Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem

Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem is a lovely book. Based on the author's research of Charles Darwin's life and family, it tells the imagined story of Etty (Henrietta) and her father, the famous naturalist, going for a walk on their property. Readers learn that Charles constructed a special oval path, The Sandwalk, which he would use as a place to walk and think about things. His daughter accompanies him this day, and they turn over a question that young Etty is thinking about: the existence of fairies. Over the course of their four turns around the Sandwalk, they discuss the possibility of fairies' existence, how to answer such questions, how to see and learn from the world around us, and how to be open to all possibilities as we try to develop answers to our questions: seeking proof, sifting evidence, keeping an open mind, and always asking questions.

The book has a lovely pace and tone that matches the rhythm and flow of a conversation between a father and daughter. One wishes one were as thoughtful, direct, and open a parent as Charles is portrayed here. It's a believable and delightful exchange. As it progresses, Charles references in passing some of his travels and experiences and how they have informed the way he tackles questions like Etty's.

Implicit in this story are important lessons for any young STEM reader about science, knowledge, and any intellectual pursuit. Also in this story is the openness to wonder and mystery, whether in the world of fairies or in the natural world all around us.

The art is a good mix of conventional panels illustrating the story and the ideas discussed, along with some graphic novel elements of speech bubbles to capture their conversation. The art, itself, is rich with warm, deep colours of greens, reds, and browns.

Following the story, there is a one-page author's note that provides some historical background to both Charles and Etty and the Darwin family.