Ancestory

★ “Vivid . . . mesmerizing . . . intriguing.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 ★ "Breathtaking illustrations capture the beauty and power of prehistoric artwork with remarkable precision. —Booklist (starred review)
This striking nonfiction picture book investigates who created ancient wall art that’s been discovered around the world, and why—the exact answers may be out-of-reach, but the investigation is half the fun. Complete with extensive backmatter, including a bonus double fold-out gatefold, Ancestory is perfect company for pictorial nonfiction by Jason Chin and Candace Fleming.
Around the world, our ancient ancestors’ mysterious art is left behind on cave walls, in rain forests, and with ink made from charcoal and crushed clay. These people told their stories in magnificent drawings that still speak to us today, echoing across generations.
In her own stunning artwork that features the deserts of North America to the caves of Papua New Guinea, Hannah Salyer showcases ancient rock paintings, drawings, and etchings and invites us to add to the ongoing story—our ancestory.

Reviews

ANCESTORY: ★ “Vivid . . . mesmerizing . . . intriguing . . . How extraordinary that ancient ancestors call out to us from the rocks we see all around. Excellent explanatory backmatter concludes this fascinating book.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)ANCESTORY: ★ "Breathtaking illustrations capture the beauty and power of prehistoric artwork with remarkable precision. This luminous picture book about humanity’s shared stories is full of discoveries." — Booklist (starred review)ANCESTORY: "An effective, efficient celebration of the human need to tell stories through art." — Horn Book MagazineANCESTORY: "In this informative picture book, Salyer uses brilliant images to present the “history” found in rocks and cave art, making a connection between ancient artists and creators in modern times. A lush and vibrant picture book which will leave readers wanting to know more." — Publishers WeeklyPACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: "Showing how different animals benefit from living and working in groups, Salyer’s debut is a great example of the inventiveness possible in a nonfiction picture book." — New York Times Book Review PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: "With supple, richly colored illustrations and enthusiastic text, Hannah Salyer draws readers... into the beauty and variety of wild creatures." — Wall Street JournalPACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: ★ "[An] uplifting, lively picture book that details the various ways a community structure helps a species thrive and survive.... Part natural science, part deep ecology, wholly captivating." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: ★ "A must-purchase for every collection. Salyer offers a beautiful look at Earth’s herding creatures."  — School Library Journal (starred review)