Our World Is Relative

by Julia Sooy, Molly Walsh (Illustrations)

A fun and engaging picture book from author Julia Sooy illustrator Molly Walsh explaining Einstein's theory of relativity.

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Nonfiction, Mathematics, Childrens, Stem, Space

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 13, 2019

Reviews

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child’s primer on the theory of relativity. Well done!

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Dianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt that this book didn't do a great job of explaining the theory of relativity—or even just the simple concept that measurements are relative. My son loves picture books about science, but he didn't get anything out of this one. I'm a little disappointed that I requested my library to purchase it. Sorry, library! This one fell flat for us.

One good thing: the pictures are nice. I love the colors.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and simple introduction to Einstein's theory of relativity

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous for science connections in a way that can be understood by young readers. I was left wishing there was a little bit more backmatter to more deeply explain the concepts.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital illustrations complement a brief and accessible explanation of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. The picture book starts off with an image of a girl measuring and inchworm, and while she might seem very large in comparison to the creature, the next two pages show that she is quite small in comparison to the houses in her neighborhood. The book goes on to examine size, speed, weight, direction, and distance, all of them relative. Not only do I appreciate how the text and images simplify this mind-blowing concept, but I love how there are measurements and arrows that help depict the concept. While I don't think I'll ever be able to fully wrap my mind around Einstein's work, this book provides a terrific introduction.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really about perspective, and I think aimed a little older than the text might initially feel. Starts by talking about relative distances, but moves to talking about relative velocities and references frames. It takes a pretty big leap directly into special relativity at the end, in a way that I think would prompt more questions than answers for kids, but that's a good thing!

On the scale aspects, reminded me of Your Place in the Universe, but goes a very different direction.

[Kylie2018 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to rate this book higher because I love the concept but it didn't deliver the concept in a 'better' way than any general open discussion would have. It also introduces some lofty science-y concepts (a clock ticking in deep space ticks more slowly?) but doesn't follow up with how or why this is true (I guess you just have to trust the author?). An introduction and exploration of the same concept (certain measurable concepts are relative i.e. size, weight, distance, etc) is done in a much more engaging way in the picture book Double Take: A New Look at Opposites by Susan Hood

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a neat idea for a children’s book! The world is indeed relative with size, direction, speed, etc. not really fixed even when it seems so because fast is only fast in relation to slower things and is actually slow in relation to faster things. A concept that makes my head spin, but is explained simply and clearly with beautiful and helpful illustrations in this book. Definitely recommend.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable picture book that very easily explains and simplifies Einstein's Theory of Relativity, showing how what might seem big or small, long or short, heavy or big, etc. is all about the perspective you're viewing it from. Whether STEM-oriented or not, kids will enjoy this great new way of understanding the concept!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever approach to one of the most challenging science concepts around.
This has value for young learners, but could also be used as the introduction in more advanced science and math classes. The core concepts feel so simple as to be self-evident, until it DOES NOT, and boggles the mind and challenges our daily experiences.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing introduction to the concept of relativity. I imagine that this book would be absolutely fascinating to children, and spark a whole new awareness of the world around them. Easy to understand but also thought-provoking.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fully expected this well-illustrated, picture book introduction to Einstein's Theory of Relativity to throw in half-baked assertions about moral relativity at the end, but it didn't! I'm giving it an extra star for avoiding that common trap.

[D. Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this for all the grandchildren for Christmas. I understand she has another book in the works, also basic science for kids. Beautiful illustrations and engaging narrative! I look forward to #2.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept, even using some of the examples I used when teaching relativity in science class, but I was left wanting more. I took the train example further and had students predict what would happen if you threw up a ball while riding on a train. Where would it land?

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I opened this book, I was like "YES, this is awesome" and then it faded for me.
Also, the arrows and lines are cool, but I found them distracting!
I like that is explains relativity for kids, but I wasn't all that impressed!

[CCPL Buzz]

KN

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simplified, accessible introduction to Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

[Vivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic introduction to the idea that perspective changes everything!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary picture book about our world and space and size of things in relation to one another. Very easy to follow and informative.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The comparisons in this book help to keep some things in realistic perspective.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to explain science to the youngsters!

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to explain relativity to little ones! I like. Going from the small picture to big picture.

[Josie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one will lend itself to rich conversations and some student research.

[Emily]

science storytime, shows concepts in a basic and conversational way-- well done illustrations

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice big, colorful illustrations. The size part was excellent, the motion part was confusing. Recommended for kids ages 5-7 who like to grapple with big ideas.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books like this that simply introduce concepts that students will need later. It's good to help build this base knowledge. It's done in a cute, fun, understandable way.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a difficult read, but one that makes you think. Meant for a child old enough to understand perspective.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

So simplistic.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I got more out of this than my kids. Mr 8 enjoyed it as he loves maths. Miss 4 didn’t really get it…. However got me- I student realised what Einstein theory of relativity is all about!! 🤯