The Blurb On The Back:

Where do we come from?

Well, millions and millions of years ago, we were all fish!

Travel back in time for a whistle-stop tour through the long journey from fish, to monkey, to caveman, to … YOU!

Perfect for curious young minds, this is a wonderfully witty, accessible introduction to human evolution.

You can order I Used To Be A Fish by Tom Sullivan from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

The Review (Cut For Spoilers):

Tom Sullivan’s self-illustrated picture book is a charming fictionalised take on the subject of human evolution that is perfect for parents seeking to introduce their little ones to the topic.  The illustrations have a delightful sense of mischief and whimsy and there’s factual information at the back for adults reading this to children so they can answer any questions and give context to evolution in the context of the history of the planet. 

The story follows a narrator who explains how they started off life as a fish but got tired of swimming and then goes through the various changes he goes through – growing legs and fur and swinging from trees to living in caves and painting art – until he ends up as a modern day little boy who wonders if he might fly one day.  I liked the old use of block colour – lots of red and blue – and there’s a lovely sense of whimsical humour to the illustrations.

At the end of the book is some information for adults reading this with their little readers that gives a time line for evolution and how it fits in with the age of the planet.  There’s also a brief explanation of what evolution is and gives some more explanation for how it works and how it ties back in with the story.

All in all I think this is a lovely read and a good, basic introduction to a very complicated subject that should help adults answer any immediate questions that their little ones may have.

I USED TO BE A FISH was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd September 2020.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.