MOTH: An Evolution Story by Isabel Thomas. Illus. by Daniel Egneus.  New York: Bloomsbury, 2019.  48p.  ISBN 978-1547600205 hc. $18.99     Gr. 2-5    JNF 595.78

The peppered moth, scientifically known as, biston betularia, can be found in light form, with mottled black and white wings that provide camouflage against tree bark, and those in dark form which are essentially black.  The black moths were easy to spot and became easy prey for bats and birds.  Over time, the Industrial Revolution deposited soot and pollution on the trees, making them darker in color.  As the trees changed color, the black moths were able to hide from predators and became the more dominant color of the moths.  After even more time, the factories cleaned up their pollution, the trees shed their dark bark, and the light form of peppered moth again began to increase in number .  Even though the title refers to "A Story of Evolution," the story and it's informational background emphasize that natural selection is the process that leads to evolution, which leads to adaptation of a species to better survive its surroundings.  This books is very easy to understand and wraps up with an adaptation of its own beginning sentence.  MOTH also features an eye-catching, reflective cover and is filled with magnificent illustrations that capture your thoughts, even after you finish reading.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI