Regarded as the world's first geneticist, Gregor Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: how traits are inherited from one generation to the next. This biography, with illustrations that show the early scientist's progress, tells the story of his remarkable life. From a young age, Mendel had a hunger for knowledge, which he pursued despite many hardships. Eventually, he found some comfort as a monk, where he was able to put into practice his great experiment: growing generations of peas. From observing yellow peas, green peas, smooth peas, and wrinkly peas, Mendel crafted his theory of genes - years before other scientists started to pay attention to the question of inheritability. Mendel's never-ending search for knowledge is inspiring and the simple experiments he did with peas to reach his discoveries are easy to understand for all readers.

From The Publisher:

The only picture book available about the father of genetics and his pea plants!
How do mothers and fathers -- whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans -- pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world's first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules.
Living the slow-paced, contemplative life of a friar, Gregor Mendel was able to conceive and put into practice his great experiment: growing multiple generations of peas. From observing yellow peas, green peas, smooth peas, and wrinkled peas, Mendel crafted his theory of heredity -- years before scientists had any notion of genes.
Children will be inspired by Gregor's neverending search for knowledge, and his famous experiments are easy to understand as an introduction to genetics.