From prehistory of how humans evolved from East African apes to the building of the first cities in Mesopotamia, young readers should find this book a useful introduction to our direct ancestors. Detailed illustrations introduce the different species of early humans - from the ape-like Australopithecus to the "wise man", Homo Sapiens and full-page scenes show how our ancestors made homes and tools, hunted, created art and learned to farm. The book also answers questions such as: who were the first people, and where did they live?; how did early humans survive the extreme cold of the Ice Age?; why did the neanderthals die out?; and where were the first cities?

Best Book of Early People

by Margaret Hynes

Published 25 April 2003

Children are very curious about who their prehistoric ancestors were, how they lived, and what they may have looked like, and The Best Book of Early People by Margaret Hynes and Mike White is just the source to satisfy emerging anthropologists. Children will learn how early families survived, hunted, gathered into primitive settlements, began to use tools, and invented farming techniques. Step-by-step illustrations and captions explore ancient villages and the work of the scientists who find and catalog their discoveries.