البروفيسور آستروكات: المغامرة الذرية رحلة عبر الفيزياء

Professor Astro Cat

by Dominic Walliman, Ben Newman (Illustrator), منيرة العيدان (translator)

جهّز دماغك للمفاجأة وتمسك جيداً فالبروفيسور آستروكات جاهز لأخذك إلى رحلة عَبر عالمَ الفيزياء العجيب. تعلم أكثر من الطاقة والقوة، والأشياء التي تكوّن أجسامنا والعالم من حولنا في هذه الرحلة المذهل المغامرة الذرِّية.

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

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

Dr. Dominic Walliman is a YouTuber and award-winning science writer. As well as writing the Professor Astro Cat books he produces the YouTube channel Domain of Science. He worked for several years on quantum computing, receiving his PhD in quantum device physics in 2010.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for youngsters who want to learn more about physics...I am sort of hesitant to say that I learned a lot from this book, but I did. Just the right balance of facts and story! I think it is very important to encourage small children to read about STEM matters in a way that is both informative and fun.

[Elizabeth Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! This is perfect for helping teach science OR having a brush up on scientific notions. I highly recommend this for teachers, children, and science interested adults alike.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quirky, engaging and fun introduction to the science behind everyday actions in a young student's life. This would be a fantastic intro for teachers to use before a lesson, or for families to read bits and pieces of before bed. Great illustrations and a consistent character in Astro cat keep the reader interested and flipping pages.

[thenik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a stellar book of science. For adults and children alike! The clear language and clever illustrations made this book so fun to read WITH our six year old. Opened us up for much conversation around physics! 5 bold stars!

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent, excellent, excellent primer for kids wanting to learn more about physics (and for the adult who may have had trouble learning about physics in elementary and high school). Great illustrations and easy to understand language make this a must-read for anyone with even an inkling of interest in science and the universe we reside in.

[Dr. Eva-Maria Obermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Astrokatz erklärt die Welt der Physik. Nach dem Universum ohne Grenzen ist das das zweite Abenteuer von Professor Astrokatz. Diesmal erklärt der Kater, wie die Welt funktioniert. Warum der Himmel blau ist und was sind eigentlich Naturgesetzte. Auch ein Periodensystem ist abgedruckt, in dem Ordnungszahl, etc. erklärt werden. Das ist auch für Große nicht immer gleich zu verstehen.
Mein Mann schaute das Buch an und meinte, es wäre viel zu kompliziert für Kinder. Unser Achtjähriger dagegen fand es "echt interessant". Gut, manche Erklärungen und physikalischen Begebenheiten sind ziemlich fachlich. Da springe auch ich in die Rolle der Schülerin und lerne noch etwas dazu. Aber das finde ich gar nicht verehrt. Ist es schlimm, wenn mein Kind mehr weiß, als ich? Und solange ich mir das Buch ausleihen kann, macht mir das absolut nichts aus. Ein Kinderbuch darf auch fachlich sein, wenn es dem Kind trotzdem Spaß macht. Dass wir mit "lernen" immer alles andere als "Spaß" in Verbindung bringen, ist doch eigentlich schade. Hier aber macht lernen Spaß!
Mit lustigen Dialogen und einfachen Fragen geht Professor Astrokatz samt Konsorten die Physik an. Schritt für Schritt, Thema für Thema arbeitet er sich voran. Die Zeichnungen dazu sind wirklich genial, weil sie immer wieder verdeutlichen und zusätzlich erklären. Dabei werden sie mitunter beispielhaft, zeigen aber durchaus auch schematische Zeichnungen. Diese Mischung finde ich ganz gut, weil sie durchaus ein bisschen fordernd ist und Anspruch erzeugt, aber nicht zu hochtrabend wirkt.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second collaboration between physicist and science writer, Dr. Dominic Walliman and lecturer in illustration (and illustrator extraordinaire) Ben Newman, is a gem (to be precise, one made of carbon covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms): a marriage of science, mathematics and art. Not only is Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure a wonderful contribution to any bookshelf with its remarkably accessible narrative and sharp, witty art-style, it is a book which has the potential to ignite a passion within the reader to consider a future in science. Full review here.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is targeted for older kids and it’s not a picture book, even though it appears like that. It has a lot of text and the topics are very advanced, more suited to middle grade children. But I liked it and will reintroduce it to my child once he is old enough.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first grader devoured the planet version of this book so we were thrilled to read this one together. He loved being able to learn about complex scientific ideas in a language he could understand!

[عدنان العبار · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting children's book that covers a lot of key topics in physics. It helps children, if at least they've heard the words and the concepts were briefly explained to them, to understand science in a clearer and more lucid way when they grow up.

I will definitely read these to my kids. It's suitable for preteens who are interested in science, and physics in particular.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy science? Feel more comfortable when concepts are presented visually as well as in text? Professor Astro Cat could be your new favorite. He has already explored and explained the Frontiers of Space, but now he takes things to a whole different level - the quantum level (among other things). In his Atomic Adventure, Astro Cat covers the many facets of physics, everything from sound waves and refracted light to neutrinos and Newton's Laws. Each topic is illustrated with images of Astro Cat and his faithful mouse helper demonstrating the various concepts. The ideas are presented in simple language and use everyday examples such as talking about the number of atoms you might find on the point of a freshly sharpened pencil, or the idea that inertia is why you need someone to give you a push to get your swing started on the playground.

There are pages on the periodic table, measurement, force and motion, energy sources, and even nano materials. Some of my favorite illustrations are those that show Astro Cat riding on Newton's shoulders, or copying Einstein and sticking out his tongue. The example of kinetic energy that shows Astro Cat using a judo chop on villains is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And fans of Ant Man will appreciate the explanation of quantum physics. Other things included in the book are an explanation of how rainbows are formed, why paint turns muddy brown when you mix too many colors, and the forces of flight. It is a very readable introduction to physics concepts of all sorts.

Whether the book is used to help introduce a science lesson, or simply read for enjoyment by someone interested in science facts, it will be a pleasure for either audience. Astro Cat and all his colorful friends (and villains), demonstrate gravity, friction, and pressure while having a great time doing it. Readers can't help but have a great time, too.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.

The author and illustrator were kind enough to do an interview with me. You can find the Q&A at http://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/2016/....

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many reasons to love Professor Astro Cat, I just can’t help myself. This brave and brilliant feline, with a mouse sidekick, has already led readers through Frontiers of Space. Now he’s back on an atomic adventure, explaining topics like gravity, the scientific method, atoms, molecules, and laws of force and motion.

Like the first Professor Astro Cat book, Atomic Adventure offers a feast of fact and image. Always dapper—he wears a derby even under his space helmet—Professor Astro Cat models a spirit of inquiry that’s infectious and entertaining. Grade-school scientists will enjoy poring over the pages of this book, reading main and secondary text, finding fact within fact within fact.

And frankly, Professor Astro Cat’s charm extends well past his grade school audience. Any lover of illustration will be charmed by this book—whether or not she has children in her life. The bright colors and the retro/modern style illustrations are nothing short of visually delicious.

If you know any budding scientists, particularly those who enjoy sorting through data and making their own discoveries, you’ll delight them with Professor Astro Cat. And if you have adult friends who appreciate top-notch design and illustration, they’ll be equally pleased with this title.

[Iowa City Public Library]

From Morgan:

"Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure by Dr. Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman combines retro-looking art with comics inspiration to explain physics concepts in a kid-friendly way. Covering topics ranging from the scientific method to particle physics, Professor Astro Cat and friends walk readers through the basics of each concept while providing in text and illustrated definitions to bolded terms. Related topics are grouped together and a glossary/index helps keep the contents organized."

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction text features: glossary/ index

I picked up this book because when my brother visited my library and a 3rd grade class came in to borrow, I told them they could ask my brother three questions- one precocious fellow asked him, "How come this library doesn't have more books about physics?" So, I was thrilled to find more abstract science facts presented in such a kid friendly and fun format to round out my library's collection.

[Ollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Спочатку мені видалося, що видання ну дуже дитяче. Але чимбільше зачитувалися, тим зрозуміліше було, що в книжці майже все, що цікавить на тему науки в початковій школі. Починаючи із основ наукового метода і закінчуючи розділами фізики, які не розкажеш малій дитині без підготовки, але простими сл��вами і з поясненнями, щедро проілюстрованими прикладами із повсякдення.
Першої частини ми в руках не тримали, але цей томик практично не полишає місце біля подушки. Ми перемикаємося на

[Sasha Boersma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that present science in a fun and engaging way for kids always win me over. Especially one like this that explores questions and applies the basics of science to explain the why.

Perfect for the age 5-7 crowd, and even the 8-9s who may be reluctant to take interest in science. Gender-neutral art : featuring Professor Astro Cat, primary colours, and bold designs.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful way to start learning about physics.

[Oleg Gerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дотепно написано й гарно намальовано. Інформативно.

[AD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great way to share a wealth of information about all sorts of different science knowledge - forces, atoms & molecules, energy & power, and LOADS more. It's an incredibly informative book, but the layout makes it seem like a breeze. The brightly coloured illustrations and the use of friendly-looking characters like Professor Astro Cat make it totally engaging, and the information is presented in really short sections (and often supported by diagrams). It's definitely a winner in my book!

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The busyness of the pages in this book made it a bit too much for the girls - we will try back in a couple of years. That said, I read to the end and quite enjoyed it as a refresher of things I haven’t thought much about (in some case as) since high school.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

packed full of interesting information and fun illustrations, a great over view of science and the basics of how the world works

[Andréa]

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

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ninety-nine percent of children's science books ruin themselves by presenting evolution as if it were proven as a theory.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kocham!! 4.5

[Shelby Bethke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly delightful. I honestly picked this up mostly just because my kid is currently obsessed with cats, but it's a great read. Actually informative and not overly dumbed down, lovely bright colors.

[Oskar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative in easy to understand language (for the topic of science at least) with very fun, colourful, and attention-grabbing visuals that aid with understanding the text.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun, colourful and informative book to do with all things science!

This would be a great book to enhance learning within KS2 science (focusing on Physics of course!).

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so, physics is *not* a subject I can easily wrap my mind around. Therefore, teaching it was tough for me. This book was hugely helpful in putting these concepts into words that both my kids and I can more easily comprehend. So thankful for this resource.

[Andrea Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure by Dr. Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman is an illustrated exploration of physics. This publication is impeccably timed with education’s push for more STEM studies as well as the Common Core’s focus on informational texts. The space-suited Professor Astro Cat leads readers through basic physics theories that range from rainbows to dark matter. While the topics may seem at times overly complicated, Walliman makes the information easily accessible. This, in fact, would be a good physics primer for both children and adults. Walliman’s narrative pairs well with Newman’s illustrations which are reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s Busy Town. The simple characters are painted with vibrant colors making every page pop. While Professor Astro Cat doesn’t have the hands-on appeal of the Scientists in the Field series, it’s an invaluable resource, as it gives an thorough overview of a subject that many find abstract and confusing. A great addition to any elementary or public library.

My copy courtesy of Flying Eye Books.

[Elizabeth]

As seen in American Scientist: http://www.americanscientist.org/book...