If you are a creationist looking for a book to help indoctrinate your kids, you'll love this book. But otherwise, you definitely will want to look elsewhere.

I have no problem with children's books that deal with controversial subjects, and I certainly have no problem with children's books that are opinionated.

On the other hand, Steig is intellectually dishonest in this presentation of a 'straw man' version of evolution. It's suitable only as propaganda for creationist parents too lazy to discuss the issue in an honest and thoughtful way.

Our five year has hundreds of picture books. But, every night since we purchased this book, she's asked us to read it again. And when we're done, she yells, "Again!"

We're happy to oblige, because it's a delightful book. Steig manages to capture complex, quirky moods and expressions in his marionette characters with an unparalleled economy and simplicity. The dialogue is witty and urbane, without leaving the preschooler behind. The story touches delicately on the perennial and perhap most interesting philosophical question we can ask: Why are we here?

I love this book because it shows quite simply how ridiculous the theory of evolution really is.

I never thought I'd approach the subject of divine creation vs. evolution when I read this book to my preschooler and Kindergartener in a coffee shop. But, they had a lot to say (and question) about our existence after I read them this book! William Steig does it again -- impressing both parents and children with his witty but simple style that takes on challenging subject matter.