A Quick History of the Universe: From the Big Bang to Just Now

by Clive Gifford, Rob Flowers (Illustrator)

Strap in for a rip-roaring ride through the history of the universe, starting with the Big Bang, and bringing us right up to present day. What was the universe like when it was a few seconds old? How had it changed by its millionth birthday? And when did time even start, for that matter?! The story of the last 13.8 billion years in one handy volume, you can read about the start of stars, the growth of galaxies and the production of planets. Plus, there are some great dad jokes. Hold on tight...
 
Read the story of how the universe developed, and discover:
In the beginning there was... what exactly? What was the beginning of the universe actually like?
Some suns have just got that star quality... but which stars are really hot stuff?
Who’s who in the galactic zoo? There are several different types of galaxy in the universe. How do they form?
The tragic death of the star – how do stars die, and why?
What’s blacker than black… a black hole!
Peek into the future – what will the universe be like in the next few billion years?
How do we even know this stuff? Read about the scientists who are figuring it all out.
 
Packed with fun cartoons and facts, A Quick History of the Universe tackles the biggest topic in the universe – literally – in chronological order. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert on the history of space, the universe and everything. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2021

About the author

Clive Gifford is a highly experienced journalist and author with over 170 books published and more than 800 features and stories written for adults and children.

Clive is an unusual author who likes to work in both fiction and non-fiction. Perhaps this reflects his unusual life which, so far, has seen him travel to over 70 countries, be held hostage in Colombia, go parachuting, coach several sports and run a computer games company.

He says: "What drives me more than anything else is the desire to communicate, entertain and inform through the written word."

Reviews

[Electra (spoonfulofhygge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this?!
Wow, I wish I were a kid again and have that book in my collection.
So well written, making chemistry astrology, weather, geology, you name it, so easy and fun to read!
The illustrations worked so well and they were so so well made, and I loved the different fonts used to convey the tone of the prose.
I simply adored it and I can imagine how awesome it may be to have that book in one's library, big and small!
I even learned something I had never read about before, and that is the Plank Era! so fun!
I used to devour science non-fiction as a child and I would love for my daughter to read this too one day.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author and illustrator in perfect harmony. Delve into a somewhat simplified history of exploration of space and space travel from the Greeks till now. Probably aimed at middle grades but easily enjoyed by ESL and anyone who wonders about astronomy and space exploration regardless of age. Love it!
Great gift for the local library or even your school!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for the curious mind who want to know about the universe. Honestly, this book contains so many new words for me, and so many things to learn about the Universe. Starting with the nothingness then the Big Bang Theory, this book is quite comprehensive of how the world was made according to scientists. There's dark matter explanation, cosmic dawn, galaxies, planets, and the whole thing about universe.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book belongs in every home and every classroom in America! Chock full of useful and important information, A Quick History of the Universe is like an encyclopedia for the 21st century. Every person lucky enough to read this book, will definitely be smarter, more informed and able to carry on interesting conversations.

[Diana Zheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant graphics, insightful humor, interesting facts about the universe. This introductory book about the history of the universe is a true delight, and I’m impressed by the witty dialogue and humor that I read! Couldn’t help but laugh at some of the parts. For those wishing to know about the universe, I highly recommend this start up book.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was donated for the Stags Read project and will be given directly to a child or placed in a Little Free Library.

This book was so cool. Sort of a kid version of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting to me as an adult! I think it might be still be a little too old for my kids, but a cool resource to keep in mind for when they’re older. The art style was fine, and I liked that the important words were bolded to make them easier to spot.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[zoe 🎀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute and good for kids but idk sometimes felt like a textbook

the last sentence will mess with your mind fr

[Maham Azmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an amazing book to develop basic understanding about the Universe. Worth reading it and totally recommended!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Focuses on the current scientific picture of the timeline of the universe's creation (becoming what we know it as today) & then current thoughts on where it will go in the future.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Quick History of the Universe" is a really fun non-fiction book for children.

The illustrations are great and difficult subjects are explained in an easy to understand way without talking down to the reader.

[naya sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both the design and content of this book. I think it will be a great resource for children and educators alike. I also like that it was diverse and easy to understand.