Gregor Mendel explains to children the theory of heredity in simple-to-understand language and examples. Regarded as the world’s first geneticist, Gregor Mendel discovered one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process. Living the slow-paced, contemplative life of a friar, Gregor Mendel was able to conceive and put into practice his great experiment—observing yellow peas, green peas, smooth peas, and wrinkled peas to craft his theory—years before scientists had any notion of genes. Includes an author’s note and bibliography.Awards for Gregor MendelOrbis Pictus Honor BookALA-ALSC Notable BookIRA Notable BookAAAS/Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Book Finalist

Cheryl Bardoe is a former senior project manager of exhibitions at the Field Museum in Chicago. She lives in Wallingford, Connecticut.Jos. A. Smith is a well-known illustrator of numerous books for children. He is a professor of fine arts at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He lives in Easton, Pennsylvania.