Big Bang [Hardcover]

Nigel Henbest (Author), Heather Couper (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up

A stunning prcis of one of the most difficult theories of physics, both big numbers and difficult concepts are made accessible and memorable.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up. This oversized, beautifully illustrated book explains how the universe may have been created. With new, high-tech tools such as the particle accelerator, scientists have been able to put together evidence that its birth started some 13 billion years ago. Arranged chronologically, this account begins "when there was no space, and there was no time" and takes readers through the origin of our universe to predictions for the far future. Two pages are set aside for a brief description of creation myths from six different cultures. These pages fold out to form an illustrated four-page time line. While the authors present information that is current, authoritative, and generally clear, some prior knowledge of astronomy and/or cosmology will be helpful to understand fully many of the complex terms and concepts. The layout is similar to that of the publisher's other science books; the pages tend to be a bit cluttered, which detracts from their readability. Still, this book will certainly fill a need for up-to-date material presented in a visually stunning package.?Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. The dramatic jacket graphics, with the words "Big Bang" in shiny silver exploding from the central circle of light, will attract readers. Only the most determined will stick with the text to the end, but that doesn't mean they won't pick up something mindstretching along the way. On each double-page spread is a large, colorful painting, usually accompanied by several smaller paintings or photos or both. In short blocks of text, sidebars, and captions (which all presuppose some knowledge of science and a pretty good vocabulary), Couper and Henbest explain what the big bang theory is, what it means in understanding the universe, what it implies for the future, and what various astronomers and physicists have achieved. An enthusiastic and visually dynamic, though sometimes confusing, offering on a complex topic that few books even attempt to present to children. Carolyn Phelan

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789414848
• ISBN-13: 978-0789414847
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,060,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for children, December 4, 2005

By 

M. Loverde - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big Bang (Hardcover)

This book provides an excellent introduction to the concepts in modern cosmology, though it may be more suitable for adults than children. The book spans the range of the earliest moments after the big bang to the formation of nuclei, atoms and eventually the galaxies we see around us. The illustrations are lovely and serve the purpose of bringing the material to a general audience.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Big Bang Book, April 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Big Bang (Hardcover)

This book is the best synopsis of the Big Bang I have found yet to date. It is accurate with respect to recent understandings of the creation, history and future of the universe. It is intended as a children's book, but I believe it is really an adult book. It requires some knowledge and previous studying of the topic to fully comprehend its content. I have tried to read it to 8 and 12 year old children, but it is beyond their capabilities. This book puts in a graphical way, the information that is so much of the time only mental constructs. I love the illustrations and how they allow my mind to expand, trying to comprehend the magnitude of this topic. I compare this book with Steven Hawking's Universe video program in it's information and production quality, but it takes a much shorter time to get through, and you can spend time studying a particular page until you understand all that is there. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in studying the subject.

5.0 out of 5 stars My son reports ..., October 28, 2009

By 

New Zealander (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Bang Hb (Hardcover)

... his two children, age 7 and 9, have been positively engaged by this book, and that recent advances in cosmology since the year of publication, 1997, are ones of detail only. The principles are still sound.