Where Did We Come From?: A simple exploration of the universe, evolution, and physics

by Chris Ferrie

Overview

Discover how our universe came to be in this delightful new picture book from the #1 science author for kids!

First the quark then the particle

First atom then the molecule

First the sun then the solar system

First the earth then the life

First the love then the child...

Little scientists will learn all about how the universe evolved in this fun and unique science book for kids from award-winning physicist and creator of the Baby University series, Chris Ferrie! The "first/then" pattern provides a deceptively simple introduction to the beginning of life, evolution, scientific inquiry, and more! It's the perfect love letter for science-loving families.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781492671220
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	01/04/2022
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Chris Ferrie is an award-winning physicist and Senior Lecturer for Quantum Software and Information at the University of Technology Sydney. He has a Masters in applied mathematics, BMath in mathematical physics and a PhD in applied mathematics. He lives in Australia with his wife and children.

Editorial Reviews

"The book’s text is simple but lyrical, aimed at very young readers. The pictures are bold and clever, utilizing a vibrant color palette sure to engage children." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2021-10-13
This exploration of evolution is laid out in very simple terms for young readers.

The book begins by tracing the development of matter from a quark to a solar system. It then describes the evolution of life at the genetic level, invoking the theory of natural selection using simple, child-friendly terms. Next, it explores where children come from and how scientific theories are created and tested. The text ends by circling back to a reminder about particles and quarks; this is confusing, as it reverses the book’s original claim that quarks become particles. Each page of the book features one short phrase and one illustration that seem meant to spark conversation. Should a parent want to learn more, there are notes on each term at the book’s close. The book’s text is simple but lyrical, aimed at very young readers. The pictures are bold and clever, utilizing a vibrant color palette sure to engage children. Unfortunately, several of the pages are problematic. The use of a male and female couple feels heteronormative—especially considering that an increasing number of same-sex couples are having babies that are genetically related to them—and the use of the word tribeis antiquated and outdated. Other pages suffer from missed opportunities, such as the use of Einstein to represent a scientist rather than someone equally recognizable but more diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A flawed picture book about the origins of life. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews