Quantum! The Strange Science of the Smallest Stuff in the Universe
“offers moments of wonder, exploring how stars are built, the mysteries of time travel, and the composition of the universe.”
Christopher Edge’s Quantum! is a bold attempt to introduce young readers to the mind-bending world of quantum physics. Targeted at readers seven and up, the book is packed with fascinating facts and vibrant illustrations. But while its ambition is clear, it juggles some challenges when it comes to accessibility for its audience.
Edge’s playful narrative takes readers on a journey from the Big Bang to the subatomic realm of quarks, photons, and femtometers. The character Q, an alien-like guide, leads the way, though Q’s design and personality don’t quite make them a memorable or engaging anchor for the story. While the introduction of a quark “family” adds some charm (late on) the absence of an entertaining counterbalance—like an “antiquark villain”—feels like a missed opportunity to leverage classic storytelling tropes for young readers.
The text is rich with content but often skews toward complexity, introducing hefty concepts and terms like "Planck time" and "quintillion" early on. While adults reading alongside their children might appreciate the depth, the younger audience might find it daunting. The layout, which occasionally employs CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis, seems to aim for excitement, though it may not always succeed in making the material more accessible.
Paul Daviz’s illustrations shine, bringing bursts of color and life to an abstract topic. His bold and vibrant style helps ground some of the book’s more challenging ideas, though it might have benefited from additional visual storytelling to complement the textual jumps.
Despite its scattered structure, Quantum! offers moments of wonder, exploring how stars are built, the mysteries of time travel, and the composition of the universe. It’s a book brimming with ambition, suitable for curious kids ready to tackle big ideas—and for adults who don’t mind learning a thing or two themselves.
While Quantum! might be a little overwhelming for its intended audience, it’s a visually captivating introduction to quantum physics that may spark curiosity in readers willing to dig into its challenging content. A great choice for a family read-together, where an adult can help unravel the more complex concepts.