A fun and engaging picture book introducing the concept and theory of relativity.
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Longlisted for the AAAS/ Subaru SB&F Children’s Science Book Prize
From Publishers Weekly:
“What is big? What is small? What is moving? What is not?... It can seem like we live in a world where things are what they are.... But our world is relative: almost everything exists in relation to something else.” In this child-friendly exploration of Einstein’s theory of relativity, a child contemplates the world from differing perspectives. Easily decipherable measurements of speed, distance, and direction delineate the spreads, which aptly demonstrate Sooy’s narrative: a close-up of what seems like a giant child examining a one-inch worm on the pavement zooms out upon the next page turn, revealing her own 38-inch minuteness in relation to the 450-plus-inch homes in the neighborhood. The narrative is well paced and Walsh’s illustrations, pleasing, with plenty of arrows and juxtapositions indicating the relative—curious young minds will enjoy following the shifting angles and viewpoints. A fascinating, bite-size introduction to a classic law of math and science.
From School Library Journal:
Sooy’s book tackles the difficult task of explaining the theory of relativity at an elementary level. Through the eyes of a young girl and the world around her, the text presents simple ideas, like how one object can be much larger than another depending on context and comparison. Walsh’s illustrations further explain the concept. There’s not much in the way of a detailed narrative, but pictures help to establish these ideas. Walsh’s vivid art is beautifully simple. For close-up images, the scale looks amazing and helps to reinforce what the text is presenting. The full theory and explanation of relativity are difficult, but this title can work as a starter for younger children who are learning about basic measurements. VERDICT For children just learning about measurements, this stunning title can help illuminate a complex topic.
A delicious first introduction to chemical reactions in our world.
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A starred review from School Library Journal
Sooy's picture book follows a pale-skinned mother and daughter through a seemingly typical day brimming with chemistry simmering beneath the surface. Breakfast pops from an almost magical toaster where asterisks, lightning bolts, and sparkles swirl around, signaling to readers that scientific reactions are occurring inside. Next, the two drive to a park where plants grow, a diverse cast of characters run, rapidly respirating, while others calmly cloud-watch or beat the heat in the shade. The daughter glides down a rusty slide and stomachs digest picnic lunches. Back at home, bath time is a soapy chemical reaction washing away grimy particles. Eagerly, the daughter observes dough rising and baking in the oven, yielding a delicious pizza dinner. Snuggled beneath the covers, a flashlight illuminates the pages of a bedtime story. Even the sharing of love as the mother kisses her daughter goodnight: it's all everyday chemistry. Pang's vibrantly colored, digital artwork emanates a warm energy. The formula for Sooy's story is light on factual information, leaning into the naturalistic treatment of what's happening and why. Back matter provides supplemental information on chemical reactions for those wanting to explore further. VERDICT A recommended catalyst to spark young readers' interest in chemistry.—Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI