Stitching Science: Exploring Science from A-Z

What was initially meant to be an alphabet book for babies and toddlers, Stitching Science: Exploring Science from A-Z changed its focus to become a book for science buffs of all ages, (According to the illustrator, the book is for “anyone, young or old”). Fine artist Vartanian has combined her interest in science and her amazing artistic talents to create this unique book which covers a variety of topics related to astronomy, biology, physics, mathematics, meteorology and geography. There are more than 26 entries (some letters of the alphabet have two entries), some examples of which are gravity, black holes, viruses, pulsars, fractals, Fibonacci numbers, weather and dinosaurs. A double page spread is devoted to each letter, with the text printed on the lefthand page and a full-page illustration on the right. Additional sidebars provide related information. One example of such trivia is that author Beatrix Potter was fascinated by lichens and fungi. Her experiments with lichens proved their dual nature, a theory that was not supported by scientists at the time, and her detailed illustrations of fungi were so accurate that they are still used by modern scientists to identify fungi.

The text, written by Keltie Thomas, is well done, but many of the concepts are difficult to comprehend. Vartanian’s illustrations, however, steal the show. Using patterned cloth, felt and other fabrics, embroidery floss, yarn, metallic thread, plastic beads and tiny seed pearls, Vartanian employs a variety of techniques – hand stitching, machine stitching, cross stitching, appliqué, collage, quilting and more – to create detailed and visually stunning works of art to suit each entry. A couple of double-page spreads at the back of the book show close-up details of some of the incredible art. An index is included.

Considered separately, both the author and the illustrator have done an excellent job in their respective fields. However, the book’s weakness is that the text and some of the more complicated concepts are far too advanced for young readers while, at the same time, the alphabet book and large book format are too juvenile for older readers. Perhaps the illustrator should have stuck to her original idea and created a science-related alphabet book with simpler concepts for young readers. An art teacher might find inspiration for a unit on textile art here, but the book’s appeal to all ages is doubtful.

Great text, gorgeous illustrations, but the concept just doesn’t work.