Big Ideas, Little Pictures: Explaining the World One Sketch at a Time

by Jono Hey

Have you ever wondered what makes autumn leaves change color, how military officers stay so organized, how to shower on a nuclear sub, or how to get the best sleep of your life? Or maybe you'd like to learn how to find your way using the stars or why you need worry less about what others think of you. In Big Ideas, Little Pictures, Jono Hey—creator of the popular website Sketchplanations—distills fascinating and surprising topics with the help of delightful sketches.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Science

277 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a visual makes all the difference. Information-hog Jono Hey does what the title says: He takes ideas and breaks them down for the reader with a short, for-dummies written explanation on one page and an accompanying cute sketched explanation on the opposite page. He has a site, www.sketchplanations.com and a podcast of the same name.

Big Ideas, Little Pictures's information is extensive and covers ideas one finds in math; science; social science; psychology; and just everyday, regular things (e.g., kayak vs. canoe). The title is a little misleading—some entries are genuinely big, but others are no-brainers. They can be brainy (e.g., moon pool) to light and funny but still informative (e.g., how to peel a sticky note). Some I already knew (e.g., the golden ratio; survivorship bias; the spotlight effect; ordering adjectives). Some I didn't (e.g., yak shaving; maze vs. labyrinth; the continental axis hypothesis; idempotence).

Each entry does have something to impart, though. At the least, an entry presents something that's important to keep in mind. Readers who'd like to look deeper into an idea will be happy to see that Hey listed lots of sources in the final pages. (Readers shouldn't get too interested in the cover image, as for some strange reason it isn't an entry in the book. This absence has to be an oversight. I assume the entry is on Hey's site.)

[Kim Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have pointed out, the artistic style is a cross between Tom Gauld and XKCD (Randall Munroe). It's a charming way of explaining through sketches, the mechanics of our world and universe. Very worthwhile.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I got this book I've found myself routinely taking it back to the coffee table, where it starts each day. It's getting about because a succession of house guests and visitors (also older chaildren and teens) have been carrying it around, despite the many other options for them to choose from. I can see why! I've since kept it hostage on my bedside table where I find the format is a more welcome than a longer read at the end of a working day. I'm also suprised by how fresh it is, even to a Sketchplanations subsciber of many years. Sure, there are some that I dimly recall (but am glad to re-read) but its clever cross-referencing makes it an enjoyable Wikipedia-style journey through related ideas and themes. I intend to bulk buy and make this my go-to for gifting for ages 9-99.

[Alexander N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of any book on the market that enlightens and illuminates ideas as clearly and concisely as this one. This isn't a book to "read" as much as to peruse, to ponder and to pick up for a few minutes at any time to think and consider the ideas presented, again and again.

[Zuz reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Recommended for any visual learners. Only a little of this was new information for me. But the charming illustrations depicting these ideas provided a fun and new perspective even on the most familiar. Certainly does not need to be read cover to cover and simply could be a lovely coffee table book - offering fun mind opening diversions on any random page.

[Prasad Rapaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a small book of big ideas. But to me, it's a big tome - well designed and crafted ! I love to place the book on my coffee table for ever reference of my family and guests. I wish the author gathers more and more ideas to supplement them in to vol 2,3 and so on...

[عبدالرحمن عقاب · Rating 4 out of 5]

"جون هي" يستخدم الرسم الكاريكاتوري "أداة" يتعامل بها مع ما يقرؤه من مفاهيم ومعلومات. ليحقق بتلك الرسوم فهماً أعمق لما قرأ من جهة، وتذكرة أسرع لما قد يحتاج استذكاره. وهذه –عندي- فكرة الكتاب الأكبر. أقصد فكرة "الأداة" التي تعين القارئ على الفهم والحفظ.

يعرض الكتاب لكل مفهوم في صفحتين متقابلتين؛ واحدة برسمة توضيحية والأخرى بكتابة مختصرة. وتتنوع المفاهيم والمعلومات أهمية وموضوعا، وتجتمع في متعة الاختصار والرسم.
للكاتب موقع خاص يعرض فيه أعماله، ويمكن الاشتراك في موقعه لتصلك رسالة أسبوعية برسمة صغيرة وشرح قصير.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first “coffee-table” book I have ever read – meaning, I have actually taken it “seriously” enough to finish cover to cover, possibly because its cover features one of my favourite Japanese paintings – The Great Wave of Kanagawa by Hokusai.

The book is certainly an easy read, but not entirely trivial as it throws an amalgam of snippets of knowledge at its reader, who, as per the author’s intention most likely cruises on with a mildly puzzled smile at the eclectic nature of the subjects.

The range is wide indeed, and here’s the exhaustive list: “how to win at Monopoly” (no, I won’t reveal them here), the Doppler effect, nurse log, different types of solstices, paradox of choice, the Mercator map, the Spectrum policy, the origin of the days (owing their origin to Norse deities Tyr, Odin, Thor, and Frigg), difference between acronym and initialism, the power of “solvitur ambulando,” idempotence, finding the north star, the continental axis hypothesis (by Jared Diamond), difference between maze and labyrinth, the golden ratio, the BS asymmetry principle (one of my favourites!), proxemics, the moon illusion, the 4 horsemen of relationship apocalypse (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling), difference between kayak and canoe, different types of clouds, the IKEA effect, types of tectonic plates (divergent, convergent, transform), difference between comet/asteroid/meteor/meteorite, the goal-gradient effect, Chesterton’s fence (very much applicable to the business world!), Diderot effect (oh, the ingredient of capitalism!), emotional hot potato (and the feedback loop of negative energy), shapes of stories (similar arcs found in most novels), Benjamin Franklin effect (ingenious, really), and Gandhi’s path of social movements (ignore, laugh, fight, win).

All in all, a fun read that perhaps did not need me to systematize it the way I did it!
“Finishing lines are good, but their most important role is to get you over the start line in the first place.”

“When the man finds himself helping Franklin, he tries to explain his own behavior, and his logic suggests he wouldn’t have helped him if he didn’t like him. Therefore, he must like him.”

“A trait of true literary masterpieces is that they often show how it’s hard to tell whether something is really a turn for the better of worse.” (Vonnegut)

“It’s far easier to produce and spread bullshit, misinformation and nonsense than it is to refute it.” (Brandolini’s law)

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jono Hey's "Big Ideas, Little Pictures: Explaining the World One Sketch at a Time" is an absolute treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the power of visual learning. Hey, the creative mind behind the Sketchplanations newsletter, translates his unique ability to distill complex concepts into straightforward, engaging sketches into a delightful and informative book.

Each page of this book is a testament to Hey's talent in making sophisticated ideas accessible and enjoyable. The sketches are not only visually appealing but are complemented by concise, clear explanations that enhance understanding without overwhelming the reader. This format is perfect for quick learning and easy recall, making complicated subjects approachable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

What sets this book apart is its universal appeal. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a curious mind, there's something in it for everyone. The diversity of topics covered—from science and technology to art and economics—ensures that it never feels repetitive or niche.

"Big Ideas, Little Pictures" is not just a book but a visual learning tool, ideal for anyone looking to broaden their horizons in a fun and engaging way. Jono Hey has not only shared knowledge but has also inspired creativity and curiosity. A must-have on your bookshelf or coffee table, this book promises to spark conversations and light up the joy of learning.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make a great coffee table book or a bathroom book. The book simplifies complex concepts with both a drawing and a written explanation. Each concept is discussed on two-facing pages. On the left is a written explanation of the concept. On the right is a drawing that explains the concept.
In my reading of the book, I started with the drawing and then read the explanation. I loved how the author used both the visual picture and the written word. This is not a book to be read straight through. You should dip in and out.
I highly recommend this book.

[Tod Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wide range of ideas and concepts described succinctly through sketches. I've been a fan of Jono Hey's Sketchplanations for years; he's adeptly skilled at explaining complex ideas with deceptively simple drawings. I appreciate that he collected many of them into a hard-cover book that looks and feels wonderful. It's something that you can pick up for a few minutes or an hour, almost every page contains a fascinating explanation paired with an easy-to-understand illustrative sketchplanation.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've subscribed to Jono's weekly Scetchplanations emails for a few years now and I'm a huge fan. I've had this book for a week now and ordered a second to share with others. The one for my office sits next to my other data analytics and storytelling books, AND the great Gary Larson of The Farside fame. The ability to convey a big idea in a single frame is genius. I strongly recommend getting this book, or at the very least seek out Jono's other works. Great work Jono!

[Vanessa Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fun read! this book is like an online blog meets comic strip meets how-to guide on all of the random life stuff that you probably should know as an adult but no one ever explicitly told you… the nuances of categorizing cloud types or water sports, simple explanations of natural phenomena such as moon phases or wave patterns, quick rules of thumb & pieces of life advice. loved this, got some cool takeaways, & was entertained throughout

[Igor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given my love of sketching it's no surprise I loved this book. Jono simplifies important concepts in a very clear and entertaining way. Makes for a great coffee table book to start conversations with friends as well.

[L S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and beautiful, inspirational, informative and fun. Jono Hey has created a treasure of a book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eclectic, charming, and with gentle humour. Had a wonderful time going through these entries with with my teen and tween.

[B Zimp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great coffee table book of digestable, well presented info with lovely graphics. In the style of XKCD.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

[Harry Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short simple book that I bought for my kids but ended up reading myself.

[Phil Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Jono's sketches and finally got around to reading his book. It is, in a word, excellent. I learned quite a bit about key concepts that had somehow eluded me.

[Alan Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cool

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this - I kept having to stop and take pictures of especially relevant graphics. Fun and informative!

[Andreas Konstantinou · Rating 5 out of 5]

How our world works, one picture at a time, with such clarity and humor that the book is entertaining and educational at the same time.

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really entertaining and a great way to describe various concepts simply and easily.