Early Book Review: Where Did We Come From?: A Simple Exploration of the Universe, Evolution, and Physics by Chris Ferrie

Where Did We Come From?: A Simple Exploration of the Universe, Evolution, and Physics by Chris Ferrie is a nonfiction picturebook currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. Discover how our universe came to be; 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 unique science book for kids from the 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.

Where Did We Come From? is a perfect picturebook for science focused family. The language pattern is simple enough for the youngest listeners, but I think some of the vocabulary will need to be explain (there is a glossary in the back) for many young readers or listeners to get some understanding.I like that the artwork used bold lines and colors, making this a good book to read together, either one on one or in a group settling.  I think this is a fun gift book for scientist parents, and those looking to start science and physics discussions with young children, at home or in school, but it is not likely to be a requested reread.  

Early Book Review: Space Is Cool as F*ck by Kate Howells

Space Is Cool as F*ck by Kate Howells is an adult nonfiction book. It is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. From astrophysics to rocket science to the future of space exploration, it explains everything you thought you’d never understand about the universe in plain-old filthy English. We’re talking Big Bang, aliens, black holes, time travel, degenerate astronomers, and all the fundamental things you take for granted until you stop and think (like matter—what is this sh*t, really?). Alongside the knowledge bombs are 100 wild illustrations, photographs, and original artwork from 40 young international artists curated by Brooklyn designer Cynthia Larenas. Space is awesome, space is absolutely bananas, and space is for everyone.

Space Is Cool as F*ck is a guide to the fundamentals of space, and the building blocks of it all, written by and for regular people that just like space and learning a bit about it. If swearing bothers you, and the title was not enough warning for you, than you might want to skip the read. There is swearing on every page, and it reads like a conversation with someone that uses expletives for adjectives and punctuation. Back in my bar band days I have had many an intelligent and/or philosophical discussion- and recently had conversations about the current state of, well everything, with the same tone. So, it does not bother me but I do know it bothers others. I liked the honest, frank, and plain language approach to explaining the fundamentals of physics and space, and while I have read a great deal on the subject, I feel like I was better able to understand and retain the information than I have in more traditional books on the matter. I really enjoyed the read, and felt like I was entertained and educated in equal measure. I think the only thing I would have wanted was a section of suggested resources for further reading, but I always want that so it is not an unexpected gripe from me, and perhaps that is in the finished product.

Space Is Cool as F*ck is a frank and swear filled exploration of space, and the building blocks of our universe.