Annabelle & Aiden: Oh, The Things We Believed!

by Joseph Raphael Becker

In this delightful illustrated book written in rhyme, the children gaze at a face-shaped cloud, and Aiden asks if it is real. To answer, our favorite feathered-dinosaur, the Skeptisaurus, guides the children to use their critical thinking skills when determining myth from fact. He takes the kids on an amazing journey through legends of old times, from witches to oracles, explaining how we evolved to see things that aren't always there. But when those myths vanish, they see that real scientific discovery is just as exciting, and can change the world. The children learn that "real answers may not be magic, but they are always magical."

Genres: Childrens, Science, Picture Books, Religion, Kids, Stem, Nonfiction

15 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2017

About the author

J. R. holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law. When he's not practicing entertainment law, playing drums, or enjoying the great outdoors, Joseph enjoys all the science and philosophy books and podcasts he can, pondering the bigger questions and dreaming up ideas for future children stories.

After publishing his first (philosophical, dystopian) novel The Spider & the Ant, and later becoming a father, Joseph was inspired to found the Annabelle & Aiden series to foster curiosity and scientific awareness in the next generation. Joseph lives in New Jersey with his wife Leah, and two children, Annabelle & Aiden.

Reviews

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so adorable. The illustrations so vivid and alive. The story is fun and sweet. Aiden and the dinosaur steal the show but it is okay because we go on a wonderful adventure.

Here we learn that although feelings are wonderful, learning is magical and what a way to show us this. We begin this by seeing what the cloud is and than the colorful dinosaur comes and we begin our tale of things we know and believe. We see how we got to know some things and what learning is. Which is a magical journey. We see this in a imaginative, wonderfully illustrated story that has you smile and engrossed from the beginning.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every skeptical parent's library. With beautiful illustrations and rhyming, goes over concepts of some of the crazy things humans have believed, as well as the virtue in intellectual honesty (the ability to say "we don't know yet" rather than making up an answer.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Annabel and Aiden series of science for children and gorgeously illustrated, including supplemental information for adults hidden as part of the illustration (and somewhat hard to read) The books discuss evolution, the big bang, myths in a way to provoke children to ask even more questions that parents are prepared to answer using the adult text. I recommend that parents read the book first before their kids start asking questions!
The reason I don't give the books 5 stars is that Becker has attempted to write the children's text in rhyme, which doesn't always succeed—and he is no poet. However kids seem to enjoy rhymes, so maybe it isn't a problem for them.

"And Aiden saw how mystery can drive us to explore,
and search beyond our guesses that woo us with thin allure.

I no longer need to fear monsters under my bed,
or learning what is real and what is only in my head.

Real learning changes the world.
Feelings often fool.
Real answer may not be msgical
but they're always magical. "

[Sarah Lenehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and text

I loved this book for explaining humans' need to explain the world, and never mind my kids, I myself was fascinated by the snippets that explain why we hear monsters under the bed, see faces in the moon, etc. My only difficulty with the book was that I was reading on kindle on my phone and the 'extra' explanations were very difficult to read due to colour, font size and style. My children couldn't read them at all. I wonder if in future editions these could be in a more standard style but maybe just in little boxes to separate from the main text? Also I do appreciate that these may be easier to read on a larger screen, which I will try when I have internet access for my kindle or tablet. I look forward to reading the others!

[Taylor Brickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about two children that are learning their way through this crazy world. The children have an imaginary pet dinosaur that tells them the common myths/legends of the T-Rex and how he would rule the lands wherever he went. The children started questioning their dinosaur friend and thats where he takes this opportunity to explain what a myth and legend are. I liked this story because it has amazing illustrations. I would use this book in my classroom to teach students about what a myth and legend are and how they might look different.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not great

I absolutely adore the first Annabelle & Aiden book. It's rhythm is well thought out and the story and science are beautifully illustrated. This one is beautifully illustrated as well, however it doesn't flow as well and some of it seems excessively Buzzkillington. Like the first book it contains information through extras in the artwork that will allow the book to grow in meaning with the child who owns it.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations were beautiful. The Kindle edition would not increase its size, deciding to be tiny pictures of the book. I'm concerned that children will discount their emotions instead of valuing them after reading this book. I understand that the author is trying to prevent them from being recruited into cults, which is an important goal. I do think our feelings can teach us things. I wish the author would have included a couple of examples of what positive things emotions can do.

[✨Arline✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

What it’s trying to teach is excellent. Don’t live by fears and feelings that have no evidence. Search and discover and know what you can know.

But the execution is choppy and confusing. Perhaps try to do less and with a better editor.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is averaging 4.3 stars, and I just don't understand why. It did not have a cohesive feel in the least.

[Sasha Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was beautiful. the art was extraordinary. a beautiful, poetic tale about curiosity, imagination, exploration, the world and life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, beautiful, & informative!

Beautiful illustrations and easy to read. Shows logical reasoning and I love the extra tidbits of information outside the story.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute children’s story about why we should stop and examine things with a scientific lens rather than using our feelings or fears. The illustrations are vivid and interesting.

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant work

A uniquely fantastic book for teaching kids the importance of raising questions and seeking facts. Gorgeously and intricately illustrated. Recommended.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child and adult should be exposed to this information repeatedly.

[Nicole Hackney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physical book - library
Read together with my 9 year old son.

[Ally Web · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I love educational books. As a mother that reads to her child daily, I found Oh The Things We Believed, to be quite enjoyable. The focus on relying on facts and not on feelings is something we need to teach our children. Especially in our current generation! Too often we are driven by feelings instead of what is truly happening. From page one, it had touches of interesting facts and good life lessons. The book was easy to understand and my preschool-aged son really enjoyed it. This is a book I would love to have on my shelf, and I believe most parents would as well. I'm hoping they put out more.