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I Am Gravity
What reaches everywhere and never tires? Pulling on feathers and galaxies alike? Holding the mighty Milky Way together? Gravity, of course! Told in lyrical, riddling first-person narrative, Gravity boasts of its essential role in life as we know it--from the pulling of the ocean's tides to the vastness of the stars in the sky. Back matter about the science of gravity and major historical discoveries enhances the book for STEM learning. Full Color
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2024
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Henry L. Herz
30 books138 followersHenry Herz wrote the traditionally published picture books: MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES (Pelican, 2015; Best Picture Book at SoCal SCBWI Editor’s Day), WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY (Pelican, 2016), MABEL AND THE QUEEN OF DREAMS (Schiffer, 2016; Finalist, Foreword Indies Best Picture Book), LITTLE RED CUTTLEFISH (Pelican, 2016), CAP’N REX & HIS CLEVER CREW (Sterling, 2017), GOOD EGG AND BAD APPLE (Schiffer, 2018), HOW THE SQUID GOT TWO LONG ARMS (Pelican, 2018), ALICE’S MAGIC GARDEN (Familius, 2018), 2 PIRATES + 1 ROBOT (Kane Miller, 2019), I AM SMOKE (Tilbury House, 2021, ALA Children's Notable Book), I AM GRAVITY (Tilbury House, 2024), I AM LIGHT (Tilbury House, 2026), and I AM WIND (Tilbury House, 2026)
Henry’s short stories for children and adults will/have appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Weird Tales, Pseudopod, Metastellar, Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, and anthologies from Albert Whitman & Co., Blackstone Publishing, Brigid’s Gate Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Baen Books, Titan Books, and elsewhere. He has curated and edited eight anthologies.
Henry’s short stories for children and adults will/have appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Weird Tales, Pseudopod, Metastellar, Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, and anthologies from Albert Whitman & Co., Blackstone Publishing, Brigid’s Gate Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Baen Books, Titan Books, and elsewhere. He has curated and edited eight anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 26, 2025
I Am Gravity is a beautifully illustrated, simple introduction to the force of gravity that is easy for young people to understand. There are lots of fun examples and art that goes along with them. The last few pages have a more in depth scientific explanation which I really enjoyed as well.
May 12, 2025
In this book, gravity takes on a personality all its own. We learn all about gravity and the things that it has a "pull" on. It's a little much for a K-3rd reader to understand. It's talking about gravity, molecules, hydrogen, helium, etc. I think older ones would understand it more so than younger. If I'm not mistaken, most public schools don't even start "Science" class until 4th grade. So for K-3rd, some of these concepts would be totally foreign. It's recommended for 1st-4th, but I think 4th would be the perfect group for this one. The illustrations throughout the book are very beautiful. Some of them (especially the star's core page) are super trippy. It makes it look like a giant eyeball. A little out there for my taste, but interesting none the less. (Diamond 25-26)
February 12, 2024
(Check out the remarkable companion picture book from 2021: I AM SMOKE.) The concept portrayal used a unique voice and poetic, personified narrative for a ubiquitous, often unwelcome part of our lives, SMOKE. It has been hailed as groundbreaking. That is not just my opinion. I (and many others) have been awaiting a companion picture book on some equally challenging abstract concept. It's exciting that I AM GRAVITY is arriving soon. It does not disappoint. Both are written by Henry Herz and illustrated by Merce Lopez.
In I AM GRAVITY, Herz voices a universal force (literally) that's infinitely more complex than smoke. With text that explores familiar daily life and star formation within the same spreads, the power, necessity, and magnificence of GRAVITY in our lives becomes vividly clear. Both concepts and images are illustrated with fluidity and subtle detail that offers something for every age and background on this subject. The limited colors allow gravity's invisibility to be "shown" or suggested through a sense of graceful movement lines and consistent color that catches the eye against neutral background shades. From the cover (ball catch and bouncing hair) to remarkably balanced rocks to black hole activity and star formation, gravity somehow becomes visible.
That's the alchemy of picture books as a format: text and images achieving more than either could accomplish alone. In this case it is also the nearly magical achievement of these two creators to turn potentially mundane scenes into transformational connections that evoke awe, appreciation, and awareness of a vital life force that we rarely notice without the attention of such an effective homage.
It does not do justice to the complexity and appeal in this new picture book to offer excerpts, and yet I can't resist. Here's one example:
"I tether the moon to the Earth. High tide.
Low tide. I wave to you with the oceans."
These two seemingly simple lines reveal the lyrical appeal and the accessibility of this material even to very young audiences, yet spark curiosity in older readers and invite further exploration of the multilayered science elements and interconnections of gravity in everything we know and do. A few pages of back matter provide direct information for readers and their families. This is an excellent example of WHY and HOW picture books of such high quality have much to offer for readers of many ages, as well as purposeful uses within language arts and content area classrooms.
It was a lovely opportunity to have an advance look at this, without promise of a review. I hope you'll read more about it, request it at your library, and (pre)order for gifts, your home library, or your classroom. You won't regret it.
In I AM GRAVITY, Herz voices a universal force (literally) that's infinitely more complex than smoke. With text that explores familiar daily life and star formation within the same spreads, the power, necessity, and magnificence of GRAVITY in our lives becomes vividly clear. Both concepts and images are illustrated with fluidity and subtle detail that offers something for every age and background on this subject. The limited colors allow gravity's invisibility to be "shown" or suggested through a sense of graceful movement lines and consistent color that catches the eye against neutral background shades. From the cover (ball catch and bouncing hair) to remarkably balanced rocks to black hole activity and star formation, gravity somehow becomes visible.
That's the alchemy of picture books as a format: text and images achieving more than either could accomplish alone. In this case it is also the nearly magical achievement of these two creators to turn potentially mundane scenes into transformational connections that evoke awe, appreciation, and awareness of a vital life force that we rarely notice without the attention of such an effective homage.
It does not do justice to the complexity and appeal in this new picture book to offer excerpts, and yet I can't resist. Here's one example:
"I tether the moon to the Earth. High tide.
Low tide. I wave to you with the oceans."
These two seemingly simple lines reveal the lyrical appeal and the accessibility of this material even to very young audiences, yet spark curiosity in older readers and invite further exploration of the multilayered science elements and interconnections of gravity in everything we know and do. A few pages of back matter provide direct information for readers and their families. This is an excellent example of WHY and HOW picture books of such high quality have much to offer for readers of many ages, as well as purposeful uses within language arts and content area classrooms.
It was a lovely opportunity to have an advance look at this, without promise of a review. I hope you'll read more about it, request it at your library, and (pre)order for gifts, your home library, or your classroom. You won't regret it.
April 10, 2024
It's nice to see you and Merce López working together again. I was impressed with your last picture book, I AM SMOKE and I am just as impressed with this book, I AM GRAVITY. I love how Gravity tells the story and how every page is filled with gorgeous illustrations. Those two things would be enough to keep every reader riveted from the first page to the last, but there is so much more to learn as gravity tells his story throughout the millions of years and the beginning of time.
Here is one thing I discovered when Gravity said, "The greater the distance, the weaker my grasp. Stars are huge, but so far away that I do not draw you into the heavens. Still, I have the strength to hold the Milky Way together—and I never, ever tire." I had no idea that gravity had any effect on the Milky Way.
Not only will children be in awe as they page through the spectacular illustrations of the universe, but so will their parents and teachers. What a great way to introduce our world and the things in the heavens that affect it to young readers, but it provides enough information to keep adults turning each page.
I'm quite impressed with how the text and the illustrations work so well together and wonder how Merce created so many stunning illustrations that are perfect for the text without many picture prompts. Even though gravity affects us so profoundly, I would think it was a challenge to Illustrate something invisible. Like I said impressive. And I love the ending, "I hug you forever" and enjoyed the Author Notes for Curious Readers on the last page. You can read Henry's interesting journey over at Writing and Illustrating. Don't miss this book.
Here is one thing I discovered when Gravity said, "The greater the distance, the weaker my grasp. Stars are huge, but so far away that I do not draw you into the heavens. Still, I have the strength to hold the Milky Way together—and I never, ever tire." I had no idea that gravity had any effect on the Milky Way.
Not only will children be in awe as they page through the spectacular illustrations of the universe, but so will their parents and teachers. What a great way to introduce our world and the things in the heavens that affect it to young readers, but it provides enough information to keep adults turning each page.
I'm quite impressed with how the text and the illustrations work so well together and wonder how Merce created so many stunning illustrations that are perfect for the text without many picture prompts. Even though gravity affects us so profoundly, I would think it was a challenge to Illustrate something invisible. Like I said impressive. And I love the ending, "I hug you forever" and enjoyed the Author Notes for Curious Readers on the last page. You can read Henry's interesting journey over at Writing and Illustrating. Don't miss this book.
March 16, 2024
I was lucky to get an advance review copy of this truly beautiful picture book.
I've never been disappointed by the work of the author, Henry Herz, so I was eager to see how he could tackle such a, er, weighty subject as gravity in the context of a picture book. Herz pulls it off in an effortless way that left me in awe-- both of the writing, and of the subject itself, which was clearly his intention. The beautiful twist that brings gravity alive is Herz's choice to tell the science and the facts in the first-person, from the point of view of Gravity itself. Here are a few of the accurate, gorgeous quotations that struck me as I read:
"My grip twirls the earth at just the right distance from the sun to keep you warm."
"My embrace is tight enough that you don't float like a balloon,
but loose enough that you can run and jump and play."
"I hug you forever. I am gravity."
WOW. Just, wow.
Gravity goes from an abstract concept to a guardian, a birther of stars, who herds the Moon like a shepherd and has been here since the dawn of the universe.
The atmospheric and wonderful illustrations by Mercè López perfectly express and amplify the gorgeous text, making this not only a perfect addition to home and elementary classroom shelves, but a great "thin end of the wedge" text in Middle School classrooms introducing gravity as a concept. A lovely companion to picture books on the solar system, or as a standalone.
Highly recommended.
I've never been disappointed by the work of the author, Henry Herz, so I was eager to see how he could tackle such a, er, weighty subject as gravity in the context of a picture book. Herz pulls it off in an effortless way that left me in awe-- both of the writing, and of the subject itself, which was clearly his intention. The beautiful twist that brings gravity alive is Herz's choice to tell the science and the facts in the first-person, from the point of view of Gravity itself. Here are a few of the accurate, gorgeous quotations that struck me as I read:
"My grip twirls the earth at just the right distance from the sun to keep you warm."
"My embrace is tight enough that you don't float like a balloon,
but loose enough that you can run and jump and play."
"I hug you forever. I am gravity."
WOW. Just, wow.
Gravity goes from an abstract concept to a guardian, a birther of stars, who herds the Moon like a shepherd and has been here since the dawn of the universe.
The atmospheric and wonderful illustrations by Mercè López perfectly express and amplify the gorgeous text, making this not only a perfect addition to home and elementary classroom shelves, but a great "thin end of the wedge" text in Middle School classrooms introducing gravity as a concept. A lovely companion to picture books on the solar system, or as a standalone.
Highly recommended.
April 16, 2024
I Am Gravity is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated picture book that can be appreciated by kids and grownups alike.
Off the bat, I Am Gravity is a beautiful book. It’s nicely written and illustrated wonderfully. I think it was a great decision to write a book about gravity as if it was gravity talking to the readers. Gravity is such a big concept and can be difficult to explain, but this book presents it in a simple, informative and charming way. The book manages to show how gravity, though invisible, is everywhere and in everything–from a butterfly landing or whale diving deep to mighty galaxies and blackholes. The poetic text is then accompanied by gorgeous illustrations covering the pages from edge to edge.
I think for younger kids, a guided reading would be best, where someone can talk about some of the concepts more. Honestly, I think this is such a good science book to have for young learners.
(I received a review e-copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.)
Off the bat, I Am Gravity is a beautiful book. It’s nicely written and illustrated wonderfully. I think it was a great decision to write a book about gravity as if it was gravity talking to the readers. Gravity is such a big concept and can be difficult to explain, but this book presents it in a simple, informative and charming way. The book manages to show how gravity, though invisible, is everywhere and in everything–from a butterfly landing or whale diving deep to mighty galaxies and blackholes. The poetic text is then accompanied by gorgeous illustrations covering the pages from edge to edge.
I think for younger kids, a guided reading would be best, where someone can talk about some of the concepts more. Honestly, I think this is such a good science book to have for young learners.
(I received a review e-copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.)
April 16, 2024
I am fortunate to have received an advanced reader copy of this beautiful book.
From the author and illustrator of the award-winning and brilliant, I AM SMOKE, comes its equally stunning companion, I AM GRAVITY.
With gorgeous, lyrical language, author Henry Herz creates a compelling and relatable character in "gravity," a force that is at once stubborn, loving, and committed to "everything, from dandelion puffs to mighty galaxies"--and in doing so introduces young readers to high-level physics concepts in a relatable way.
There are so many beautiful sentences, but I'll share some favorites:
"Far-flung lamps twinkle in the night sky."
"I tether the moon to the earth."
"My grip twirls earth at just the right distance from the sun to keep you warm."
A detailed author's note offers a wonderful opportunity for deeper learning.
Mercè Lopez's stunning illustrations are the perfect complement to gravity's story.
From the author and illustrator of the award-winning and brilliant, I AM SMOKE, comes its equally stunning companion, I AM GRAVITY.
With gorgeous, lyrical language, author Henry Herz creates a compelling and relatable character in "gravity," a force that is at once stubborn, loving, and committed to "everything, from dandelion puffs to mighty galaxies"--and in doing so introduces young readers to high-level physics concepts in a relatable way.
There are so many beautiful sentences, but I'll share some favorites:
"Far-flung lamps twinkle in the night sky."
"I tether the moon to the earth."
"My grip twirls earth at just the right distance from the sun to keep you warm."
A detailed author's note offers a wonderful opportunity for deeper learning.
Mercè Lopez's stunning illustrations are the perfect complement to gravity's story.
April 22, 2024
This book....reading this book is like having a spiritual experience. It's poetic and subtly epic, causing your lens on existence to zoom out above the buzzing cycle of life itself to the quiet thing that holds it together: gravity.
This book makes the science and near-omnipresence of gravity seem ethereal - almost as if it were a deity - and simultaneously draws connection between that and the experiences of a child.
The book details the abilities of gravity, but it doesn't sound braggy. It sounds more like a casual and warm introduction happening between a child and a great ancient being (which is a remarkably fresh and inspiring idea for a picture book!).
The illustrations are just beautiful, the pictures and the words compliment and work together perfectly. Truly a wonderful book!
This book makes the science and near-omnipresence of gravity seem ethereal - almost as if it were a deity - and simultaneously draws connection between that and the experiences of a child.
The book details the abilities of gravity, but it doesn't sound braggy. It sounds more like a casual and warm introduction happening between a child and a great ancient being (which is a remarkably fresh and inspiring idea for a picture book!).
The illustrations are just beautiful, the pictures and the words compliment and work together perfectly. Truly a wonderful book!
March 3, 2024
I AM GRAVITY is a companion title to I AM SMOKE, where gravity narrates its own story. In the opening, Herz reveals the thread that ties this abstract concept to the real world, making the information accessible to children.
"I am gravity.
. . . a butterfly landing on your outstretched palm,
a whale diving deep, the moon far above.
You feel me but cannot see me. I reach
everywhere, touching everything."
Stunning illustrations by López also personifies gravity, which allows readers to connect to this natural phenomenon visually, too.
Backmatter provides additional information about scientific theories about gravity. Home, school, and public libraries will want to add this book to their STEM collection.
"I am gravity.
. . . a butterfly landing on your outstretched palm,
a whale diving deep, the moon far above.
You feel me but cannot see me. I reach
everywhere, touching everything."
Stunning illustrations by López also personifies gravity, which allows readers to connect to this natural phenomenon visually, too.
Backmatter provides additional information about scientific theories about gravity. Home, school, and public libraries will want to add this book to their STEM collection.
February 7, 2024
A gorgeous picture book about gravity, told in a lyrical, riddle-like format. This story is packed with facts about how the force of gravity effects all things, from the smallest molecules to planets to people. The text is accessible ("I am stubborn--the bigger things are, the harder I pull") and would be enjoyed by younger readers as well as older students (science teachers, this would be great for your collection!). Illustrating gravity seems challenging but the artwork is as informative as it is beautiful (check out "I Am Smoke" by this same author-illustrator duo). Additional information about Newton's and Einstein's theories on gravity are detailed in the back matter.
April 14, 2024
Blurb: I Am Smoke and I Am Gravity by Henry Herz and Mercè López, published by Tilbury House Publishers, follows a personified smoke and gravity as they lyrically explain how they’re all around us. Filled with fun STEM concepts, the titles are spot on for school or home settings.
#SeasonsOfKidLit.com says: Herz’s lyrical and informational text paired with López’s illuminating artwork cannot be missed. This series (written as standalone books) helps inquisitive readers think outside of the box and picture what’s around them. Both titles are wonderful reads for National Look Up at the Sky Day or any day of the year!
#SeasonsOfKidLit.com says: Herz’s lyrical and informational text paired with López’s illuminating artwork cannot be missed. This series (written as standalone books) helps inquisitive readers think outside of the box and picture what’s around them. Both titles are wonderful reads for National Look Up at the Sky Day or any day of the year!
May 4, 2025
Wow! I love non-fiction science books and this one is the cream of the crop! Gravity is a tough sell to kids, but this book will reach my science geeks who love building vocabulary, my artistic students love amazing illustrations, as much as my students who just love great writing. Illustrator Merce Lopez made these stellar illustrations that will provide so much conversation with my classes.
There back notes rom the author, Henry Herz, are wonderful for me as we talk about back matter in non-fiction a lot. Grateful to have found this book. I plan to add it to each of my elementary school collections!
There back notes rom the author, Henry Herz, are wonderful for me as we talk about back matter in non-fiction a lot. Grateful to have found this book. I plan to add it to each of my elementary school collections!
April 16, 2024
In this charming follow-up to the equally charming I AM SMOKE, Henry Herz explains for the young reader how gravity shaped the cosmos and shapes our daily lives. Merce Lopez's magnificent, whimsical illustrations add to the charm, helping to make the science more personal. Herz's notes at the end offer a more substantial (but still easy-to-understand) discussion of the ways in which scientific theory about gravity has evolved from Newton to Einstein. An easy, captivating read that, unlike its subject matter, definitely won't pull you down.
April 30, 2024
I AM GRAVITY is both enchanting and educational and the accompanying illustrations are truly breath-taking. A wonderful follow up from the team that brought us I AM SMOKE. Hertz and Lopez have yet again brought the intangible to life. I immediately went back to re-read the book as there is so much to take in both the text and art. Just as captivating as the topic of gravity itself. Highly recommended for curious minds of all ages.
July 7, 2025
I have really mixed feelings on this one. The illustrations and the lyrical prose are beautiful. I'm not sure I would use this to explain how gravity works because the explanations aren't very explicit. I wouldn't use it to teach a lesson on gravity to my 3rd graders, but I think they would enjoy it, and I wouldn't hesitate to read it to a younger child to enjoy the language and to plant the seeds.
January 26, 2024
Another winner from Henry Herz! Big concepts told lyrically, simply, helping us understand how gravity is at the heart of amazing events and processes in the universe—and is a vital part of life on Earth. Magnificent art supports the narrative and, together, words and illustrations offer lots to think about and plenty of inspiration to explore topics further.
April 16, 2024
Gravity makes you fall, but I AM GRAVITY makes you and your child fall in love with science. I AM GRAVITY is a beautiful explanation of the laws of gravity with lovely illustrations. If only Sir Isaac Newton explained gravity in such a manner.
I hope Herz’s next project explains to kids why the sky is blue.
I hope Herz’s next project explains to kids why the sky is blue.
April 29, 2024
I AM GRAVITY is the perfect book for having a pull on young readers. The language is delightfully lyrical and the illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful.
What an amazing STEM book! In addition to being scientific, S=stimulating and stunning, T=transformative and timeless, E=engaging and educational, and M=magnificent and magical.
What an amazing STEM book! In addition to being scientific, S=stimulating and stunning, T=transformative and timeless, E=engaging and educational, and M=magnificent and magical.
February 7, 2024
Another winner by Herz and Lopez! I Am Gravity is both entertaining AND informative. The illustrations are fantastic and will keep young readers entranced throughout the book. This book would be a great addition to elementary school libraries and classrooms, as well as home libraries for all ages.
April 16, 2024
Henry Herz’s picture book, I AM GRAVITY, personifies gravity in such a delightful way. This book is perfect for kids...and adults! The illustrations superbly match the creative, informative text. Young and old will learn something new about gravity.
April 17, 2024
A wonderful and accessible introduction to the physical force that shapes our universe told in expertly crafted prose and imagery that will have both young and not-so-young readers entertained and enlightened.
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February 2, 2024From a butterfly landing on a hand to the entire universe, the abstract concept of gravity is lucidly and lyrically explained and illustrated. Gravity as a forever “hug” — I like that.
April 16, 2024
I AM GRAVITY is mind-bendingly beautiful. It is imaginative, informative, and gorgeously illustrated.
June 20, 2024
Gravity personified. A truly unique book. Well paced and relatable. A great science book to share with children that explains the force of gravity in our world.
October 16, 2024
Would be great for a read aloud during a kids STEAM program about gravity. Beautiful illustrations and lovely story with good room for scaffolding a lesson around.
January 3, 2025
An excellent balance between science and poetry. Just like its moniker, this book will silently grip you and not let go.
October 21, 2025
I loved the illustration style.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews