Meet Lucy and Andy Neanderthal, the main characters of Jeffrey Brown’s most recent episodic graphic novel Lucy & Andy Neanderthal. The book is a series of adventures that Lucy and Andy embark upon together from hunting mammoth to sewing clothing. Lucy is a misunderstood artistic genius, while Andy is your typical annoying little brother.

The novel is both hilarious and informative. While Lucy, Andy and other members of tribe undergo some wacky experiences, Brown is always quick to point out when the fictional tale clearly strays from known facts about Neanderthals. Interspersed between the slides are commentary and notes on the current scientific information we have about whatever the main topic of the episode is. Whether it is communication, weaponry or socialization, Brown lays out all the facts while also taking the liberty to give Lucy and Andy well-developed personalities, and his story an imaginative edge.

At the end of Lucy & Andy Neanderthal, Brown also gives the reader a full synopsis of where science is in terms of what is known about Neanderthals. He points out that science is always changing, and that what information he has provided in Lucy & Andy Neanderthal in 2016 is not necessarily what will be true 20 years from now when we have even more information to work with.

A fun, educational and fast-paced read, Lucy & Andy Neanderthal is a worthwhile read for both children and adults.

Crown Books for Young Readers will release Lucy & Andy Neanderthal on August 30, 2016. You can preorder a copy at your local bookstore.

Read more fiction book reviews at Centered on Books.

FTC Disclaimer: This book was given to me in return for a fair and honest review of the text.