Where Did We Come From?

There are many science books available for adults with more books being added every year. The same can not be said for science books for younger readers although now Chris Ferrie is doing everything he can to change that. In this case, the question, “Where did we come from?”, is answered by starting with sub-atomic particles, moving through the creation of the solar system and continuing through life, evolution and the science that has allowed us to understand all of this. Science! In a way that children can understand.

Chris Ferrie is a scientist and academic with impressive credentials. He was educated in Canada and currently is an associate professor in Australia. He is a physicist working in quantum physics and a researcher with a significant online presence both as an academic and an author. He has written books for children at various ages, including the “Baby University” board book series, including such works as Quantum Physics for Babies, Germ Theory for Babies and Organic Chemistry for Babies. For older children he has written books like 8 Little Planets, There was a Black Hole That Swallowed the Universe and Goodnight Lab. It is pretty clear that he has written the kind of books he wants to read to his own children. Good.

The illustrations, also by Chris Ferrie, are colourful and clear, just like the text. As you can see from the excerpt above, the book follows a rigid format with the left page saying “First the” something and the right page saying “Then the” other thing. This kind of repetition is very appealing for children and so is often used in songs and stories. The best thing about this book is that it can be read in a variety of ways that can appeal to everyone. You can read the words as they appear and look at the pictures. Or you can read the guide at the back of the book on what the pictures represent and add that to the words on the page. And, if you know more of the science yourself (or want to learn more from another source), it is possible to make an even deeper context for each page and discuss the concept involved to any extent you want.

Where Did We Come From? is a wonderful book for introducing young people to the excitement of science and of doing science. Read this book to a young person you love!