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_ash0_'s review against another edition
4.0
This book is targeted for older kids and it’s not a picture book, even though it appears like that. It has a lot of text and the topics are very advanced, more suited to middle grade children. But I liked it and will reintroduce it to my child once he is old enough.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
5.0
The second collaboration between physicist and science writer, Dr. Dominic Walliman and lecturer in illustration (and illustrator extraordinaire) Ben Newman, is a gem (to be precise, one made of carbon covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms): a marriage of science, mathematics and art. Not only is Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure a wonderful contribution to any bookshelf with its remarkably accessible narrative and sharp, witty art-style, it is a book which has the potential to ignite a passion within the reader to consider a future in science. Full review here.
karigibb's review against another edition
5.0
My first grader devoured the planet version of this book so we were thrilled to read this one together. He loved being able to learn about complex scientific ideas in a language he could understand!
teenytinylibrary's review against another edition
3.0
Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure by Dr. Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman is an illustrated exploration of physics. This publication is impeccably timed with education’s push for more STEM studies as well as the Common Core’s focus on informational texts. The space-suited Professor Astro Cat leads readers through basic physics theories that range from rainbows to dark matter. While the topics may seem at times overly complicated, Walliman makes the information easily accessible. This, in fact, would be a good physics primer for both children and adults. Walliman’s narrative pairs well with Newman’s illustrations which are reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s Busy Town. The simple characters are painted with vibrant colors making every page pop. While Professor Astro Cat doesn’t have the hands-on appeal of the Scientists in the Field series, it’s an invaluable resource, as it gives an thorough overview of a subject that many find abstract and confusing. A great addition to any elementary or public library.
My copy courtesy of Flying Eye Books.
My copy courtesy of Flying Eye Books.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoy science? Feel more comfortable when concepts are presented visually as well as in text? Professor Astro Cat could be your new favorite. He has already explored and explained the Frontiers of Space, but now he takes things to a whole different level - the quantum level (among other things). In his Atomic Adventure, Astro Cat covers the many facets of physics, everything from sound waves and refracted light to neutrinos and Newton's Laws. Each topic is illustrated with images of Astro Cat and his faithful mouse helper demonstrating the various concepts. The ideas are presented in simple language and use everyday examples such as talking about the number of atoms you might find on the point of a freshly sharpened pencil, or the idea that inertia is why you need someone to give you a push to get your swing started on the playground.
There are pages on the periodic table, measurement, force and motion, energy sources, and even nano materials. Some of my favorite illustrations are those that show Astro Cat riding on Newton's shoulders, or copying Einstein and sticking out his tongue. The example of kinetic energy that shows Astro Cat using a judo chop on villains is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And fans of Ant Man will appreciate the explanation of quantum physics. Other things included in the book are an explanation of how rainbows are formed, why paint turns muddy brown when you mix too many colors, and the forces of flight. It is a very readable introduction to physics concepts of all sorts.
Whether the book is used to help introduce a science lesson, or simply read for enjoyment by someone interested in science facts, it will be a pleasure for either audience. Astro Cat and all his colorful friends (and villains), demonstrate gravity, friction, and pressure while having a great time doing it. Readers can't help but have a great time, too.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
The author and illustrator were kind enough to do an interview with me. You can find the Q&A at http://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/2016/06/interview-with-creators-of-professor.html.
There are pages on the periodic table, measurement, force and motion, energy sources, and even nano materials. Some of my favorite illustrations are those that show Astro Cat riding on Newton's shoulders, or copying Einstein and sticking out his tongue. The example of kinetic energy that shows Astro Cat using a judo chop on villains is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And fans of Ant Man will appreciate the explanation of quantum physics. Other things included in the book are an explanation of how rainbows are formed, why paint turns muddy brown when you mix too many colors, and the forces of flight. It is a very readable introduction to physics concepts of all sorts.
Whether the book is used to help introduce a science lesson, or simply read for enjoyment by someone interested in science facts, it will be a pleasure for either audience. Astro Cat and all his colorful friends (and villains), demonstrate gravity, friction, and pressure while having a great time doing it. Readers can't help but have a great time, too.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
The author and illustrator were kind enough to do an interview with me. You can find the Q&A at http://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/2016/06/interview-with-creators-of-professor.html.
musicalknitter's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful way to start learning about physics.
andizor's review
3.0
Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure by Dr. Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman is an illustrated exploration of physics. This publication is impeccably timed with education’s push for more STEM studies as well as the Common Core’s focus on informational texts. The space-suited Professor Astro Cat leads readers through basic physics theories that range from rainbows to dark matter. While the topics may seem at times overly complicated, Walliman makes the information easily accessible. This, in fact, would be a good physics primer for both children and adults. Walliman’s narrative pairs well with Newman’s illustrations which are reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s Busy Town. The simple characters are painted with vibrant colors making every page pop. While Professor Astro Cat doesn’t have the hands-on appeal of the Scientists in the Field series, it’s an invaluable resource, as it gives an thorough overview of a subject that many find abstract and confusing. A great addition to any elementary or public library.
My copy courtesy of Flying Eye Books.
My copy courtesy of Flying Eye Books.
mat_tobin's review
5.0
The second collaboration between physicist and science writer, Dr. Dominic Walliman and lecturer in illustration (and illustrator extraordinaire) Ben Newman, is a gem (to be precise, one made of carbon covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms): a marriage of science, mathematics and art. Not only is Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure a wonderful contribution to any bookshelf with its remarkably accessible narrative and sharp, witty art-style, it is a book which has the potential to ignite a passion within the reader to consider a future in science. Full review here.
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