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Child of the Universe
Just like the sun gives shine to the moon,
you light up the world beyond this room . . .
You are grand and marvelous, strong and mysterious.
The history of the world is in your fingertips.
A meditation on the preciousness of one child and the vastness of the universe, this picture book shares the measure of a parent's love along with the message that we are all connected to the broader cosmos.
you light up the world beyond this room . . .
You are grand and marvelous, strong and mysterious.
The history of the world is in your fingertips.
A meditation on the preciousness of one child and the vastness of the universe, this picture book shares the measure of a parent's love along with the message that we are all connected to the broader cosmos.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2020
3 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Ray Jayawardhana
7 books28 followersRay Jayawardhana is a professor and the Canada Research Chair in Observational Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. Originally from Sri Lanka, he is a graduate of Yale and Harvard. He is the co-author of more than one hundred papers in scientific journals. His discoveries have made headlines worldwide, including in The Times, The Economist, Sydney Morning Herald, and BBC News, and have led to numerous accolades such as the Steacie Prize, the McLean Award, the Rutherford Medal, and the Radcliffe Felllowship. He is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in the New Scientist, Times Higher Education, and others. He is the author of Strange New Worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 15, 2020
I've read other books in this vein before. This one left me a little bit cold. I wasn't a fan of the really loose rhymes ("mysterious" and "fingertips" rhyme here... apparently). The pictures are okay but didn't wow me. The basic premise is that we're all made of star stuff. That's fine. But I've seen it done better elsewhere.
If you're a fan of Raul Colón's work, you may want to check this one out. If you're looking for a better book with the same premise, try You Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey and Soyeon Kim.
If you're a fan of Raul Colón's work, you may want to check this one out. If you're looking for a better book with the same premise, try You Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey and Soyeon Kim.
November 24, 2020
I was bored by this attempt to make recycled atoms poetic. I'd rather just listen to Moby's "We Are All Made of Stars" again.
November 26, 2020
A not particularly inspiring or memorable entry in the "we are star dust" children's book genre.
October 4, 2019
The illustrations in this book are nothing short of extraordinary. As a father tells his daughter how she belongs in this universe, made of the same atoms and pieces that make up the vast space of our existence, she takes a journey to stunning worlds and phenomena far off of Earth. Our being is connected to everything, and this book does a glorious job of expressing that. Child of the Universe is worthy of a Caldecott, if you ask me.
October 24, 2020
Sparse on words, but filled with beautiful and literally otherworldly drawings. I like that the book can expand children's imagination and knowledge of what lies beyond. While showing how big the universe around them is, the book also manages to put it within reach of their fingertips.
March 15, 2020
What I Loved:
The illustrations in Child of the Universe were absolutely beautiful. My daughter was captivated and requested multiple times that we go back a page so she could look a little more. The illustrator, Raúl Colón, did an excellent job of matching the story to his artwork. It was lovely!
How I Felt:
The focus of this story is on how we, as humans, are all a part of the universe. Our bodies are made up of atoms and stardust. We are all connected, and we are special.
As the father in the book tells his daughter this bedtime story, as the reader, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how true this story is. I liked that the story used a rhyming verse, as my children enjoy that, and if done well, I enjoy it too (and it was done well in Child of the Universe. I loved how the story speaks to how small, yet so important each and every one of us are.
Overall, Child of the Universe was a beautifully illustrated book with a lovely bedtime story.
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Child of the Universe to pre-k to middle-elementary readers. This book is meant to be read to a young child, I would not recommend this for a child to read on their own. Finally, if you have a child that is particularly interested in the universe or space, they would love this book.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My review of this book will post to my blog on 3/19/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
The illustrations in Child of the Universe were absolutely beautiful. My daughter was captivated and requested multiple times that we go back a page so she could look a little more. The illustrator, Raúl Colón, did an excellent job of matching the story to his artwork. It was lovely!
How I Felt:
The focus of this story is on how we, as humans, are all a part of the universe. Our bodies are made up of atoms and stardust. We are all connected, and we are special.
As the father in the book tells his daughter this bedtime story, as the reader, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how true this story is. I liked that the story used a rhyming verse, as my children enjoy that, and if done well, I enjoy it too (and it was done well in Child of the Universe. I loved how the story speaks to how small, yet so important each and every one of us are.
Overall, Child of the Universe was a beautifully illustrated book with a lovely bedtime story.
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Child of the Universe to pre-k to middle-elementary readers. This book is meant to be read to a young child, I would not recommend this for a child to read on their own. Finally, if you have a child that is particularly interested in the universe or space, they would love this book.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My review of this book will post to my blog on 3/19/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
March 22, 2021
A beautiful book about the way we fit into this magical place called the universe. Father shares with his daughter how she is made from the universe and the stars. How the iron and calcium in her body are from the stars. That her smile is bright like the galaxies. This is a real cool poetic book about how connected we are to nature and each other. An important message in constructing our sense of purpose, worth, and how we are connected. I would take this book a bit further and capitalize on the opportunity for a social message of compassion for others, as the book speaks of our interconnectedness. The book has clever rhyme making reading it very fluid. I would imagine there would need to be a level of explanation to a child under 7 or 8 years old regarding what the author means by "being from the universe". I recommend the book for its accessible reading level and accurate representation of the poetry genre.
February 6, 2021
A large and colorful book, mainly to be read as a bedtime story that connects the child and parent to a timeless universal narrative.
July 16, 2020
Aspirational text linking a child to the universe. Lovely illustrations.
March 7, 2020
This one is a 3.5 for me, and I certainly loved the sumptuous colored pencil illustrations that fill the book's pages. I also appreciated the gentle but firm reminder that humans are connected to the stars and the universe and that we truly are stardust, descended from the stars as well as being a part of them down to our very essence. In this picture book, a father puts his daughter to bed after reminding her just how special she is and that she is a part of the universe. While I'm not fond of having the story told in rhymed couplets, I did love the connection to the wider universe described here. The text and images are sure to evoke quite a lot of reflection on how humans exist and what we owe to the stars. At the same time, the book reminds readers of how small we are and yet how important, something worth pondering long after finishing the book.
July 6, 2020
Child of the Universe by Ray Jayawardhana, illustrated by Raul Colon, PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2020. $18. 9781524717544
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
As a child readies for bed, her father compares her to the universe: She lights up a room like the sun, her curly hair is like the milky way, her atoms spin like Saturn's rings and so much more. This child will have beautiful dreams of stardust and planets.
Breathtaking illustrations - although the poetic text is brief, the reader will stay on each page and lose themselves in the pictures. Beautiful! They almost seem to sparkle. I also loved the message - we are connected to the universe, so we are special. Oh!
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
As a child readies for bed, her father compares her to the universe: She lights up a room like the sun, her curly hair is like the milky way, her atoms spin like Saturn's rings and so much more. This child will have beautiful dreams of stardust and planets.
Breathtaking illustrations - although the poetic text is brief, the reader will stay on each page and lose themselves in the pictures. Beautiful! They almost seem to sparkle. I also loved the message - we are connected to the universe, so we are special. Oh!
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
August 10, 2020
A lovely book to share how important a child is to their family. The illustrations are beautiful and the text flows smoothly. The child is compared to galaxies and portions of the heavens with an emphasis on how much more valuable this child is.
December 6, 2019
A stunningly beautiful picture book that will take away any reader's breath with its vivid illustrations and lyrical words. The perfect bedtime book for readers of all ages - an instant classic.
March 20, 2020
This picture book takes the science of how atoms move through the universe and then shows how that makes us all very special. Through the eyes of one father and his child, each of us is celebrated for our connection to stars, planets and the entire universe. The story is told in lyrical verse that connects the child to the sun, the moon and faraway planets. The little girl’s features and hair are all compared to the Milky Way and the shine of the cosmos, inextricably tying them to one another. This book will have us all delighting in the iron in our blood, the calcium in our bones and the stars in the sky.
Jayawardhana’s text in this picture book is evocative and lovely, inviting everyone to think of their own connection to the universe. Combining this poetic approach with the science behind it in his Author’s Note, this book really allows children to imagine themselves as an integral and unique part of a much larger system, dreaming beyond the earth.
Colon’s art is jaw dropping in this picture book. He takes readers to other planets, frozen and barren but then lights the skies with new planets, galaxies and stars. He fill the bodies visually with the swirl of stars and planets and then juxtaposes humans into these wild and beautiful worlds he has created.
A stellar look at our connection to the universe. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Jayawardhana’s text in this picture book is evocative and lovely, inviting everyone to think of their own connection to the universe. Combining this poetic approach with the science behind it in his Author’s Note, this book really allows children to imagine themselves as an integral and unique part of a much larger system, dreaming beyond the earth.
Colon’s art is jaw dropping in this picture book. He takes readers to other planets, frozen and barren but then lights the skies with new planets, galaxies and stars. He fill the bodies visually with the swirl of stars and planets and then juxtaposes humans into these wild and beautiful worlds he has created.
A stellar look at our connection to the universe. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
December 9, 2020
There was a song at my church years ago that was so beautiful in its sentiment and so beautifully sang:
You are child of the universe
You are no less than the trees and the stars.
You are child of the Lord of Light
Be still and know I am God you are child.
I'm pretty sure now the song was taken from Max Ehrmann and unbeknown to us, we were praying to R'hllor, the god of fire from Game of Thrones!
I digress... I loved the sentiment and when I saw this title I knew I had to read it.
I think I had placed certain expectations on this title with my past history of the phrase.
The illustrations are lovely but I feel the substance was lacking. I think the book could have been more lyrical and deep. There were times it felt deep and then a simple rhyme left it a bit short.
Like the majesty of the Milky Way's grace (Yes! I love this line!)
your curly hair swirls over your face (blank stare)
The information regarding studies showing our DNA has substance from the universe and its beings at the back of the book is fantastic! I wish more of that information was in the actual book. I think it would have been a wonderful addition to describe more cosmic connections.
You are child of the universe
You are no less than the trees and the stars.
You are child of the Lord of Light
Be still and know I am God you are child.
I'm pretty sure now the song was taken from Max Ehrmann and unbeknown to us, we were praying to R'hllor, the god of fire from Game of Thrones!
I digress... I loved the sentiment and when I saw this title I knew I had to read it.
I think I had placed certain expectations on this title with my past history of the phrase.
The illustrations are lovely but I feel the substance was lacking. I think the book could have been more lyrical and deep. There were times it felt deep and then a simple rhyme left it a bit short.
Like the majesty of the Milky Way's grace (Yes! I love this line!)
your curly hair swirls over your face (blank stare)
The information regarding studies showing our DNA has substance from the universe and its beings at the back of the book is fantastic! I wish more of that information was in the actual book. I think it would have been a wonderful addition to describe more cosmic connections.
March 16, 2022
A young girl’s father tells her she is made of stars. She lights up the world in the same way that the sun lights up the moon. Galaxies exist in her smile; like faraway planets, she is grand and marvelous and strong and mysterious. She is a part of everything; she is a child of the universe.
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This beautiful picture book pays homage to a parent’s love for his child even as it explains how everyone is connected, how everyone is part of the vastness of the universe. This is a perfect bedtime story, one to be appreciated and cherished, for both its stunning illustrations and for its wise message of love and unity.
This is one of several young reader books in this vein, but it is important to judge the book on its own merit, not in comparison to the others. There are times that the author "reaches" for a rhyme, but even Dr. Seuss missed an occasional rhyme and this "reaching" doesn't affect the flow of the story.
The focus on the treasuring of the child, of the father's obvious love for her, and the wonderful pictures make this a book to add to the child's collection of "you are star-stuff" books.
Highly recommended.
=========
This beautiful picture book pays homage to a parent’s love for his child even as it explains how everyone is connected, how everyone is part of the vastness of the universe. This is a perfect bedtime story, one to be appreciated and cherished, for both its stunning illustrations and for its wise message of love and unity.
This is one of several young reader books in this vein, but it is important to judge the book on its own merit, not in comparison to the others. There are times that the author "reaches" for a rhyme, but even Dr. Seuss missed an occasional rhyme and this "reaching" doesn't affect the flow of the story.
The focus on the treasuring of the child, of the father's obvious love for her, and the wonderful pictures make this a book to add to the child's collection of "you are star-stuff" books.
Highly recommended.
March 24, 2021
Child of the Universe written by Ray Jayawardhana is a 2020 children’s picture book. Best read as a bedtime read-aloud, the story is orated with a rhyming verse. I discovered the story browsing on a website which listed diverse poetry picture books for kids. I was immediately drawn to it because the title of the story reminded me of line from one of my own favorite poems by Max Ehrmann: “Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.” The story takes readers on a journey through the cosmos as a father teaches his young daughter about space and astronomy. Told in first person narration, the story moves forward through the father’s monologue. This is certainly a book that could be read by all people between the ages of 4-8, however it is an especially good read to promote STEM areas not traditionally incorporated into picture books. More specifically, it promotes STEM to young girls as readers see young girls engaged in these types of activities!
October 28, 2020
Gr. K-3. In these troubled times, astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana has created an exquisitely lyrical but comforting treatise on our uniqueness and the power of our dreams. As a father tucks his daughter in at night, he muses about our connections to the universe and how – literally – we are all made of stardust. Jayawardhana, the dean of Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has received great acclaim for his research into planetary systems and prospects for life in other parts of the universe, and his picture book debut is the perfect vehicle for sharing his philosophies. An author’s note at the end of the book expounds upon his belief in these cosmic connections, followed by an afterword by acclaimed author Christopher Myers. Hauntingly gorgeous colored pencil drawings by award-winning illustrator Raul Colon complete this stunning masterpiece. Check Jayawardhana’s website at www.drrayjay.net/ for more information about his research, outreach, and other books.
September 8, 2020
5 stars
What can be more awe inspiring than the universe? Astronomer Ray Jayawardhana brings the wonders of the cosmos to children in Child of the Universe. In his story, he links a child to the beauty of our world and universe through poetic prose. “There are galaxies in your smile so wide. The cosmos is reflected in your eyes.” For a child who dreams of space, this book is a wonderful way to feel connected to our vast galaxy. In the stor,y he explains our connection in a physical sense. Our connection to our universe is in our DNA. Raul Colon's art work is mesmerizing, with ever-changing shades of blues, golds, and greens. He brings the universe to life in this delightful book.
- Miss Elena
What can be more awe inspiring than the universe? Astronomer Ray Jayawardhana brings the wonders of the cosmos to children in Child of the Universe. In his story, he links a child to the beauty of our world and universe through poetic prose. “There are galaxies in your smile so wide. The cosmos is reflected in your eyes.” For a child who dreams of space, this book is a wonderful way to feel connected to our vast galaxy. In the stor,y he explains our connection in a physical sense. Our connection to our universe is in our DNA. Raul Colon's art work is mesmerizing, with ever-changing shades of blues, golds, and greens. He brings the universe to life in this delightful book.
- Miss Elena
May 19, 2020
As a child readies for bed, her father compares her to the universe: She light up a room like the sun, her curly hair is like the milky way, her atoms spin like Saturn's rings and so much more. This child will have beautiful dreams of stardust and planets.
Breathtaking illustrations - although the poetic text is brief, the reader will stay on each page and lose themselves in the pictures. Beautiful! They almost seem to sparkle. I also loved the message - we are connected to the universe, so we are special. Oh!
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Breathtaking illustrations - although the poetic text is brief, the reader will stay on each page and lose themselves in the pictures. Beautiful! They almost seem to sparkle. I also loved the message - we are connected to the universe, so we are special. Oh!
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
September 8, 2020
Here is what I liked best about this book: the pictures. I skimmed the writing because I was lost in the pictures. Did you know that we are all made of stardust? What? You have read that before, in other books? Nooooooo....
Anyway, here is what I also loved BESTEST: the note in the back that talked about how we got lost when it came to science. This really resonated with me. Every great scientist was first a dreamer is a brilliant and wondrous thought. Now, someone needs to WAKE UP the science teachers and tell them this! For the most part, they don't seem to know this!
Anyway, here is what I also loved BESTEST: the note in the back that talked about how we got lost when it came to science. This really resonated with me. Every great scientist was first a dreamer is a brilliant and wondrous thought. Now, someone needs to WAKE UP the science teachers and tell them this! For the most part, they don't seem to know this!
September 23, 2020
Awards: None
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre-K to Second
Review: This quick poetry book is a wonderful ode to the unique nature of every child. However, it is quite short and boring, so I am not sure how well it will hold children's attention.
Reaction: This is not a book I would use in my class for a read aloud, but it is still useful as a resource for poetry.
In-Class Uses:
1) This can be put in the class-wide library under the genre of poetry, and that will then allow students to venture into poetry on their own time.
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre-K to Second
Review: This quick poetry book is a wonderful ode to the unique nature of every child. However, it is quite short and boring, so I am not sure how well it will hold children's attention.
Reaction: This is not a book I would use in my class for a read aloud, but it is still useful as a resource for poetry.
In-Class Uses:
1) This can be put in the class-wide library under the genre of poetry, and that will then allow students to venture into poetry on their own time.
Read
September 24, 2020The artwork in this is gorgeous! I mean, it's Raul Colon, so of course it is, but his interpretation of the text is really magnificent. The text is all right; I didn't pay much attention to it except that it seemed to try to rhyme but almost never rhymed well, which really could be purposeful? I don't know. I'm going to be hopeful that even though the text isn't perfect that the illustrations could still garner a Caldecott.
November 11, 2020
The illustrations are lovely, and the gold highlights make them sparkle. But I don't think either the charming words or the illustrations knocked You Are Stardust off of the pedestal I've put it on.
Regardless, this remains a gentle ode to a child's connections to the universe.
Regardless, this remains a gentle ode to a child's connections to the universe.
December 11, 2020
Child of the Universe is a meditation on the preciousness of one child and the vastness of the universe, as we are uniquely and intimately interconnected. The story provides an appreciation between the deep connections of the cosmic universe and one tiny human, sparks interest in scientific exploration, encourages dreamers, and creates awareness of our connection to the world and universe around us.
January 9, 2021
I wish there were more stars I could give this book … I give it the universe!
Seeing the stack of Raúl Colón illustrated books that I was taking home, my supervisor (children’s librarian and a father of two) asked me to tell him which one book from the stack I would most recommend. Child of the Universe is that one. Yes, the illustrations awe (Raúl Colón’s artwork always tends to blow me away) but the words are poetic, lyrical, warm, and spark imagination and dreams.
Seeing the stack of Raúl Colón illustrated books that I was taking home, my supervisor (children’s librarian and a father of two) asked me to tell him which one book from the stack I would most recommend. Child of the Universe is that one. Yes, the illustrations awe (Raúl Colón’s artwork always tends to blow me away) but the words are poetic, lyrical, warm, and spark imagination and dreams.
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March 24, 2020What is a synonym for "gorgeous"? I feel like I always use that word to describe picture books I'm head over heels about. Well, this is one, too. I love, love, love the muted yet dazzling illustrations in this affirming book that describes all the beautiful ways a beloved child is like the wonders of the universe.
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May 24, 2020This is a wonderful book about a parents love for his child. This book is written with a soothing cadence that a child will love to hear. The love in this story connects to the world around us, which is depicted in the illustrations. Children and parents will be captivated by this enchanting story. Reviewer 6
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July 24, 2020A poetic story of a father describing to his daughter how she is connected to the universe - like the stars, planets, our bodies being made of stardust. The illustrations in this book are breathtaking. This can be used in the classroom to teach that we are all connected, and we are all part of this planet.
September 24, 2020
I loved the double page spreads and the way that poetry was used to talk about real phenomenon in the universe. It is also nice that the story is about the love a father has for his daughter but the accuracy of the scientific information is really cool to me. I would use this in my future classroom as a read aloud during science.
copyright-2020
themes-astrophysics, poetry
copyright-2020
themes-astrophysics, poetry
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews