The Not-So-Very Lost LambAntoniA WoodWArdA warm retelling of a much loved story told by Jesus.PB: 978-0-7459-7680-819 July 2019245 x 230 mm, 32ppAge range: 3+

Noah and the Great Big BoatAntoniA WoodWArdA beautifully warm retelling of the much loved Bible story about noah.PB: 978-0-7459-7681-519 July 2019245 x 230 mm, 32ppAge range: 3+

New titles from lioN HudsoN

Why should Moses trust God?

“I Am Who I Am”

God uses his name to promise his

rescue. “I AM WHO I AM” is also

Yahweh, Lord, or Jehovah. It means

he is all-powerful and eternal, and

he will rescue with power.

“Moses”God plans his rescue through Moses, who is “drawn out”. The

pharaoh wanted to kill the boys in the Nile,

but this is where rescue comes from. By his

own daughter!

How is God a rescuer?

A hero is born!Fast forward 400 years: God’s people are slaves in Egypt. The

Israelites (Hebrews) have multiplied in number, and the pharaoh

fears for his safety. The Israelites pray for rescue.

God speaks to Moses

A rescue seems impossible. Who can stop the misery? Moses,

an Egyptian prince, saves a slave by killing a slave driver but

flees to Midian. There he meets God…Scene 2: God’s Rescue

Exo

dus 1

–2

Exodus 2–3

A Hebrew baby was found yesterday

on the banks of the Nile and a princess

has taken him in, the EGYPTIAN SUN

reports. Eyewitnesses say the baby was

among the reeds. This baby is lucky to be

alive – he must have a special life ahead

of him.

Very recently our pharaoh ordered all

Hebrew sons to be thrown into the Nile.

Hebrew nurses can let newborn girls live,

but make Hebrew boys crocodile food.

Reports say the princess saw a basket

among the reeds and found a three-

month-old baby boy inside. The princess

felt sorry for him and is expected to

raise him as her own.

A Hebrew woman is nursing the baby.

The gossip is that she is the baby’s real

mother. What is certain is that the boy

is now the pharaoh’s grandson, and the

princess is calling him Moses,

which means “drawn out” in

Hebrew.

MOSES, a long-term shepherd of Midian, says

that God has spoken to him, and will now return

to Egypt, the MIDIAN MAIL reports.

He says he came upon a burning bush on Mount

Sinai, and heard the voice of God coming from

it. He says the bush was on fire, but not burning

up. The Bush Control Agency (BCA) call the

sighting impossible.

Moses says God has seen his people’s suffering

and heard their prayers, and is sending Moses to

ask for the release of the Hebrew slaves. Moses

says this God calls himself “I AM WHO I AM”.

Moses will tell the pharaoh, “I AM has sent me

to you. Release the slaves.”

Moses says that God will rescue his people from

slavery and bring them back to Mount Sinai.

Moses claims God proved his power by turning

his staff into a snake.

We at the Midian Mail wish him well on his

rescue mission.

PRINCESS PAMPERSGOD SPEAKS

BURNING MESSAGE

40

41

The Blockbuster BibleBehind the scenes of the Bible StoryAndreW PritchArdA fun, creative film-themed Bible to engage with God’s great story.

978-0-7459-7779-920 Sep 2019260 x 215 mm, hB, 160ppAge range: 7+

HUMANS

Act 1: In the BeginningScene 1: VIP Humankind

Design: the Seven Days of Creation

Lights, camera, action!Nothing exists. Then God calls for a beginning (Genesis). “Light! Space! Land!” In days 1–3 he makes the world, and in 4–6 he fi lls it. He saves the best until last.

Humans are the best!Humans are different fromthe rest of creation. God makes them to be like him and he gives them special jobs to do. They are Very Important People!

“Very good”God’s world is good until he makes humans. They make it very good! Humans are VIP – Very Important People – and they are vice-rulers over the rest of God’s world.

Why are humans very important people?

Day 1“Let there be light! I will call the light day andthe darkness night…It’s good!”

Day 4“Let there be lights, for the day and the night. Also let there be stars… It’s good!”

Day 6“Let there be many creatures for the land: livestock, creatures, and wild animals. It’s good! “And let us make humankind in our image. And let them rule overthe fi sh, over the birds, and all the animals that roam the earth. See, now it’s very good!”

Day 7God rests from work and blesses the seventh day as special.

Day 5 “Let there be many creatures for the sea and many birds for the sky. I bless them to increase in number. It’s good!”

Day 2 “Let there be a space between the sea below and above. I call it sky…It’s good!”

Day 3“Let there be land and seas. Let there be many fruit-bearing plants…It’s good!”

Some say about 14 billion years. Others say 6,000 years. It depends what you think about the story of creation.Is it literal, or symbolic? In the end, we can't be totally sure.

HUMANS

HUMANS

HUMANS

How old is the world then?

VIP – Very Important VIP – Very Important People – and they are People – and they are vice-rulers over the rest vice-rulers over the rest

Why are humans very Why are humans very

livestock, creatures, and livestock, creatures, and livestock, creatures, and livestock, creatures, and livestock, creatures, and livestock, creatures, and

humankind in our image. humankind in our image. humankind in our image. humankind in our image. humankind in our image. humankind in our image.

and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh and blesses the seventh day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special. day as special.

Gen

esis

1

Genesis 1

12

“In God’s image”Humans are like God as his vice-rulers. They are like photos of God, the great ruler. But they are also unlike him. The creator is much greater than his creatures.

13

In God’s image God made us inhis likeness male and female.

Blessed God told us to have children andfi ll the earth. Rulers God told us to rule over the fi sh, the birds, and every living thing on the earth. Plant eater God gave us food: every plant or fruit with seed in it. The animals eat green plants. Very good God now calls the world very good. Humans make the world complete.

his likeness male and female. his likeness male and female.

Why are humans very important people?

Ask 3D Freddie

TigerDo you think the tigers were as fierce in the ark as they are in the jungle?

Follow steps 1-7 of drawing a lion then…

Make the tops of the ears flatter

Add a dent in the top of the head

Make the face wider and hairier

Add stripes which curve

around the eyes

The end of the tail is curved

(no leaf shape!)

Add nostrils to the nose

Colour your tiger orange with black stripes. Make sure to leave white around the eyes, mouth, under the neck and tummy, and at

the tip of the tail.

Tigers have pink noses!

Horses AnD Donkeys!The horses and donkeys are great neeeigh-bours!

Horses have a similar body shape to zebras. Follow the zebra steps, then change the

ears and the mane.

Horses’ ears are a lot shorter

The mane of the horse lies flat against the head and

neck

Horses’ tails are different too!

A donkey has light

areas around the eyes and

nose

Donkeys have the same

shape eyes, mane, and tail as zebras, but

no stripes!

Horses are usually taller than donkeys

1

2

3

4

5

6 1

2

3

4

16 17

TigerDo you think the tigers were as fierce in the ark as they are in the jungle?

Follow steps 1-7 of drawing a lion then…

Make the tops of the ears flatter

Add a dent in the top of the head

Make the face wider and hairier

Add stripes which curve

around the eyes

The end of the tail is curved

(no leaf shape!)

Add nostrils to the nose

Colour your tiger orange with black stripes. Make sure to leave white around the eyes, mouth, under the neck and tummy, and at

the tip of the tail.

Tigers have pink noses!

Horses AnD Donkeys!The horses and donkeys are great neeeigh-bours!

Horses have a similar body shape to zebras. Follow the zebra steps, then change the

ears and the mane.

Horses’ ears are a lot shorter

The mane of the horse lies flat against the head and

neck

Horses’ tails are different too!

A donkey has light

areas around the eyes and

nose

Donkeys have the same

shape eyes, mane, and tail as zebras, but

no stripes!

Horses are usually taller than donkeys

1

2

3

4

5

6 1

2

3

4

16 17

ACtiVitY BooKs

BiBle storiesAlbert and The Big BoatA Noah’s Ark StoryrichArd LittLedALe, illustrated by heAther heyWorthA delightful picture book retelling a much loved Bible story about noah. 978-0-74597-793-524 Jan 2020260 x 215 mm, hB, 32ppAge range: 3+

How to Draw NativitySteVe SMALLMAndraw the nativity scene step-by-step.978-1-78128-345-5290 x 200 mm, hB, 32 ppAge range: 6+

How to Draw NoahSteVe SMALLMAndraw noah and an ark full of animals step-by-step.978-1-78128-344-8290 x 200 mm, hB, 32 ppAge range: 6+

David, The Boy ChampionThe Story of David and GoliathrichArd LittLedALe, illustrated by heAther heyWorthA delightful picture book retelling a much loved Bible story about david and Goliath. 978-0-74597-794-224 Jan 2020260 x 215 mm, hB, 32ppAge range: 3+

Other titles in the series:

Miriam, The Girl who Saved a NationThe Story of Moses in the Bulrushes978-0-74597-795-920-March-2020, hB

The Day the Food CameA Story about Elijah’s Visit978-0-74597-796-620-March-2020, hB

Stories of Jesus99 Stories from the BibleJuLiet dAVid, illustrated by eLinA eLLiSA bright, colourful selection of 10 of the best-loved Bible stories of Jesus.978-1-78128-357-820 Sep 2019160 x 160 mm, hB, 48ppAge range: 3+

Joseph’s Dreamcoat and other stories99 Stories from the BibleJuLiet dAVid, illustrated by eLinA eLLiSA bright, colourful selection of seven of the best-loved Bible stories from the old testament.978-1-78128-356-120 Sep 2019160 x 160 mm, hB, 48ppAge range: 3+

Joy Story

welCome to nazareth in galilee, it’S a quiet

town where nothing muCh happenS, juSt the

uSual Camel buSiness, bagel SaleSmen, and

all thoSe romanS...

...with their Crazy

yellow lineS...

...and parking tiCketS

for Sheep!

but today’S different. meet mary,

her life’S about to Change!

Kick ME

Part exchange

S e c o n d h a n d

Romans

go home

Camels

Buy Saul's

PIES

Beard CoversFor all occasions

BAGELS

Wait Mary, my name’s

Gabriel, Gab to all my

friends. I’ve got a special

message for you.

Now, where is it?

Er, you’ve

got pockets,

that’s nice.

Da-Da! Gab’s

deliveries does

it again.

Oh dear!

Would have

been easier in

a chariot.

Dream Weaver

IT WAS CENSuS TIME,

THE ROMANS lIkE DOING

THINGS lIkE THAT.

JOSEpH HAD TO RETuRN TO HIS

HOME TOWN Of BETHlEHEM.

pooR MARy WAS NEARly READy

TO HAvE BABy JESuS.

BETHlEHEM WAS CROWDED! THEy COulDN’T fIND A

plACE TO STAy.

uNTIl THEy MET AN

InnkeepER WHO

OffERED HIS STABlE.

AS pROMISED By GOD, MARy HAD

A BEAuTIful BABy BOy AND THEy

CAllED HIM, JESuS.poor mary Couldn’t wait

She had her baby here...

Wait outside for a

while, these things

can take ages!

Moo!

Neigh!

Cute!

They had

to travel a

long way!

I’m going to let

you off with a

ticket Sir...

Welcome to

Bethlehem

No BabiesNo DonkeysNo Romans

Children’s BiBles

God made it allLook at the sky.

See how pretty it is.

See the sun, bright and warm.

Sssshhhh.

Do you feel the wind?

The wind blows.

Sssshhhh. It blows on your cheeks.

The sun and the wind: God made it all.

4

Splish, splash.

Do you hear the rain?

Splish, splash.

The rain falls on the earth.

Splash with your hands!

Water and earth: God made it all.

5

Baby’s Special Biblecorien orAnJe & MArieke ten BerGePerfect for reading aloud to your baby, treasure a shared experience with these seven beautiful stories of the Bible. Stunning bold high-contrast illustrations are perfect for enagaging babies’ interest.978-0-7459-7805-5, Board book 210mm x 210mm, 48pp Ages 0+

Would You Like to Know Bible Every DayeirA reeVeSA daily Bible with a talk time and Prayer time for each story.978-1-78128-319-6190 x 158 mm, hB, 376 ppAge range: 3+

Paradise Found!While he seems to be getting on with everyone, he does need a mate.

Adam, I’ve had a great idea; it’s time for a mate… a companion.

What’s that? Don’t

know?...

So, after Sending adam into a deep Sleep, god removed a rib in order to make a woman.

Some time later...

Rise and shine!

My goodness, just look at him.

He looks as sweet as a

newborn baby.

Adam, say hello to Eve.

I’ll just go and let you two get on.

Don’t forget, you can eat anything in the garden except fruit from the

Special Tree. That’s a big

no-no!

Hmm, methinks it’s time for a bit of fun! He-he-he...

Cain the Pain

from Cain x

from ABEL x

Time to say goodbye to Mr Goody-Two-Sandals!

Hmm… Cain said that he wanted to drop something by me, I wonder...

Er… he’s fast asleep, totally flat out!

adam and eve had two SonS; Cain, who beCame a farmer, and abel, who waS a Shepherd.

Cain waS fed up beCauSe, unlike abel, hiS giftS to god were never accepted.

Where’s Abel?

Thank you, Abel, for your first lamb.

So, Cain waS forCed to leave and wander, never to be Seen again.

realizing abel waS dead, god Sent Cain away. but he Still wanted to keep him Safe, So he plaCed a mark on him to Stop otherS harming him.

Humph!

Humph!

What a lovely day

Err...Hi!

SPLAT!

CREEEK

the Lion kids Bible comiciLLuStrAtorS: Mike kAzyBrid & BAMBoS GeorGiou; coLouriStS: Jeff AnderSon & JeSuS BArony With ed MorriSthe Beano meets the Bible - over 60 comic strip stories that are fun for all ages!978-0-7459-7719-522 March 2019297 x 210 mm, PB, 112ppAge range: 6+

The Play-Along BibleBoB hArtMAnretell Bible stories with movement, sounds and actions.978-1-4964-0864-8210 x 210 mm, hB, 104 ppAge range: 2+

HArPer ColliNs CHristiAN PuBlisHiNG

BABY’S BOOKS & GIFTS

My Baptism Book: Memory BookduBrAVkA koLAnoVicA treasured album for recording your child’s baptism.978-0-7459-7810-922 March 2019180 x 230mm, hb, 48pp

Beautiful BabyBoB hArtMAn, ilustrated by ruth heArSonengaging board book for babies sharing simple biblical verses about God’s love for them. 978-0-7459-7789-8 18 oct 2019, 180 x 180mm, Bb, 10ppAge range: 0+

Brilliant BabyBoB hArtMAn, ilustrated by ruth heArSonengaging board book for babies sharing simple biblical verses about God’s love for them. 978-0-7459-7790-418 oct 2019, 180 x 180mm, Bb, 10ppAge range: 0+

Wonderful Baby978-0-7459-7791-120 March 2020, BB

Precious Baby978-0-7459-7792-820 March 2020, BB

Our New Baby Memory BookAntoniA WoodWArdkeep your precious memories of your new baby in this wonderfully decorated record book.978-0-7459-7723-221 April 2017180 x 230mm, hb, 48ppPrayers

around the

World

DEBORAH LOCK • HELEN CANNPrayers Around the WorlddeBorAh Lock, illustrated by heLen cAnnA beautiful prayer book celebrating God’s love for his world.978-0-7459-7833-820-March-2020170 x 138mm, hb, 48ppAge range: 4+

The Beginner’s BibleTimeless Children’s StoriesiLLuStrAted By keLLy PuLLeyWith new vibrant 3d art, and compelling text, more than 90 Bible stories come to life.

The Beginner’s Bible new 3D edition978-1-78128-347-9 190 x 158 mm, hb, 512 ppAge range: 3+

The Beginner’s Bible 365 Devotions for KidsiLLuStrAted By keLLy PuLLeySnuggle up for time together with God and your little one. The Beginner’s Bible 365 Devotions for Kids contains 365 simple daily devotions filled with Scripture and prayers perfect for young children. this devotional features original content based on bestselling The Beginner’s Bible with exciting, full-colour artwork.978-0-31076-306-2 197 x 140 mm, hb, 384 pp

HArPer ColliNs CHristiAN PuBlisHiNG

Love is KindLAurA SASSi & LiSon chAPeronthe story of Little owl who discovers the real meaning of love on his quest to find his grandma the perfect gift.978-0-31075-489-3235 x 283 cm, hb, 32 pp

Spirit of God Illustrated BibledoriS rikkerS & fernAndo JuArezover 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today.978-031074-973-8178 x 229mm, hb, 312 pp

The Gift That I Can GivekAthie Lee Gifford, illustrated by JuLiA SeALA heartwarming story that empowers children to find unique ways to make a difference to the lives of those around them. 978-1-40020-924-823 oct 2018267 x 260mm, hb, 32pp

chrISTmAS & eASTerchrISTmAS & eASTer

The Gift of ChristmasThe boy who blessed the worldMAry JoSLin, illustrated by kriStinA SWArnerclassically illustrated and traditionally retold. A charming addition to any bookshelf at christmas.978-0-7459-7751-523 Aug 2019260 x 215mm, Pb, 32ppAge range: 3+

Bible Story-Pops!JuLiet dAVid & Jo PArrythree BiG pop-ups per book with delightful art.978-1-78128-288-5978-1-78128-289-2 270 x 270 mm, hb, 16 pp, Age range: 3+

NoVeltY

On That Easter MorningLoiS rock, illustrated by ALiSon JAyAlison Jay’s signature style makes this christmas story book unforgettable.978-0-7459-7746-124 Jan 2020297 x 210mm, hb, 32ppAge range: 5+

On That Christmas NightLoiS rock & ALiSon JAythe traditional nativity with exquisite illustrations.Pb: 978-07459-6509-3hb: 978-0-7459-6588-8297 x 210 mm, 32 ppAge range: 5+

chIldren’S InFOrmATIOn & reFerence

lioN sCHolAr

Window on the WorlddAPhne SPrAGGett & JiLL JohnStonePhotographic A-z resource about the people of the world with prayer points.978-1-78128-368-4254 x 203 mm, hb, 224 pp Age range: 7+

Christian Beliefed. ALiSter McGrAthAn authoritative and comprehensive survey of faith, God, Jesus, Salvation, the church, and christian hope.978-1-91255-203-0216 x 140mm, Pb, 446pp, £16.99

In the Steps of Saint PaulPeter WALkerthis book is an ideal introduction to Paul and his travels for scholars at all levels of study.978-1-91255-201-6216 x 140mm, Pb, 280pp, £12.99

In the Steps of Jesus, 2ePeter WALkerthis second edition provides a rich and absorbing insight into Jesus’ world for scholars at all levels of study.978-1-91255-205-4216 x 140mm, Pb, 296pp, £12.99

The Curious Science Quest seriesJuLiA GoLdinG with AndreW BriGGS & roGer WAGner, illustrated by Brett hudSonJoin harriet, darwin’s pet tortoise and Milton, Schrodiner’s indecisive cat on a time-travelling quest of discovery, unravelling scientific and religious beliefs and how they fit together. Based on The Penultimate Curiousity, these books are funny and informative with humorous illustrations throughout.21 June 2019198 x 130mm, Pb, 128ppAge range: 9+

The History of Christian EuropeGiLLiAn r. eVAnSAn exploration of how christianity helped shape and define europe and, consequently, the wider world.978-1-91255-209-2216 x 140 mm, Pb, 232pp£12.99

Jesus and His World - Paul and His WorldPeter WALker; StePhen toMkinSAn accessible and lively introduction to Jesus and Paul and the worlds in which they lived.978-1-91255-215-322 March 2019216 x 140 mm, Pb, 282pp

A Social History of The Early ChurchSiMon M. JoneSA fascinating exploration of the first christians’ daily life through archaeological evidence and contemporary accounts.978-1-91255-218-4216 x 140 mm, Pb, 176pp£12.99

The Archaeology of the BibleJAMeS k. hoffMeierinterspersed with boxed features that provide more detail on geographical settings, cultural practices and biblical narratives, this is an ideal introduction to the societies and events of the Ancient near east and how they affect our understanding of the Bible. 978-1-91255-217-722 March 2019216 x 140 mm, Pb, 224pp

Atlas of World ReligionstiM doWLeyAn atlas surveying the history, development, and current state of all the major World religions.978-1-91255-200-923 nov 2018240 x 190mm, flexiback, 176pp, £14.99

cave discovery 978-0-7459-7744-7Greek Adventure 978-0-7459-7745-4rocky road to Galileo978-0-7459-7752-2

hunt with newton 978-0-7459-7753-9Victorian Voyages 978-0-7459-7754-6Modern flights 978-0-7459-7755-3

Wonders of the Living Worldruth BAnceWiczexciting new research reveals beauty, order, complexity and cooperation in biology, raising the question: was it all made for a purpose? in full colour, the story of biological science is explored by leading scientists and apologists in a highly visual and accessible manner.978-0-7459-8054-6240 x 195 mm, hb, 208 pp

Wond

ers of the Living W

orld

One in a M

illion

31

For most of us, staring at one half of a coded message would be a completely

pointless exercise. Some people have a knack for code breaking, but for many of us a page of symbols or jumbled up letters says absolutely nothing. Suddenly, when we have a key that matches the symbols or letters to words in a language we understand, that code becomes a very powerful thing. Like the Egyptologist who learns to read hieroglyphics, a whole world is suddenly laid open for us to explore.

When the DNA double helix was discovered, it was fairly obvious that the different subunits could be used like letters to spell out a message. The inner world of the cell was waiting to be revealed, but the only problem was cracking the

3 One in a Millioncode. So after Watson and Crick announced the structure of DNA, groups of scientists were racing to come up with the key. After just over ten years of hard work, the code was finally cracked and they were able to

decipher messages that had been hidden since life began.

The information hidden deep in the DNA of any organism is really

a series of recipes. Decoding starts when a string of three-letter ‘words’

in the double helix are read off by the cell’s machinery and translated into a string of amino acids which is folded up into

a protein. Our living bodies are, in essence, the network of interacting

proteins – haemoglobin, insulin, and all the rest – that are made in this way.

The genetic code is the one and only example in biology of two different chemical languages (DNA and protein) that are connected together by a process of translation. The question is, where did this information storing and sharing system come from, and is it the only one out there?

This chapter is about the origin of the genetic code, and what makes it so special. Some of us might feel there is purpose in the universe, but does that intuition make sense when we look at the science? This isn’t about looking for evidence for God here, but exploring the biochemistry of life. What can those molecules tell us about our origins, and what questions do they raise about meaning and purpose in the universe?

Wond

ers of the Living W

orld

Dance of the C

ells

715 Dance of the Cells

In just nine months, a single cell develops into a kicking, squealing baby. The most mysterious part of this process is the first few weeks, when it can seem as if nothing much is happening. Until a developing embryo has arms and legs it is hard to imagine it as an individual, but these are actually the most important stages of development, laying the foundation for everything that is to come. While the embryo is just a ball of cells, or a tiny jellybean-shaped mass, a huge amount of activity is going on - and it all starts with just one cell.The human egg is about a tenth of a millimetre in diameter, and is packed full of nutrients, proteins, a metre of DNA (see chapter 2), and all the ingredients it needs to start growing. The father’s sperm then provides another metre of DNA, and the list is complete. Everything that’s needed to start a unique life is right there in that fertilised egg.

The development of an embryo is like a dance, as cells form and fold themselves into the different organs of the body. Some dances are very tightly choreographed, but any dancer will tell you that choreography alone doesn’t make a good show. The whole cast are constantly watching and responding to each other. Their skills, personality, and physique influence how they interpret the moves. The music guides them and gives an overall atmosphere to the piece, as

do the costumes, stage, lighting, and set. The responses of the audience add some further fuel to the performance. All of these parts come together to create the whole experience, so every show is slightly different.

In a similar way, DNA provides all the recipes for making an animal, but they are not enough to determine what goes on. A host of other molecules and environmental cues are also involved, and there are always slight variations along the way. Development is not a completely predictable process, and it’s not easily reduced to one set of factors or another. This is something that Jeff Hardin knows only too well.

When Jeff was a student he caught sight of a sea-urchin embryo, and was immediately hooked. He is now a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the USA, where he teaches cell and

developmental biology. The main question he asks in his research is, how does a single cell develop into a complex organism? Jeff also finds himself asking philosophical or even theological questions about beauty, and the significance of the organisms that develop from such humble beginnings. This chapter will look at our own development from the perspective of a dance, sharing the sense of wonder that so many scientists feel when they study these processes.

7

Wond

ers of the Living W

orld

1 Exploring the Wonders of the Living World

The internet was not the first major network on earth. Underneath the

ground in any healthy forest are literally tonnes of fungi growing around the roots of the trees. These partner-organisms share nutrients with the trees, occasionally popping up a fruiting body or mushroom to release their spores into the wider world. The fungi spread so far that they connect the trees together, so nutrients are not just shared between a single sapling and the fungus growing on its roots, but between one tree and another. If a tree is fed with a marker substance, that same chemical can appear in another tree elsewhere in the network.

This link between trees and their fungi is a great example of science revealing aspects of the world that would otherwise be completely hidden to us. As we start to understand how things work, our initial curiosity can become surprise, fascination, and a more lasting sense of wonder.

This book explores seven different aspects of the living world, starting with the microscopic and gradually zooming out to

whole ecosystems. Each chapter is a story in itself, demonstrating the great beauty and wonder of our planet and the organisms that make their home on it. Together, these stories paint a picture of a place that is fruitful, ordered, and bursting with potential for many different kinds of life.

Our journey begins with a tour of the inner world of the cell, and the secret recipes for growth and development that are hidden inside its biological libraries. The chemical language of life has amazing properties – some of which may be one in a million. We see the constant movement of tiny molecules coming together like the dots in an impressionist’s painting to make up a complete cell. Then, on a slightly larger scale, we look at how groups of cells can work together, multiplying and moving in a highly-coordinated dance as they grow from an embryo into a newborn baby.

From here we explore how over a long period of time, organisms hit upon new solutions to the challenges of life on earth. Different species often find similar ways to thrive, as if they were following well-worn paths in a map of life. One of the most important survival techniques is working together. From single cells to whole organisms, living things snuggle for existence. At the very largest scale, whole ecosystems are like living cities, providing homes and services to millions of different organisms.

CAPTION: Trees? Needed??

Wond

ers of the Living W

orld

Inner World

s

11

I have always loved finding out how

things work. Some of my favourite books

as a child were the ones with lots of detailed

pictures and cross-sections. Whatever the

topic – castles or Romans, cars or boats –

each page was a riot of information you

could pore over for hours. There was always

a bit of introductory text, but the best parts

were the labels showing what people did,

how machines worked, or what happened

in different sections of a building. There

were often little cartoons down the side

of the page showing what life

was like for the people

involved, complete with funny or disgusting

details. Exploring these books was a way of

experiencing a world you could never see

for yourself.In my last couple of years at secondary

school, I found I could apply this love of

information and visual details by

studying biology. I got to look

at things up close and find

out what every

part did. I was

able to draw my

2 Inner Worlds

own cross-section diagrams, and add my

own labels. There wasn’t much creativity

going on yet, but it was great to be exploring

things in more depth.

Life became even more interesting at

university. For example, I had already

learned at school about the eardrum and

the collection of tiny bones that pass the

sound waves into the fluid in your inner

ear. I loved delving even deeper inside,

finding out that those transmitted waves

vibrate a tiny membrane, which wobbles

some even tinier hairs, which trigger some

nerve endings, which

fire a signal to

the brain. The deeper the tone of the sound,

the further it has to travel down the ear to

be detected - which is why I found it harder

to pitch the low notes on my violin.

I was amazed to find that anyone could

know about processes like this so com-

prehensively, right down to the chemicals

involved in sending signals from one part

of the body to another. Compared to my

cutaway book experiences, four years of

intensive study in biology took me way past

the pictures and right into the middle of

things where I could explore them for myself.

lion hudson ltd, Wilkinson house, Jordan hill road, Oxford, OX2 8dr, englandTel: +44 (0)1865 302750 email: international@lionhudson.com

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