Our World Is Relative

Gr 1-2--Sooy's book tackles the difficult task of explaining the theory of relativity at an elementary level. Through the eyes of a young girl and the world around her, the text presents simple ideas, like how one object can be much larger than another depending on context and comparison. Walsh's illustrations further explain the concept. There's not much in the way of a detailed narrative, but pictures help to establish these ideas. Walsh's vivid art is beautifully simple. For close-up images, the scale looks amazing and helps to reinforce what the text is presenting. The full theory and explanation of relativity are difficult, but this title can work as a starter for younger children who are learning about basic measurements. VERDICT For children just learning about measurements, this stunning title can help illuminate a complex topic.--Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL

"What is big? What is small? What is moving? What is not?... It can seem like we live in a world where things are what they are.... But our world is relative: almost everything exists in relation to something else." In this child-friendly exploration of Einstein's theory of relativity, a child contemplates the world from differing perspectives. Easily decipherable measurements of speed, distance, and direction delineate the spreads, which aptly demonstrate Sooy's narrative: a close-up of what seems like a giant child examining a one-inch worm on the pavement zooms out upon the next page turn, revealing her own 38-inch minuteness in relation to the 450-plus-inch homes in the neighborhood. The narrative is well paced and Walsh's illustrations, pleasing, with plenty of arrows and juxtapositions indicating the relative--curious young minds will enjoy following the shifting angles and viewpoints. A fascinating, bite-size introduction to a classic law of math and science. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)