Review: Before the World Was Ready Stories of Daring Genius in Science by Claire Eamer; art by Sa Boothroyd

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Eight fascinating tales of scientists ahead of their time, from Copernicus to Rachel Carson.
Earth revolves around the sun. Washing hands helps stop the spread of disease. Poisons in the environment affect the entire ecosystem. Today, these ideas are common knowledge, but at one time they were all rejected. It can take years for people to accept a new idea or invention that changes the way they see the world.
In this thought-provoking book, you'll find out what happened when people weren't ready to listen to innovators who came up with revolutionary ideas. Discover why "mad scientist" Nikola Tesla's futuristic ideas about electricity were dismissed, why Charles Darwin delayed publishing his controversial theory of evolution for decades, and how Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace nearly invented the first computer in the 1800s. Nowadays, we think of these scientists are heroes, but they all endured great personal hardships for daring to think differently.

MY TAKE:
The most challenging part of non-fiction books for kids is making the book interesting yet informative.

In Before the World Was Ready, we are presented with the stories of eight scientists who made revolutionary discoveries.

I found the language used in the book to be funny, interesting and accessible to kids. It also helped that the book was colorful and there were plenty of humorous illustrations. While I was familiar with most of the things mentioned in the book, there were some details that were new to me. For example, I wasn't aware that Charles Darwin took a long time to publish his theory of evolution and that another scientist came up with the same idea.

The book also has short features peppered throughout the book which are related to the chapter wherein they are contained. Because the facts are presented like stories, it doesn't appear boring at all. It doesn't feel like information overload either.

Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. The illustrations are funny.
2. The facts are presented like stories.
3. It's jam-packed with information.

THE BAD:

1. The illustration style might not work for everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, but Ada Lovelace was the visionary who understood what it might do.

READ IT IF:

1. Your kid likes science.
2. Your child dreams of being a scientist.
3. You like reading about pioneers of science.

RATING:


SOUNDS INTERESTING?