A Universe Big & Small: A Story About Carl Sagan

K-Gr 2–This exploration of Carl Sagan’s boundless curiosity offers an idea-driven introduction to the iconic astronomer, not as a biographical subject but as a boy who asked big (and small) questions. From imagining himself as tiny as an atom to wondering what it might be like to visit distant stars, Sagan’s early musings are presented as the seeds of the scientific imagination that would later define his legacy. Using just one sentence per page, irrepressible Yang pairs simple and symmetrical text with geometric, angular illustrations. The design feels deliberate, visually echoing the symmetry of the universe and the balance of ideas. While the narrative doesn’t dive into Sagan’s life or achievements, it invites readers to think about ideas big and small, much as Sagan did. Though not a traditional biography, this offering is well suited for read-alouds and may inspire budding astronomers to begin their own journeys of discovery.