The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8
Recommended for: Ages 5-10

(This is a guest post by Sarah Hartman.)

It’s generally common knowledge to us that a human egg (usually) only accepts one sperm before it starts growing and changing. Even if we can’t explain why or anything else involved in the process. The reason we know this is due in large part to Ernest Everett Just, profiled in this gorgeous picture book biography.

Dr. Just grew up in South Carolina, and struggled through a childhood of parental death, poverty, sickness, and hard work. We see the example his mother gave him during her life, encouraging him to pursue learning and not to give up. When he was in college, “Ernest took a biology class and his life changed forever. In that class, he discovered the microscopic world of the cell.” As an adult he became the world’s leading expert in how life begins from an egg.

The story of his life is interspersed with details about his work and the pioneering ways that he advanced both scientific practice and knowledge of the natural world. Wonder is reflected in the stunning illustrations. While God is not mentioned by the author (and I didn’t find any reference to Dr. Just being a Christian), the book, and this life, nevertheless bring Him glory.

Overall Rating: 4 (out of 4)

• Worldview/Moral Value: 4
• Artistic/Literary Value: 4

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