In a quiet wood, a common gray squirrel will start a war. First he learns words and how to use simple machines like the wheel. Named Jack by the boy who teaches him, Jack sees construction machines invade his wood and threaten his nest and tree. Sharing what he’s learned with Sister, he calls a Gathering of the woodland animals to convince them to fight. Most of the animals, like Beaver, Bird and the Rabbits are afraid. Fox and Rat do not want to learn anything from a human, until Jack tells Fox his den will be the first destroyed by the machines. The animals unite: Beaver, Owl, Fox, Rat, and even Sister join the fight. They win one battle, but they may not win the war because the humans have become especially interested in them.
Winner of the bronze Feathered Quill Book Award!
Reviews for Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines
“I am delighted to have found a new author to support. Charlotte Bennardo seems to be the epitome of professionalism…a good novel to read in an elementary classroom…[It] has some humor, and lots of heart, and it is just the right length for a read-aloud book…Who doesn’t like a story about underdogs…” Michael Gettel-Gilmartin, Project Mayhem, Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
“The Hundred Acre Wood” meets “Watership Down” in this outdoor romp destined to be a classic. You’ll cheer for Jack and his woodland companions.” Darlene Beck-Jacobson, author, Wheels of Change, Notable Book 2015 National Council of Social Studies and Children’s Book Council.
“Books we must have though we lack bread” – Semicolon blog
“It was easy to see the story from the perspective of the forest animal characters…I look forward to reading the rest of Charlotte Bennardo’s books about Jack the squirrel and his friends. This book is very well written and is worth being read over and over again. Don’t squirrel this story away; read it and keep it at heart.” Farmgirl5100, Litpick Book Reviews Full review here
“This story is fun, vibrant, and thrillig. When the crows squawk and the beavers bang their tails and the deer bellow, the reader can almost feel the power of the woods come alive. Even the little illustrations here and there bring all sorts of emotions to the animals’ faces. And, of course, the meaning of it all is there in black and white…This is a world where habitats are ruined on a daily basis…Although this will be categorized as a pre-teen book, I recommend this to all ages. As the beloved Watership Down once taught us, sometimes we need to get back to a simple, straight-forward message in order to really understand what pain we continue to bring by wiping out nature.
Quill says: Bring Jack and his story home, and make sure the next generation learns the correct, kind way to treat every species out there.“Read the rest of the review here. Feathered Quill Book Reviews
Five star review! LitPick video review
“EVOLUTION REVOLUTION: SIMPLE MACHINES is the first book of a series that evokes the spirit of children’s classics like CHARLOTTE’S WEB and MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH, and is perhaps a tamer (and, by all counts better) version of James Patterson’s ZOO. Told from Jack’s point of view, author Charlotte Bennardo gives the reader a unique and charming perspective, one that isn’t the sanitized animated classic view of animals but one that keeps them as true to their natural form as the story allows, including the interactions between predator and prey.
It’s a charming little fiction/science fiction piece until you learn about things like squirrels attacking politicians when they say mean things about them, at which point there’s maybe a little more to ponder on the subject. For now, enjoy Bennardo’s fiction — before it becomes a little too real.” Read the whole article here. Critical Blast
How do kids feel about Jack and his story? Three young readers each give Jack 5 stars!
This book is simply adorable! It is well-written and kept my interest, despite being geared toward a younger audience.
An intelligent squirrel named Jack takes the stage in this story. As he muddles through life as a squirrel, he meets a young boy named Collin. Collin shares a treat with him and also introduces Jack to a simple machine called the wheel. Jack, being the unusually smart squirrel as he is, figures out how to use it rather quickly and uses his newfound knowledge to save his forest. What I loved most about the story is that the author adopted the squirrel’s attitude and mannerisms to narrate the story. Even though it is written in third person, it feels as if you are seeing the world through Jack’s eyes as you read. Beautiful illustrations accompany the tale on every few pages, assisting the reader in building pictures in their mind. Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines is a cute story that would make an excellent read for animal lovers, reluctant readers, or as a read aloud. Moseso, LitPick
Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines is a story of a highly intelligent squirrel, Jack, and his mission to save his forest. Machines have been cutting down trees across the road from Jack’s home for weeks. One day the machines cross the road and start taking down Jack’s forest. Jack must think of a way to save his forest and all his friends. He meets with a friendly human in a wheelchair and learns that the wheels in the big, scary machines can be stopped by jamming rocks in them. Farmgirl5100
In the book Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines, a squirrel named Jack learns from a boy named Collin how the 1st simple machine, the wheel, is used. Later, Jack sees his forest dealing with an onslaught of human-made machines trying to build some houses. Jack assembles all the animals together and tells them how they can use his knowledge to stop the machines from destroying their home. Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines is the first book in the Evolution Revolution series and is all about stopping the man-made machines. Kevinhamster LitPick
Buy it at Amazon
Jack the squirrel and his woodland friends know the humans haven’t left the woods- and they’re watching the animals. Still, Jack wants to learn more things from his human friend, Collin ,so he takes the risk of going to Collin’s house. Jack learned about the wheel, rolling, and wedges, so now Collin introduces him to the axled wagon. While Sister and Bird are anxious to learn, the other animals aren’t sure. With Rat as his new buddy and the help of Owl and Sister, Jack shares his knowledge, but it may not be enough when Rat gets into trouble with the humans. Can Jack, Bird, Owl and the others save Rat before the humans take him away?
Is any of this story true? I give the scoop in my post for the Middle Grade Ninja. You’d be surprised how much fact is in fiction…
Reviews for Evolution Revolution: Simple Plans
A review from Log Cabin Library! Check out Brenda’s review here, A kudos for my illustrator, Cathleen Thole-Daniels!
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin of Project Mayhem reviews Jack’s second adventure here. Even he’s come to love a rat.
See it on YA Central here.
Listen to my interview on WEOL in Ohio, here with Ancy “Bull” Barch and Matt Douglass, those charmers!
Buy it from Amazon
After helping Rat get free, the scientists come to Collin’s house, searching for Jack. Realizing how much danger Jack is in, Collin and his mother drive him to an animal sanctuary, where Jack meets up with Horse, a food-thieving raccoon, a mean cat, and other squirrels. Jack has to decide if he wants to stay at the sanctuary, or run free into the woods. After Collin teaches Jack the rest of the simple machines, the arrival of the scientists starts one last battle; Jack will go free, or he’ll be caged forever.
Winner of the Gold Feathered Quill Book Award!
Reviews for Evolution Revolution: Simple Lessons
“The author found a unique way to introduce and explain scientific principles to children while also demonstrating how anything can get done when you work together. Solving a problem is easier when everyone contributes to the solution. The reader will quickly develop a connection to Jack… and root for him as he works to save his animal friends and family. An interesting and fascinating read that can help teachers turn reluctant students on to science.” Elena Migliaccio, NYC educator, staff developer, educational consultant, and literacy coach.
Everything you want in a beloved children’s book! (5 STARS)
“Written with the same classic flair as ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’, EVOLUTION REVOLUTION: Simple Machines contains everything you want in a beloved children’s book. Delightful characters spring to life in a vividly described woodland, complete with beautifully illustrated pictures. Perfect for older children looking for a great read, or to read to the young ones as a bedtime story. ~TopShelf Reviews
At Project Middle Grade Mayhem, Michael Gettel-Gilmartin writes: “All the strengths of the first two books are in evidence in the culmination of the series. Jack is a winning character who shows great leadership. The supporting cast is full of lively personalities- …There is danger from all corners–but also tender moments…” Read the rest of the post here…
Larry Whitler and Robin MacBlane of radio station WOCA and hosts of AM Ocala Live! interviewed me. Listen to me make them laugh…here (First 3 minutes were cut off, but you’ll get the gist.)
“One of the things that I’ve so enjoyed in reading Bennardo’s Evolution Revolution series is the way that she portrays her animals, the attention to detail to capture their mannerisms as the run, jump, and scamper through the trees… Jack is such a wonderful character… Each of these stories is packed with humor, adventure and are just the right length for a classroom read along and I wouldn’t hesitate in giving this to an animal story loving kid.” Brenda Tjaden, Log Cabin Library. Read the rest of the review here!
Buy Jack’s story here: Amazon
Charlotte Bennardo 