Author: David J Smith
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Rating: WORTHY!
DISCLOSURE: Unlike the majority of reviews in this blog, I've neither bought this book nor borrowed it from the library. This is a "galley" copy ebook, supplied by Net Galley. I'm not receiving (nor will I expect to receive or accept) remuneration for this review.
Illustrated by Steve Adams
This book is exactly as advertised: A mind-bending new way of looking at big ideas and numbers. Well - apart form the 'new' bit. This kind of thing has been done before, for example in the Cosmos TV series, but not quite so extensively. It is a remarkable and amazing book which not only reminded me of things I'd all-but-forgotten (to my shame!), it also educated me about some things of which everyone ought really to be aware, so this isn't just a really attention-grabbing and educational book for children (written by a teacher). Everyone can benefit from its successful effort to tame out-sized numbers and bring facts down to a level where we can really see and appreciate them for what they are.
The chapter headers (the chapters are really short and copiously illustrated) are quite arresting enough as it is:
- If
- Our Galaxy
- The Planets
- History of Earth
- Life on Earth
- Events of the last 3000 Years
- Inventions Through Time
- Inventions of the Last 1000 Years
- The Continents
- Water
- Species of Living things
- Money
- Energy
- Life Expectancy
- Population
- Food
- Your Life
- A Note for Parents and Teachers
- Sources
Some of this book's content might seem fantastical or counter-intuitive at first glance, but as far as I could tell (without trying to run down every single thing that was in the book!), the author is right on the money. When it comes to information like this, it's not the facts that are in error. What's in error is our inability to appreciate them for what they mean, and for what they can teach us about this world upon which we're so completely dependent. The fossil fuel reliance fact alone is shocking.
I recommend this book for children - that way you can buy it for them, but sneak a quick read without having to feel embarrassed. Better yet, volunteer to read through it with them and thereby misdirect everyone from your ulterior motive! And I won't even charge you for sending that sneaky scheme your way...!
