Basher Science: Physics: Why Matter Matters!

Overview

Basher Science: Physics, Why Matter Matters! created and illustrated by Simon Basher, Written by Dan Green:

Imagine physics as a community full of wacky characters--the building blocks of the universe each with a unique personality. This book throws open the doors and welcomes you into their amazing world. From gravity to the theory of relativity, this unique book provides visual interpretations of complex concepts, designed to make learning physics easier and a whole lot more fun!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753480694
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	06/17/2025
Series:	Basher Science Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 7.00(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	7 - 11 Years

About the Author

Dan Green studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Since graduating, he has written and edited many popular science titles and humorous books, become the editor of a South American national newspaper, worked as a travel writer, as well as developing and editing the wildly successful Horrible Science magazine collection. He is the "voice" of Basher's bestselling science-made-easy books, and to date has written nine titles in the series.

Simon Basher is a well-known illustrator who enjoys playing in the world of contemporary character design. Inspired by a love of simple line work and a rich color palette, his characters fill the gap between edgy manga and the cuteness of Hello Kitty.

Editorial Reviews

Physics is a difficult subject for many young adults. The concepts of gravity, magnetism, inertia, and friction can be very confusing. Many concepts are discussed and defined in this wonderful reference guide. Earthquakes, sound waves, microwaves, and light are explained in great detail with small definitions and discussion of ways that a person can relate to the topic and understand what it is all about. Each topic is discussed as a first-person narrative to help the reader relate to the concept. The pictures that accompany each concept are like no other. They are personified accurately and effectively using bright colors and humorous images. At the bottom of each definition are other facts about each topic, such as who invented the object, who discovered it, what the largest of that concept is, or what the deadliest is. Electricity can be very hard to understand, and the authors do a fabulous job of explaining the different types of electricity as well as electric currents. This would be a wonderful addition to a science curriculum in any type of basic physics class. It is easy to understand and provides humor and entertainment. Reviewer: Rachel Miller

Children's Literature - Rachel Miller

Gr 4-8

This follow-up to Adrian Dingle's The Periodic Table (Kingfisher, 2007) introduces the elements of physics as anthropomorphic, cartoon-style characters. "You could say that these forceful fellows are the ones that really matter." They are grouped by associations: "Old School" (mass, weight, density, etc.), "Hot Stuff" (energy, entropy, etc.), "Wave Gang" (sound, frequency, etc.), "Light Crew" (radio wave, microwave, etc.), "Atom Family" (proton, electron, etc.), "Nuclear Heavies" (radioactivity, alpha particle, etc.), and "Electric Cuties" (static electricity, electric current, etc.). Each of the groupings begins with an introduction and each concept is given its own spread that shows the cartoon figure and describes its "personality." The information is presented in a chatty and conversational tone. For example, Blackbody Radiation is described as "a ninjalike shadow who swallows and slays the Light Crew." Along with the narrative, which is written in the first person from the concept's point of view, other key facts are presented. This book would be handy as a supplement to a physics curriculum.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

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