Statistical Physics for Babies

Baby University

by Chris Ferrie

"It only takes a small spark to ignite a child's mind! Written by an expert, Statistical Physics for Babies is a colorfully simple introduction to entropy. Babies (and grownups!) will learn all about the second law of thermodynamics and why things tend to look more random as time passes. With a tongue-in-cheek approach that adults will love, this installment of the Baby University board book series is the perfect way to introduce basic concepts to even the youngest scientists. After all, it's never too early to become a statistical physicist!"--

Genres: Science, Childrens, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Physics

24 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2018

About the author

I am Chris Ferrie, father of four and happy husband. My day job is academic research where I follow my curiosity through the word of quantum physics. My passion for communicating science has led from the most esoteric topics of mathematical physics to more recently writing children’s books.

Reviews

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entropy rules!

3.5 stars.It’s funny how saying that “Things naturally go from organized to messy” never worked when I was told by my parents to clean my room.

[Ronan Crutchfield]

I was a little confused as to why I couldn’t pick up the balls off the page. But other than that, I thought it was a good book

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to check out a book called Statistical Physics for Babies. I just had to. And I did like that it breaks down a complex concept pretty simply. But there’s an error in the book that makes it incorrect. And really, it’s for parents who think a book called Statistical Physics for babies is awesome, not for actual babies.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good explanation of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. It was colorful and fun. I think my bb gets it now 😊.

[Maila Maslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Five stars] because it's physics!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best thing I've read

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our books today are the third set of board books from Chris Ferrie’s Baby University series: Quantum Information For Babies, Electromagnetism For Babies, and Statistical Physics For Babies.

The third set released into this popular board book series, little bookworms can now learn three new advanced scientific concepts through simplified explanations and basic, linear graphics. In Statistical Physics, they can learn about probability and entropy. In Electromagnetism, magnetic fields and positive and negative charges are explored. And in Quantum Information, information storage and qubits are introduced.

These were STEM-tastic! We actually previewed one of the first books in this series way back (Quantum Entanglement For Babies), and weren’t overly impressed. But the quality of these has absolutely improved as the series continued, and the results are great. The information was laid out in clear and concise terms, and while the graphics are still very rudimentary, it actually works very well in this context, supporting the concepts being explained without over-complicating them or pulling focus. I can honestly say that even I came away with a better understanding of the subjects after reading the books with JJ, and she enjoyed them for the most part as well, especially Statistical Physics. The lengths are short enough to easily read in one sitting, and we had fun learning about some science we wouldn’t have gotten in any other board book. Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Bonn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series! However the copy of this I borrowed from the library has a typo of sorts. On the page explaining that there are fifteen ways for two of six colored balls to be on the right side of the box, there are two sets with a blue and purple ball paired, but no set with an orange and purple ball together. Has anyone else noticed this?
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[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My parents gave this to my grandpa, who used to teach physics at uni, for christmas. He then proceeded to read it to the surrounding family. It was absolutely hilarious, mostly due to his reactions to everything it said and his way of reading (didn't help that he was holding it so we could see, meaning he was reading upside down).

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really what it is - a simplified way of explaining statistical physics with visuals. Not sure if it’s really for babies since mine lost interest pretty fast since it was a bit boring and the pictures were too similar to keep little one’s attention. However as the adult, I learned something new today.

[Tony Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have a baby so I can't speak to their understanding, but a friend asked me to check out the series and see if I thought they were accurate. This one is a good, very basic explanation of stat physics.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The colors, the balls, this is a great way to pique your babies interest. My two year old loves to read this one over and over and I couldn’t be happier that we are able to read and turn one page at a time and keep her attention.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the colors, but very advanced.

[John Siebelink · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not as clear as the others in the series, this one is a great way of teaching the bare basics of patterns and statistics to children—and parents.

[M Aghazarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really know in what context I would need to know what statistical physics is, but I guess I understand entropy and thermodynamics now

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this on social media and this would most definitely be helpful in my high school physics class! It breaks things down in simple terms, has easy pictures to follow and goes slow, step by step.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand entropy now!

[Morgan Hagenbuch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less confusing than the book on general relativity.

[Mufti Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

havent had the will to write a review but here we go.

Very simple yet cool illustrations. Combined with an also simple explanation for each illustration.

The concept explanation itself can't be better since it's already simplified.

[MeliMiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is good in order to learn a lot of stuff (colors, forms, how to count...). A very interesting book even for adults.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.