Stephen Hawking - You and the Universe review

We are all time travelers journeying together into the future. But let us work together to make that future a place we want to visit.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

I have always been fascinated with Stephen Hawking and his philosophies.  I think of nonstop questions and seeking answers.  This book was adapted from his 2020 Earth Day message and is his first picture book for kids.  It shares a simplistic but meaningful approach to questions other than about our vast universe and outer space.  It asks readers how can we take care of each other, our planet and can we make the future a place we want to be?   Very deep indeed but he suggests that the answers can come from inside each one of us. The text is short and simple but the artwork of the illustrations is beautiful and calming, showing diverse children working together for a cause. Stephen Hawking reminds us that we are "One planet, one big family" and it is up to everyone of us to help create a better future for the earth and all of human kind.  The back matter offers some of his questions and answers about black holes, stars and aliens which are interesting and something to ponder.  This wonderful book keeps his spirit alive. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

 

Title: Stephen Hawking You and the Universe

Author: Stephen and Lucy Hawking, illustrated by Xin Li

Pub. date: March 2024, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40n pgs.

Bunny with a Big Heart review

 

In this funny follow-up to the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny, P.J. Funnybunny learns a lesson in kindness(goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.J. Funnybunny was the kind of bunny who left his toys laying around, didn't return things back to his friends, shows up late for activities and leaves his dirty dishes behind.  He isn't a very considerate bunny but after spraining his ankle during baseball, he gets an eye opening experience on kindness. 

A cute beginning reader about being responsible for yourself and through a valuable lesson learning the importance of being thoughtful.  Being busy doesn't give you a reason to be thoughtless and I like books that have subtle messages that gets readers thinking. The illustrations are large, colorful and the characters are sweet with kindness. When P.J.'s family and friends take care of him while recovering, he decides it might be time to step up and be more like them. It is nice to see that he was inspired by others and decides to change his ways. This book is part of the I Can Read It series for kids to help them learn to read by themselves.  There are three other P.J. Bunny books in this series and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-8.~

 

Title: Bunny with a Big Heart

Author: Marilyn Sadler

Pub. date: April 2024, Random House

Genre: beginning reader

Hardcover,  48 pgs.