Darwin's Dragons
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1859 On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection was published. It is still considered one of the most important science books ever written. There was uproar in England and everyone argued about the book, but as time passed, most scientists began to accept Darwin’s ideas.
1871 The Descent of Man was published. Darwin wrote that human beings were not descended from Adam and Eve, but were part of the animal kingdom and evolved like any other species. People were outraged and cartoons were drawn of Darwin as a hairy monkey!
1881 Darwin published his last book about earthworms. He never wanted to be famous and continued to be a scientist; questioning, observing and writing, even when very ill.
1882 Darwin died aged 73.
READING LIST
About Charles Darwin
The Beagle with Charles Darwin Fiona MacDonald and Mark Bergin (Book House, 2015)
Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species Sabina Radeva (Puffin, 2019)
Darwin: The Man, His Great Voyage, and His Theory of Evolution John van Whye (André Deutsch, 2018)
What Mr Darwin Saw Mick Manning and Brita Granström (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2009)
Who Was Charles Darwin? Deborah Hopkinson (Penguin, 2005)
About Queen Victoria
My Name is Victoria, Lucy Worsley (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2017)
V&A Introduces: Queen Victoria (Puffin, 2019)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
With heartfelt thanks to:
My agent, Laura Williams. You are my trusted ally through good times and bad, my honest guide and enthusiastic supporter. You trust my wild ideas and rein me in just the right amount. I wouldn’t want to be doing this without you.
My editor, Rachel Leyshon. You found a historical middle-grade heart to me that I never knew I had, and this story wouldn’t exist without our creative collaboration on the initial ideas. I truly appreciate you giving me the space to explore, and the opportunity to write something completely different. I’m so happy I made you cry!
My publisher, Barry Cunningham. You gave me the choice of which way to go with this book and the confidence to follow the route the story had naturally taken. It made the process a true pleasure. The final flight is for you.
Elinor for launching this voyage around the world on 27th December, just like the Beagle. Jazz, Esther, Kesia and all the brilliant Chicken House coop for your detailed input, creativity and kindness.
The team who worked on the stunning cover. It’s better than anything I could have imagined due to the vision of Rachel Hickman, the design skill of Steve Wells, and the artwork of Gordy Wright. Flaps and maps! I am so delighted.
Darwin’s Dragons arrived during a turbulent time. Just after I sold this book, I became seriously ill with an anxiety disorder. I spent months out of myself, and out of the world. I didn’t write again until I was ready, and then this story was kind to me and came easily. So the following people also deserve special thanks for carrying me through that time and having faith when I didn’t. Mostly for being quietly there.
All my friends, old and new, online and in person. My uni crew, there for each other for the last twenty-one years through anything life throws us, a huge support. My work friends and colleagues who cheer me on, and the management team who were so kind and understanding as I transitioned back into teaching. The home gang, who’ve swept me up when I needed it. To Stuart White, for your trust and empathy, and the #writementor community – because helping other people has really helped me. To the many writing friends who are there for me, but a special mention for Sarah Harris and Giles Paley-Phillips and all the help, patience and endless chats.
Jo Hogan. My first port of call, in a storm or otherwise. Not many people have read this book, but you have, and as usual saw to the heart of it. I’ve come to value your judgement alongside my own. Thanks for being there for me when you can’t have had anything else to give. My true, dear friend.
My Sally. This time round it hasn’t been all about the fun. You’ve shared your understanding and calm during dark times. Just knowing you are there makes me feel better, love. Not forgetting Paul, Elly and Isla and the menagerie – my dear ‘framily’.
All of my extended family. Special thanks to the Galvin clan for shouting far and wide.
To my gem of a mother-in-law Pam – for the chats, childcare and many kindnesses. Pete, Anne, Millie, Juliet, Ray, Lottie and Lucy who are always there when we need you. RIP to our wonderful Aunty Fran, gone too soon. I strive to enjoy life as much as you did.
My mum, the original keeper of dragons, you still pick me up now with your love and kindness, as you always have. Dad, for making me smile when I didn’t know I could, recognize the pond scene and the capsize drill? Rob and Jo, for being my retreat when I descend without warning. Syms and Farthing’s bond is for you. Kathryn, little Emmie reminds me of you and Farthing is your Starlite, you are simply the best sister from glass eyes to lost keys and way beyond.
My cats Buster and Flinty. My sister’s dogs Erynn, Phoebe and Martha. For all the many therapy cuddles, I’ve appreciated the fur babies more this year than ever before. Farthing contains a little of all of you. Yes I’m also acknowledging pets, well done for reading this far!
My older son Ed, for openly talking about everything, you’re instinctively understanding and always make me laugh. My younger son, Oscar, for all the story sharing, for letting me into your awesome imagination, and your natural kindness. I’m so blessed to have you both.
Bill. You do so much for me I don’t know where to start. Sharing this life with you makes it shine. You are the master of everyday acts of love. I promise to try to make better coffee.
RIP Theresa Honeyands.
My beloved Nanna died peacefully aged 94 just as I was about to hand in my final edit on this story. I hit my deadline for her, remembering how she always found peace and joy in making things. I love and miss her. I think she’d have liked this story.
Published by Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd
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First edition published by Chicken House, 2020.
This electronic edition published by Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd, 2020
E-PUB/MOBI eISBN: 978-1-76112-361-0
Text © Lindsay Galvin 2020
Cover and interior illustration © Gordy Wright 2020
Cover and interior design by Steve Wells
Lindsay Galvin has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
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