"Once upon a time" meets science in a children's picture book that tells the thrilling story of how life began on Earth. The second in a trilogy of Universe stories - the first being Born with a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story-- this book picks up the story with the first appearance of life on Earth. It's a thrilling story about how Earth triumphs over crisis to become bacteria, jellyfish, flowers . . . even dinosaurs! The author, Jennifer Morgan, studied evolutionary science and saw its storytelling possibilities when she explained it to her elementary-age son. Coupled with brilliant artwork by Dana Anderson, who also studied Cosmology, these books will intrigue children and adults alike with their storytelling style and colorful pages.
When my son was six years old, I got hooked, I mean really hooked, on cosmology. . . the science of it and the emerging "new story" about where we come from. The writings of Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, and Maria Montessori, among many others knocked me off my horse, igniting a passion for this work and providing a philosophical basis . . . while courses at Princeton University, as well as countless conversations with scientists who were so generous with their time, provided the scientific basis for my writing.
Naturally, my son (no longer six as you can see in the picture) had to hear about everything I was learning. I taught him through bedtime stories about hydrogen forming inside the big bang, stars igniting, supernovae forging the elements for life, and the birth of our sun and earth and humans out of star dust. He was fascinated too and would ask things like, "Mom, what's the texture of the edge of the universe?" These stories turned into an award-winning series with endorsements from renowned scientists in astro-physics, evolutionary biology and anthropology; educators; and religious leaders. They're now used in classrooms around the world, by adults who want to learn the essential science concepts, and for reflection on retreats. I give storytellings and programs for adults, children, and organizations and would love to hear from you! There's lots more information on my website at www.UniverseStories.com.
