Ancestory

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

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.

About the Author

Hannah Salyer resides in Brooklyn, NY, where she writes and illustrates picture books (including Packs: Strength in Numbers), makes pottery, sculpture, and fine art, teaches art classes, and runs a community art space called Underland. Her work is rooted in a deep fascination with ecological systems, how different creatures experience the Anthropocene, and humans’ relationship to other species—and how that has changed over time.