You and the Universe

Text from the Hawkings urges readers to care for one another and the planet in this buoyant book, which riffs on the late Stephen Hawking’s posthumous 2020 Earth Day message. First-person remarks establish a mode of curiosity (“I have tried to answer some really big questions”) that young readers are encouraged to embrace (“But there are other big questions I need you to help answer”). While answers to the scientific queries (“What’s inside a black hole?”) appear in back matter, more humanitarian prompts (“How can we take care of each other?”) emphasize values including kindness, respect, and love. Acrylic, pencil, and digital illustrations by Li supportively emphasize the Hawkings’ focus on global community through circle motifs and depictions of the speaker alongside kids of various abilities and skin tones. Concluding spreads have an environmental vibe as the group marches with eco-signs aloft and simple affirming statements make planetary harmony seem easily achievable. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)