The Forgotten Teachers: How Nature Wrote the Story of Life

Scientific storytelling and surreal art encourage respect for life and its origins in this reverential illustrated work. Lyrical, informative narration by poet and scientist Isett presents the ocean, air, ancient planet Theia, sun, plants, and symbionts as “forgotten teachers” who have “left indelible lessons in our DNA.” Touching on myriad topics—including amniotic fluid’s oceanic correlation (“When our mothers made us, they too cupped a pocket of brine from genetic memory and created an Ocean in their wombs”) and Earth’s influence on circadian cycles (“Like dancers, we move to this rhythm”)—text enjoins readers to “imagine new ways to bring these forgotten teachers back into our human stories.” Taking inspiration from medieval illuminated manuscripts, per an artist’s note, Biçen’s delicate drawings, washed in dreamy pastels, feature human hands and eyes as recurring motifs, making for a mystical, tarot card–like feel: optic orbs walk on human legs across mountain landscapes, while mushrooms sprout from prismatically arranged geometric shapes. This trippy portrait of interconnection persuasively supports the creators’ assertion that educating oneself about the teachers addressed ensures that “the story of life on our planet can be carried into the future.” Human figures are portrayed in yellow and pink hues. Ages 14–up. (Sept.)