George's Secret Key to the Universe

Synopsis

The main characters in the book are George Greenby, Susan Bellis, Eric Bellis, Annie Bellis, Dr. Reeper, and Cosmos, the world's most powerful computer. Cosmos can draw windows allowing people to look into outer space, as well as doors that act as portals allowing travel into outer space. Written like a story, it aims to describe various aspects of the universe in a manner that is accessible to children and others new to the topic. It starts by describing atoms, stars, planets, and their moons. It then goes on to describe black holes, which remains the topic of focus in the last part of the book. At frequent intervals throughout the book, there are pictures and "fact files" of the different references to universal objects, including a picture of Mars with its moons.

Production

It was reported in June 2006 that Stephen and Lucy Hawking would be writing a children's book with Christophe Galfard, with the aim of "explaining theoretical physics in an accessible way to youngsters." The book, whose title was announced in June 2007, was released on October 23, 2007.

Reception

The Independent gave the book a positive review, calling it an "excellent book" that "will do wonders to raise enthusiasm for physics among young readers". It did, however, add that the storytelling has some rough edges, and noted the book had a couple of scientific inaccuracies. About.com gave the book 3 out of 5, stating "Recommended for kids, but not for adults. The story in this book is a bit contrived, but as a book intended to teach children the basics of astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and other principles that govern our universe, it does a fair job." The reviewer from Kirkus Reviews was more critical, accusing the authors of setting aside the laws of physics whenever convenient to the story. The reviewer concluded that they expected the book to sell well, but that it "doesn’t show much respect for its target audience".

The book was included on the time-capsule microchip, Immortality Drive, placed on the International Space Station in 2008

References

References

1. (June 13, 2006). "Stephen Hawking writing children's book". [[BBC]].
2. (June 19, 2007). "Stephen Hawking writing children's book". [[Jerusalem Post]].
3. (October 1, 2007). "George's Secret Key to the Universe". kirkusreviews.com.
4. (October 17, 2007). "George's Secret Key to the Universe, by Veronica and Stephen Hawking". [[The Independent]].
5. Jones, Andrew Z. "George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking". [[About.com]].
6. Berman, Matt. "George's Secret Key to the Universe". [[Common Sense Media]].