The Speed of Starlight

Not a fan of physics? Don't let that stop your kids from being amazed at how the world around them works. The stunning graphics in this science book will help them understand basic quantum physics (yep, really) while figuring out sonar sounds, electromagnetic rays and discovering the speed of light. Seriously impressive. * Smallish *
If you thought physics was boring, you certainly won't after a lightning (and enlightening!) tour through the universe with exciting science writer Colin Stuart. Designed to present physics in a totally new 'light,' The Speed of Starlight contains nearly 80 pages of scintillating science as we explore the topics of physics, light and sound alongside incredible artwork from Spanish surrealist artist Ximo Abadía. Presenting the information under four groupings - physics, sound, light and colour, and space - Stuart and Abadía combine impressive design with exhilaratingly presented content in a giant-sized book that will captivate and inspire youngsters. Learn the basics of Newton's Laws of Motion, the facts about seismic shakes, discover how the sound barrier is broken, how we are able to see the world around us because of light reflection, and cringe at the scary, stretchy condition called 'spaghettification' which could happen to you if you stepped into a black hole. This is science (yes, even quantum physics!) made fun, accessible, inspirational and visually exciting... well, who would have thought it! * LEP *
Beautifully produced as we are used to with this fabulous publishing house, this book teaches us the wonders of Physics, light and sound. Simple illustrations explain complicated scientific questions and it's brilliant. * Angels and Urchins *

The Speed of Starlight by Colin Stuart,
illustrated by Ximo Abadia,
reveals the wonders of physics in a new
light. Surrealist Spanish artist Abadia
helps readers visualise sonar sound while
renowned astronomer Stuart explains
the speed of light and basic quantum
physics in an easily understandable way.

-- Antonia Charlesworth * Big Issue in the North *

Subtitled 'A Visual Exploration of Physics, Sound, Light and Space', this is an elegant title with simple text and sharp colourful graphics that uncovers the mystery behind basic quantum physics.
It goes beyond starlight to investigate the science behind space but also how we explore the Universe. Divided into the four sections named in the subtitle, the book explains, using simple graphics, Newton's Laws of Motion, the insides of an atom, soundwaves, photosynthesis, the colour spectrum and then goes into space.
Any author who's had an asteroid named after him in recognition of his work to popularise astronomy must know a bit about what he's writing. Not only does Colin Stuart have the expertise and enthusiasm, but he can explain it in the simplest terms without resorting to cliché.

* Minerva Reads *
This impressive new title explores the physics of light and sound and helps its readers understand basic quantum physics.Divided into four sections: Physics, Sound, Light and Colour and Space, major theories and scientists are introduced in a clear, easily understood manner alongside bold illustrations. Absolutely loads of facts to absorb. I enjoyed learning about the Chandrasekhar Limit which is the maximum amount of material a white dwarf can absorb before they explode - calculated by a 19-year-old Indian astrophysicist on a three week boat trip to Europe! * Library Girl and Book Boy *