Sanchez, Anita. Karl, Get Out of the Garden! Carolus Linnaeus and the Naming of Everything. Catherine Stock, Illus. Non-fiction. Charlesbridge, 2017. 48pp. PLB $17.99. 978-1-58089-606-1. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 3-5.
Lush illustrations by Catherine Stock, in pen-and-ink and watercolor, enhance this interesting book about Linnaeus, who created the natural history classification we still use today. The author discusses the issues regarding plant and animal names in Linnaeus’ time—items had several different names, often making it difficult for scientists to communicate with each other and ensure they were talking about the same thing. The art depicts people with varying skin tones, especially those pages showing how people who appear to be from around the world, including Asia and the Middle East, could speak the “new language of science” created by Linnaeus. Numerous quotes are sprinkled in cursive writing throughout the book. Each opening includes text with illustrations that relate to and enhance what is being discussed. Useful back matter includes notes about Linnaeus, his various names, and the scientific classification scheme (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species) with a memory trick to remember it. Additionally, there are notes about the changes that naturally happen in scientific study; how Linnaeus found wonder in everything during his entire lifetime; a timeline; source notes; resources for young readers (one web link to Uppsala University no longer works); and a bibliography, including both books and web links. This title may be useful to teachers of the fourth grade when discussing the structures of plants and animals.
Kathy L. Haug, Independent