to understand. It is a mixture of science and history. It talks about Gregor's life from when he was a child to when he died. It also teaches all about biology and how the things we learn about in biology today came about. I would use it more in a science class.
This was a good book for upper elementary students. It had a lot of detail but not to much where a child would be bored. I think it's important for children to learn about science and this book is very well written for a child. The illustrations are done really well also. I actually learned some knew things about how this discovery came about.
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through this he discovered many things that he tested. He learned about how people and animals get different traits and genes. When he told people about it, they did not believe him until after he died and more research was done. This story is good for elementary students because it teaches a lot but it is more of a children's book. It has big pictures and it is written on a level for children to understand. It is a mixture of science and history. It talks about Gregor's life from when he was a child to when he died. It also teaches all about biology and how the things we learn about in biology today came about. I would use it more in a science class.
This was a good book for upper elementary students. It had a lot of detail but not to much where a child would be bored. I think it's important for children to learn about science and this book is very well written for a child. The illustrations are done really well also. I actually learned some knew things about how this discovery came about.
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LibraryThing member adge73
This is a fascinating biography about Gregor Mendel, a man who learned a lot about how traits are passed on through generations by studying peas in the 1800s. I had no idea this guy existed, but I found his life and work really interesting.
LibraryThing member Orpgirl1
As a teaching assistant in Biology, I was overjoyed to see a children's book that focuses on such an integral founder of the modern genetic movement. The bright primary colors, rich yet simple drawings, and deliberate but scientifc wording presented an overall fantastic way of presenting the
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history of genetics to children. Knowledge on recessive and dominant traits and inheritance is not easy for undergraduate students to attain, and I think this book will be one I use to help teach even these older 'children' this topic! Show Less
LibraryThing member loven01
Bardoe, C. (2006). Gregor Mendel: The friar who grew peas. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.
The author, Cheryl Bardoe, does an excellent job of setting the scene for Gregor Mendel to begin his journey. The book, Gregor Mendel: the Friar Who Grew Peas, begins in Mendel’s hometown,
As anyone could see from the book, Gregor Mendel was an extremely curious child. He asked many questions to those around him. He was also a determined boy. Most children only attend primary school, however Mendel insisted on going to the secondary school. He wanted to study science and learn why people and things look the way they do. The book writes in Mendel’s words: “How do mothers and fathers – whether they are apple trees, sheep, or human – pass down traits to their children?”
Mendel attended the school no matter the financial strain it put on his family and eventually himself. He later worked as a tutor and then joined the Abbey of St. Thomas. Here he was able to officially begin his studies of a science that had not been created yet, genetics. Mendel, now a Friar, was sent to the University of Vienna due to his over abundance of knowledge.
Gregor began to learn about all of the universal laws in science. He wanted to create a new law. One that would answer the questions he had: why do people have the traits they have. He learned how to create controlled experiments. When he was finished with his schooling he returned to teach at the abbey.
Mendel’s true character came out. His students were quoted as saying “He could make any intellectual food nutritious and tasty.” They also mentioned that they like his clear explanations and sense of humor. Bardoe succeeded in creating a character that was appealing to his audience. He was able to gain respect with his ideas about science.
Most educated readers will know about the studies and findings of Mendel. He studied generations after generations of peas in hopes to discover the science behind passing on traits. He spent many years of his life trying to find an answer. Bardoe lays out exactly what he went through in his study. She showed all of his results and what he learned from them.
The final thoughts of this book are as follows:
“May the might of destiny grant me
The supreme ecstasy of earthly joy,
The highest goal of earthly ecstasy,
That of seeing, when I arise from the tomb,
My art thriving peacefully
Among those who are to come after me.”
Quote from Gregor Mendel out of his journal
Gregor Mendel is said to be the father of genetics. His ideas are placed in this book for all ages of readers. This is the only illustrated children’s book about Gregor Mendel on the market. I believe the overall plot of the story was in perfect order and easily understood. The illustrations are amazing. The artist did an excellent job. The pages are full of color and are able to hold one’s interest.
There are many science process skills that can be seen in this book. Gregor Mendel begins making observations about what is going on around him. He then begins an experiment and starts to make inferences. He places the peas under certain classifications and then measures the outcomes of his studies. Overall, Mendel wanted to create a model that could be developed to show genetics in everything on Earth.
The author, Cheryl Bardoe, does an excellent job of setting the scene for Gregor Mendel to begin his journey. The book, Gregor Mendel: the Friar Who Grew Peas, begins in Mendel’s hometown,
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Czech Republic, in the year 1822. I am very impressed with the descriptive narrative of this village. The author makes a point to discuss the minute size of the village. The scene quickly moves to another location, a secondary school, where Gregor Mendel begins his studies in genetics. As anyone could see from the book, Gregor Mendel was an extremely curious child. He asked many questions to those around him. He was also a determined boy. Most children only attend primary school, however Mendel insisted on going to the secondary school. He wanted to study science and learn why people and things look the way they do. The book writes in Mendel’s words: “How do mothers and fathers – whether they are apple trees, sheep, or human – pass down traits to their children?”
Mendel attended the school no matter the financial strain it put on his family and eventually himself. He later worked as a tutor and then joined the Abbey of St. Thomas. Here he was able to officially begin his studies of a science that had not been created yet, genetics. Mendel, now a Friar, was sent to the University of Vienna due to his over abundance of knowledge.
Gregor began to learn about all of the universal laws in science. He wanted to create a new law. One that would answer the questions he had: why do people have the traits they have. He learned how to create controlled experiments. When he was finished with his schooling he returned to teach at the abbey.
Mendel’s true character came out. His students were quoted as saying “He could make any intellectual food nutritious and tasty.” They also mentioned that they like his clear explanations and sense of humor. Bardoe succeeded in creating a character that was appealing to his audience. He was able to gain respect with his ideas about science.
Most educated readers will know about the studies and findings of Mendel. He studied generations after generations of peas in hopes to discover the science behind passing on traits. He spent many years of his life trying to find an answer. Bardoe lays out exactly what he went through in his study. She showed all of his results and what he learned from them.
The final thoughts of this book are as follows:
“May the might of destiny grant me
The supreme ecstasy of earthly joy,
The highest goal of earthly ecstasy,
That of seeing, when I arise from the tomb,
My art thriving peacefully
Among those who are to come after me.”
Quote from Gregor Mendel out of his journal
Gregor Mendel is said to be the father of genetics. His ideas are placed in this book for all ages of readers. This is the only illustrated children’s book about Gregor Mendel on the market. I believe the overall plot of the story was in perfect order and easily understood. The illustrations are amazing. The artist did an excellent job. The pages are full of color and are able to hold one’s interest.
There are many science process skills that can be seen in this book. Gregor Mendel begins making observations about what is going on around him. He then begins an experiment and starts to make inferences. He places the peas under certain classifications and then measures the outcomes of his studies. Overall, Mendel wanted to create a model that could be developed to show genetics in everything on Earth.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kaylaw
This is a great book about the life of Gregor Mendel who is now known as the first geneticist. In this book it tells all about his life and his contributions to our world. He was a very determined man who worked really hard to educate himself. Mendel worked for many years to create what we know as
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Mendel's laws which is described in the book. Today we use genetics to prevent and come up with cures for diseases, increase crop productivity, and even solve crimes. This book would be great to read to students who are studying genetics as well as for teaching vocabulary terms such as genes and traits. Reading this book to the class would be a great way to introduce students to genetics and the importance of genetics in the many aspects of our lives. Show Less
LibraryThing member BraleeGilday
This is the true story of Gregor Mendel, from his life as a young, poor student to the incredible genetic discoveries he made during his time as a friar.
Genre: Biography
Critique:
1) This is a good example of a biography, as it accurately describes Mendel's life from his early years to his death. It
Genre: Biography
Critique:
1) This is a good example of a biography, as it accurately describes Mendel's life from his early years to his death. It
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also does a good job of explaining his discoveries and talking about his legacy. It includes key aspects of a good biography: a bibliography in the back as well as further information, detailed facts, and direct quotes from Mendel himself (where these quotes may have made this a better biography, it made it much more inappropriate for the age-level, as the quotes were full of complicated ideas and words). Show Less
LibraryThing member JCHolmes
I really enjoyed the book, “GREGOR MENDEL- the Friar who Grew Peas.” This book takes the reader on a brief journey through Gregor Mendel’s life and the accomplishment of becoming the first geneticist. It was very informative and easy to follow. The author puts an abundance of scientific terms
The illustrations in this book are an extension to the words on the page. The pictures allow the reader to visualize the words written. I think selecting Mendel’s pea plant, leaves, and vines as the end pages reinforces what the story is about.
I know this book is rated for young readers, but I think I could definitely show this book to a high school science class. I think it would reinforce a lesson on genetics and traits putting the information into a simple form for the students to understand.
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into easy to follow sentences and explains them in chronological order. The illustrations in this book are an extension to the words on the page. The pictures allow the reader to visualize the words written. I think selecting Mendel’s pea plant, leaves, and vines as the end pages reinforces what the story is about.
I know this book is rated for young readers, but I think I could definitely show this book to a high school science class. I think it would reinforce a lesson on genetics and traits putting the information into a simple form for the students to understand.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SASegsworth
Beautiful picture book about the work and life of Gregor Mendel who discovered principles of heredity in his pea experiments.
LibraryThing member jordan70
A must for science and biology classes, the graphs and scientific information can be used to reinforce or introduce concepts.Can also be used as a history book. The hand drawn and colored illustrations are attention getting and the story shows children the power of curious imagination and
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experimentation. Show Less
LibraryThing member qrennaker
This book is an informational/ biographical account of the work and life of Gregor Mendel who is known as the father of genetics. I found this book to be very well done and simple enough for even younger children to understand why and how Gregor Mendel was doing his work with pea plants. I believe
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this would be a great addition to any classroom lesson on genetics or science in general. The illustrations of this book were also really well done and gave a very gentle feeling to the whole book. Show Less
LibraryThing member themulhern
Very nice presentation of the life and the work.
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Not only was Mendel the first geneticist, but he was the best earliest contributor to the development of the formal scientific method.
He was the son of hard-working fathers, and before he became a monk & scholar he did have to work hard and go hungry to be able to go to school.
The book is appealing
It's got the clearest explanation I've ever seen of how dominant and recessive genes influence not just the next generation, but the future ones down the line. ?áIt also talks about how unfortunate it is that his work wasn't appreciated at the time, and that therefore Darwin didn't benefit from it. ?áPerhaps if ppl had been more receptive to the import of this research in the 1860s, the foundations of genetics & evolution would have been laid more firmly, and we wouldn't still be fighting the creationists.
He was the son of hard-working fathers, and before he became a monk & scholar he did have to work hard and go hungry to be able to go to school.
The book is appealing
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because it's written in straightforward language, with pictures that are both attractive and informative, and it's thorough. ?�An author's note goes into even more depth than the text.It's got the clearest explanation I've ever seen of how dominant and recessive genes influence not just the next generation, but the future ones down the line. ?áIt also talks about how unfortunate it is that his work wasn't appreciated at the time, and that therefore Darwin didn't benefit from it. ?áPerhaps if ppl had been more receptive to the import of this research in the 1860s, the foundations of genetics & evolution would have been laid more firmly, and we wouldn't still be fighting the creationists.
Show Less