Ancestory

*A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY TOP TEN BEST BOOK OF 2023 FOR CHILDREN * A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR * A KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR * A BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE OF THE YEAR *

★ “Vivid . . . mesmerizing . . . intriguing.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

 ★ “Breathtaking illustrations capture the beauty and power of prehistoric artwork with remarkable precision.” —ALA Booklist (starred review)

★ “Visually stunning. A fascinating look at a still-unfurling human history.” —Publishers Weekly (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 back matter, including a bonus double foldout 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 rainforests, 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.



A winning combo of art and science.
Curriculum tie-in potential to prehistory, art, anthropology, and geography.
Stunning artwork and design.
Robust back matter includes world map with keyed rock art sites, author’s note, info about the Lascaux Caves, glossary, and timeline.
Read more books by Hannah Salyer such as Packs: Strength in Numbers.