Some ideas are difficult to truly understand, the Theory of Relativity is one of them. Julia Sook takes this theory and breaks it down into an easily understood scientific Fact. Our World is Relative is an excellent picture book helping readers understand Einstein’s theory easily.
What I Am Reviewing
Our World Is Relative.
Julia Sooy
Molly Walsh (illustrator)
Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan
Received: ARC copy, trade paperback
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
32 pages, 4-8 years,
Picture book, Math, Science,
Theory of Relativity, Albert Einstein
Size, speed, weight, direction, distance
We think of space and time as fixed and measurable.
But these measurements – our experience of space and time – they are relative.
Our world is relative.
With simple, engaging text and vibrant art imbued with light and movement, Our World Is Relative offers a child’s-eye view of time, space, and the vast role that relativity plays in comprehending our world. It’s an introduction to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, perfect for any curious young scientist.
The Details
Molly Walsh does a wonderful job of illustrating how easily one’s perspective influences how one sees the world. She helps young children see, along side the simple language written by Julia Sook, how relativity matters.
An inch can be small, or an inch can be large. A ruler is 12 inches, but in space can be shorter. We move through time going forward, but it can appear to be going backwards. Depending ENTIRELY on our perspective.
Everything we see around us is relative. A difficult concept perhaps for young children to understand. Through excellent illustrations and careful word usage Ms. Sook brings the Theory of Relativity to life.
My Recommendation
To be honest I find this a hard one.. Often when I look at picture books I try to think of them as bedtime or cuddle time books. I don’t see this book in that light.
However, picture books are so much more than that. I remember attending a conference where one of the speakers recommended that regardless of the age level you are teaching, go to picture books first.
Authors of picture books are forced to explain concepts in simple terms. That very requirement makes picture books an excellent resource for understanding difficult material. This picture book does it well with the Theory of Relativity. Not your normal fodder for kindergarten, but definitely worth looking at for various age levels.
On that level, this book is worth looking at. For helping students break down the concept of relativity in a way easily grasped.
Looks kind of interesting. When I was teaching music, I used picture books at all ages. They were fabulous for ideas and concepts and tying things together.
this book did a pretty good job of making it graspable by youngers.