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Vivants! L'Incroyable connexion qui nous lie à l'Univers tout entier
"Vivants! L'Incroyable connexion qui nous lie à l'Univers tout entier" est un album documentaire adressé aux petits comme aux grands, qui mêle science et poésie. Par des illustrations riches, ce livre nous fait prendre conscience des liens qui unissent tout être humain à l'univers et à la nature.
C'est une pure leçon de vie qui nous ouvre les yeux sur la beauté qui nous entoure.
C'est une pure leçon de vie qui nous ouvre les yeux sur la beauté qui nous entoure.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
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December 29, 2017A gorgeous book about the science of how we as humans are connected to the entire universe and contain the entire universe within us. A little short on sources in the back, which the author admits (she offers some), but the illustrations and way she weaves all of the pieces together is gorgeous. I always am blown away when I think about the flat aspects of history (how, for example, one person was alive at the same time as another huge event was going on -- we don't learn history in that kind of way) and this one flattens science a bit to relate it to human life in a way I really enjoy. Perhaps it's because I spent so much time studying and applying yoga philosophy to my life, but I saw a lot of those principles appearing throughout here.
It reminds me of Yumi Sakugawa's YOUR ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BECOMING ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE.
It reminds me of Yumi Sakugawa's YOUR ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BECOMING ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE.
April 9, 2017
I love the art in this book. ...
June 18, 2017
A very quick read but there are some amazing facts and the illustrations are beautiful. Read this in one sitting.
January 11, 2019
I had had this book in my cart for ages because the artwork on the cover caught my eye and I'm the kind of person who is always mindblown at how incredible the tiny details of our world are. It is unfathomable when you take time to examine all the intricacies on how every piece of the puzzle fits together so beautifully. I think the author/artist of this book must have be in a similar state of awe and I felt like I was reading the exact thoughts I have running through my own mind.
A lovely blend of inspiration and science; this book gives such a gorgeous presentation and introduction to a variety of topics. I can see, once I read this book to the kiddos, how we could branch off in all different directions to explore tons of ideas and topics.
This was absolutely a win when it comes to judging a book on its cover! I was intending to purchase for the kiddos but honestly it is an absolutely stunning book for all ages, full of beautiful art and all kinds of amazing ways we are connected to our planet and universe.
A lovely blend of inspiration and science; this book gives such a gorgeous presentation and introduction to a variety of topics. I can see, once I read this book to the kiddos, how we could branch off in all different directions to explore tons of ideas and topics.
This was absolutely a win when it comes to judging a book on its cover! I was intending to purchase for the kiddos but honestly it is an absolutely stunning book for all ages, full of beautiful art and all kinds of amazing ways we are connected to our planet and universe.
December 20, 2019
Pleasantly surprised that it was a lot more informative than I expected. The art is great.
August 29, 2019
Library patron returned this and it looked interesting. And it is, but not in the way I thought it would be. The artwork is very new-agey, self-helpy sort of stuff, so I thought it would be uplifting and inspirational. You know, one of those "You go, girl!" and "take time for yourself" type books.
Except this is not that book. It's about science, namely the science of nature. Things like fungi, and microbes, and elements, and lots more. And that IS interesting, and I'll admit, this was a very unusual way to present the material.
Overall, just OK. Another good example of you can't (or perhaps shouldn't) judge a book by its cover.
Except this is not that book. It's about science, namely the science of nature. Things like fungi, and microbes, and elements, and lots more. And that IS interesting, and I'll admit, this was a very unusual way to present the material.
Overall, just OK. Another good example of you can't (or perhaps shouldn't) judge a book by its cover.
December 29, 2017
Wow, what an incredible book to end the year on! Gorgeously illustrated throughout with whimsical, full color illustrations, this is an impossible-to-define charmer of a book which charts the myriad breathtaking ways in which we are connected to the universe. This would make for a perfect book to gift to anybody, guaranteed to be the most beautiful book to grace anybody's bookshelves.
October 20, 2020
I love everything about this book. It's another one that I like to give as a gift. Perfect for almost all ages. The tiny ones might rip pages of course. The illustrations are so colorful and fun. There is a lot to sit with and think about in these pages. Simple and beautiful, and also truly meaningful. One to go back to and visit here and there. Loved it!
September 26, 2017
An outstanding book with a perfect balance of science facts (astronomy, microbiology, geology, etc.) and wonderful illustrations. A perfect gift for kids (8 year olds or a bit older). Definitely worth buying!
September 14, 2018
Read it, absorb it!
March 8, 2025
As Kirsten Ann (Marie) would say: Cute Shit
May 3, 2020
Amazing! I loved the assortment of facts and how the gorgeous art added to the fascination. Every page is incredibly crafted! Put this on every coffee table you own and send it as a gift! Love!
February 2, 2018
What is it about?
Just like it says on the cover, this book is about the AMAZING ways we are connected with our universe... and each other.
Was it good?
To steal words from the cover of the book, this book was PHENOMENAL and AMAZING. Nearly 145 pages of colorful illustrations and fascinating facts about our world and ourselves. The facts are laid out with short explanatory paragraphs, about one fact per page spread.
I originally checked this out for my kids from the library based on an unschool (homeschool) blog recommendation, but ended up reading the whole thing in nearly one sitting. I couldn't put it down and I was so extremely fascinating and flabbergasted.
I highly recommend this for any curious person, no matter their age!
Suitable for Kids
I read 1/3 of it to my 3 year old at bedtime today, and he described it as "Spooky". He explained that he was not afraid because he was a Troodon and Troodon's aren't scared of anything. A Troodon is a type of dinosaur, so he was especially excited to learn that he could have carbon atoms inside of him that once were a part of a dinosaur.
Re-reading this book is great because there is a lot of information even though it is condensed. I imagine that I will learn something new everytime I read it for a long time.
I definitely want a copy of this on our shelf.
Just like it says on the cover, this book is about the AMAZING ways we are connected with our universe... and each other.
Was it good?
To steal words from the cover of the book, this book was PHENOMENAL and AMAZING. Nearly 145 pages of colorful illustrations and fascinating facts about our world and ourselves. The facts are laid out with short explanatory paragraphs, about one fact per page spread.
I originally checked this out for my kids from the library based on an unschool (homeschool) blog recommendation, but ended up reading the whole thing in nearly one sitting. I couldn't put it down and I was so extremely fascinating and flabbergasted.
I highly recommend this for any curious person, no matter their age!
Suitable for Kids
I read 1/3 of it to my 3 year old at bedtime today, and he described it as "Spooky". He explained that he was not afraid because he was a Troodon and Troodon's aren't scared of anything. A Troodon is a type of dinosaur, so he was especially excited to learn that he could have carbon atoms inside of him that once were a part of a dinosaur.
Re-reading this book is great because there is a lot of information even though it is condensed. I imagine that I will learn something new everytime I read it for a long time.
I definitely want a copy of this on our shelf.
April 16, 2017
This Phenomenal Life: The Amazing Ways We Are Connected with Our Universe is a book full of beautiful illustrations and thought provoking facts. Each page is full of color and surprise, and presents facts centered on various topics, from water molecules, to mushrooms, to bird bones. The ideas are woven together, and elucidate the main theme that every single thing around us, from the blazing sun to the smallest microbes, are connected together in the web of life.
June 16, 2017
Artist Misha Maynerick Blaise’s latest publication traverses the universe from microbes to galaxies with a winning mix of scientific curiosity and joyous sparkle. Her volume, This Phenomenal Life: The Amazing Ways We Are Connected with Our Universe, lauds the majesty of starry skies and dense forests, but directs our attention to the wilderness within–the ever-cycling world of growth, death and rebirth invisible to the naked eye.
Through whimsical illustrations and hand lettering, combined with clear-eyed reporting of scientific phenomena, she offers a fresh compendium of reminders that we aren’t as isolated, individual and disconnected as we often fear. Not only are we in proximity to nature at all times — we are, in fact, supremely, profoundly, infinitely integrated with it. Just four elements, all of which began in space, make up most of the universe, she observes. “We are literally made from stars, and the atoms inside of us are as ancient as the universe itself,” she writes.
With a deft hand, she reveals commons misapprehensions of who we are and what we’re made of. Our bodies are flush with microorganisms “so much so that ‘you’ are largely made up of ‘not you’ elements,” she writes of the blurred lines. There’s as much bacteria in our bodies as human cells. Our faces are coated with unscrubbable mites. Microbial clouds surround us. We share significant DNA with bonobos and chimps and also dogs and banana plants.
Blaise also points to the edges of human understanding in ways that prompt inquiry, awe and wonder. The earth’s surface is 71 percent water, yet is largely unknown to us. Less than 5 percent of the seabed has been mapped in depth, she notes, and more people have walked on the moon than plumbed the underwater depths of the Earth. She links these mysteries to those of the water within our own human bodies and the hidden and sizable amount of water used to grow or power the products we create and consume.
Even readers who find little new in the content of her writing will appreciate the freshness, vitality and humor her illustrations bring to matter-of-fact text. The Big Bang, Mitochondrial Eve, and Nature’s internet haven’t been presented quite like this before.
A woman made of stars stands spread-eagled while creepy crawly micoorganisms encircle her. A shirtless biker with a giant Mother Earth tattoo soaks up Vitamin D. Vast networks of mycelium (branching “roots” of mushrooms) flourish beneath the soil and beneath a stilettoed, fish-net stockinged leg, helping plants exchange nutrients–and toxins. A donut lover chews on, unaware of the great dramas of the universe unfolding within him.
Her eye for the perpetual exchange among all elements and beings is a marvel and a gift. And when she concludes, “We are not just IN the universe, we actually ARE THE UNIVERSE,” a nod of agreement seems the best response.
Through whimsical illustrations and hand lettering, combined with clear-eyed reporting of scientific phenomena, she offers a fresh compendium of reminders that we aren’t as isolated, individual and disconnected as we often fear. Not only are we in proximity to nature at all times — we are, in fact, supremely, profoundly, infinitely integrated with it. Just four elements, all of which began in space, make up most of the universe, she observes. “We are literally made from stars, and the atoms inside of us are as ancient as the universe itself,” she writes.
With a deft hand, she reveals commons misapprehensions of who we are and what we’re made of. Our bodies are flush with microorganisms “so much so that ‘you’ are largely made up of ‘not you’ elements,” she writes of the blurred lines. There’s as much bacteria in our bodies as human cells. Our faces are coated with unscrubbable mites. Microbial clouds surround us. We share significant DNA with bonobos and chimps and also dogs and banana plants.
Blaise also points to the edges of human understanding in ways that prompt inquiry, awe and wonder. The earth’s surface is 71 percent water, yet is largely unknown to us. Less than 5 percent of the seabed has been mapped in depth, she notes, and more people have walked on the moon than plumbed the underwater depths of the Earth. She links these mysteries to those of the water within our own human bodies and the hidden and sizable amount of water used to grow or power the products we create and consume.
Even readers who find little new in the content of her writing will appreciate the freshness, vitality and humor her illustrations bring to matter-of-fact text. The Big Bang, Mitochondrial Eve, and Nature’s internet haven’t been presented quite like this before.
A woman made of stars stands spread-eagled while creepy crawly micoorganisms encircle her. A shirtless biker with a giant Mother Earth tattoo soaks up Vitamin D. Vast networks of mycelium (branching “roots” of mushrooms) flourish beneath the soil and beneath a stilettoed, fish-net stockinged leg, helping plants exchange nutrients–and toxins. A donut lover chews on, unaware of the great dramas of the universe unfolding within him.
Her eye for the perpetual exchange among all elements and beings is a marvel and a gift. And when she concludes, “We are not just IN the universe, we actually ARE THE UNIVERSE,” a nod of agreement seems the best response.
September 24, 2017
You may believe, as we do, in creation. This does not mean that the Big Bang Theory is not still possible. The two can exist side by side. We do not know how Heavenly Father went about creating this world. We just know that He did.
This Phenomenal Life: The Amazing Ways We Are Connected With Our Universe by Misha Maynerick Blaise does not take on that debate. Instead, it presents loads of information regarding our lives, science, and the similarities and differences in all kinds of life.
This book is very colorfully illustrated. The author draws on a great deal of research to deliver loads of information to her readers.
We found the information presented to be very well-written and very interesting. Although we cannot agree with absolutely everything that is presented, we can tell you that This Phenomenal Life is a very interesting and perhaps eye-opening read, too.
We give This Phenomenal Life all five stars. We think that this book can make a very interesting book for parents and children to read together and discuss.
We believe reading this book will give parents an ideal forum to open up a dialog with their children to discuss their beliefs.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
This Phenomenal Life: The Amazing Ways We Are Connected With Our Universe by Misha Maynerick Blaise does not take on that debate. Instead, it presents loads of information regarding our lives, science, and the similarities and differences in all kinds of life.
This book is very colorfully illustrated. The author draws on a great deal of research to deliver loads of information to her readers.
We found the information presented to be very well-written and very interesting. Although we cannot agree with absolutely everything that is presented, we can tell you that This Phenomenal Life is a very interesting and perhaps eye-opening read, too.
We give This Phenomenal Life all five stars. We think that this book can make a very interesting book for parents and children to read together and discuss.
We believe reading this book will give parents an ideal forum to open up a dialog with their children to discuss their beliefs.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 25, 2018
"This Phenomenal Life" is a pleasant and very basic introduction to ideas such as how we ourselves are habitat through our microbiome, how much of the world plants and other organisms can also sense, how considerable the genetic overlap with other creatures are, and other such ideas. The illustrations are very pretty and well composed.
The content and style of book as a whole is... a little twee. It's what we imagine children's books to be when we imagine children to only be sweet creatures who want sweet things. There's nothing in here that comes across as anything but good and sincere, certainly not any ecological bad news, anything personally challenging, anything conceptually difficult, or anything funny. I was almost surprised to find it in the adult section of the library; I suppose it's mainly the length and vocabulary that earn that shelving.
In some ways, it's so stripped of anything difficult as to be really refreshing. It would be a great book for somebody who hasn't thought about Earth being the home of other creatures than themselves, their pets, and their food, in a long time. It's also a good book for somebody who loves nature and thinks they want to take a break from more serious reading. After the sweetness, they'll be craving more complicated flavors again.
The content and style of book as a whole is... a little twee. It's what we imagine children's books to be when we imagine children to only be sweet creatures who want sweet things. There's nothing in here that comes across as anything but good and sincere, certainly not any ecological bad news, anything personally challenging, anything conceptually difficult, or anything funny. I was almost surprised to find it in the adult section of the library; I suppose it's mainly the length and vocabulary that earn that shelving.
In some ways, it's so stripped of anything difficult as to be really refreshing. It would be a great book for somebody who hasn't thought about Earth being the home of other creatures than themselves, their pets, and their food, in a long time. It's also a good book for somebody who loves nature and thinks they want to take a break from more serious reading. After the sweetness, they'll be craving more complicated flavors again.
June 4, 2017
What a delightful reminder of how connected we all are - to each other, the natural world, our planet and the entire universe.
Misha Blaise uses colorful illustrations to draw readers into the scientific facts and figures making a mostly dry subject utterly fascinating. She covers everything from the heliosphere to micrbiota, but I think my favorite quote may be about human DNA:
"Despite the great diversity of human culture, ethnicity, and physical traits, we are all, in fact, genetically speaking, 99.9 percent the same." She goes on to introduce the concept of "mitochondiral Eve" - the single common female ancestor of everyone currently living on earth. I find this particularly interesting in light of the commercials I keep seeing about "testing your DNA to find out who you are." The answer is: We're ALL human. And we're all connected.
Misha Blaise uses colorful illustrations to draw readers into the scientific facts and figures making a mostly dry subject utterly fascinating. She covers everything from the heliosphere to micrbiota, but I think my favorite quote may be about human DNA:
"Despite the great diversity of human culture, ethnicity, and physical traits, we are all, in fact, genetically speaking, 99.9 percent the same." She goes on to introduce the concept of "mitochondiral Eve" - the single common female ancestor of everyone currently living on earth. I find this particularly interesting in light of the commercials I keep seeing about "testing your DNA to find out who you are." The answer is: We're ALL human. And we're all connected.
December 30, 2017
An absolutely beautiful book - both in artistry and content! The gloriously colorful artwork perfectly compliments the interesting, thought-provoking scientific facts about our bodies, our planet Earth and the heavens above. This gorgeous creation invokes both a feeling of awe and comfort with the notion that all living beings and every molecule that surrounds us are all deeply connected. I learned so much more than I expected from this book and I was reluctant for it to end. A cleverly unique and lovely gem of intellectual and emotional delight!
December 30, 2017
This probably is a wonderful book for people who don’t have a zoology degree, but it was comprised of unconnected facts about how all living creatures—and parts of our abiotic environment—are connected. Could have had a bit better organization, overall cool facts (but nothing I didn’t already know- though I recognize that others may no). I guess I just expected a bit more. I would actually use this as a starting point with teaching non-majors biology though.
A BIG KUDOS to the author for her word about sources and vetting sources and using PEER REVIEWED journals at the end!
A BIG KUDOS to the author for her word about sources and vetting sources and using PEER REVIEWED journals at the end!
April 30, 2018
Polecam tę książkę wszystkim małym odkrywcom ciekawym otaczającego nas świata, a także ich rodzicom. Zarówno dla jednych, jak i dla drugich lektura tej książki będzie prawdziwą przygodą, a także źródłem wiedzy, dzięki której już nigdy tak samo nie spojrzą na stworzenia i elementy otaczającej ich przyrody. Z uwagi zaś na piękne, dopracowane wydanie stanowić może ciekawy pomysł na prezent dla bliskiej nam osoby.
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April 23, 2018
Reviewed for Foreword Books IndieFab Awards.
I appreciate how well-researched this book was, as the author points out in the afterword. However, it's still important to cite your sources--even if they're websites like the author admits.
Despite these issues, the book followed a logical progression and was packed with excellent artwork. Highly enjoyable. Just aimed at a bit younger of an audience.
I appreciate how well-researched this book was, as the author points out in the afterword. However, it's still important to cite your sources--even if they're websites like the author admits.
Despite these issues, the book followed a logical progression and was packed with excellent artwork. Highly enjoyable. Just aimed at a bit younger of an audience.
May 22, 2019
Picked up this book to check out the illustrations, it really caught my eye. I dug the message of the book and the style of the art that accompanied the facts and other text. I'm pretty sure it's aimed at a younger audience (Maybe early teens?), but it's still a cool book to flip through as an adult.
I'd say although it talks about science, it's really more of an artist's piece. That's pretty much the only criticism I have.
I'd say although it talks about science, it's really more of an artist's piece. That's pretty much the only criticism I have.
June 20, 2024
Didn't work for me. Probably because I knew almost everything going in. I hope she reaches people who haven't enough understanding of sciences to realize all this, though. I mean, I'm sure that there are, unfortunately, people who don't know what photosynthesis is, or about the microbes in & on our body, or that it takes 1800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, or who mitochondrial Eve was. If you know all that, you can probably skip this.
November 20, 2023
This is my new favorite book! I am giving it to friends and family for Christmas. It's appropriate for both inquisitive and reflective 10-20 year olds and adults with creative and seeking minds. I meditate and have had a few experiences with the oneness of all, and this book brings the concept alive with facts and whimiscal pictures. It is a profound delight!
November 6, 2017
Beautifully illustrated beautiful facts about how nature is a part of us, not apart from us. I think even though it's mostly a list of facts, the way each fact ties in with the next fact is very well thought out. What a quick and wonderful read!
May 31, 2017
The art is amazing!
July 20, 2017
A marvel for any age!
August 24, 2017
I really liked it... the writing, the drawings, everything! Not necessarily a child's book, fun for adults too.
December 19, 2017
Gorgeous
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews