NONFICTION

The Big Bang Book

by Asa Stahl (text) & illus. by Carly Allen-Fletcher
Creston. Apr. 2020. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781939547644.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–Stahl offers a contemplative yet informative examination of the Big Bang. With brief text and mixed-media illustration that are strategically shadowy or explosively bright, scientific knowledge is shared in direct conversation with readers. The narrative begins with a child wearing space-themed pajamas and gazing at the night sky, then delves into facts about galaxies and stars accompanied by artwork featuring whorls of colorful light. The story’s focus returns to the child in their bed (reading The Big Bang Book) accompanied by the text, “And on that planet is you. And everyone else.” The author, a doctoral student in astrophysics, ends the book with a note acknowledging the gaps in scientific knowledge while also sharing detailed mathematical and astronomical facts about the universe.
VERDICT In a crowded field of Earth-origin and evolution stories for children, this is well worth a look for its simple, but not vague, approach to the topic. Alongside Marion Dane Bauer’s and Ekua Holmes’s poetic The Stuff of Stars, it will awaken young readers’ curiosity.
Reviewed by Elaine Fultz, Oakwood City Schools, Dayton , Mar 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

The Year of the Puppy: How a Puppy Becomes Your Dog
by Horowitz, Alexandra
BOOKS

Athletes Who Changed the Game
by Buckley, James. & Ellen Labrecque
BOOKS

Speaking of America: United States Presidents and the Words That Changed History
by Cohen, Jared
BOOKS

In It to Win It: Sports and the Climate Crisis
by Silver, Erin
BOOKS

Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers
by Kaagegaabaw, James Vukelich
BOOKS

Amazing Facts: Kamala Harris
by Gifford, Clive
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?