Archive for December 6, 2019

The Speed of Starlight: An Exploration of Physics, Sound, Light, and Space

Written by Colin Stuart
Illustrated by Ximo Abadía

A great overview of all matters physics, this book includes attractive illustrations, many of which demonstrate the principles mentioned. The wide range of topics should appeal the budding scientist. The author, who is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, begins with a basic definition of physics, “the science of energy, matter, and forces.” He then goes on to give a quick history of the beginning of the study of physics, including Newton, his three Laws of Motion, and our fascination with gravity. The discussion of sound includes what it is, how we hear, measurement of sound, breaking the sound barrier, and seismology. The subject of light mentions Einstein’s Nobel Prize for the nature of light, how we see, sunlight, moonlight, and rainbows. The author also talks about stars, radiation, and dark energy.

This would be great for a classroom and the introduction of each of the topics discussed. My only criticism is that, as this encourages further exploration, it would be good to have a strong bibliography readily available.

  • Speed of StarlightTitle: The Speed of Starlight: An Exploration of Physics, Sound, Light, and Space
  • Author: Colin Stuart
  • Illustrator: Ximo Abadía
  • Published: Big Picture Press/Candlewick Press, 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
  • Grade Level: 3 to 7
  • Genre: Science
  • ISBN: 978-1-5362-0855-9