I'm a Neutrino: Tiny Particles in a Big Universe - (Meet the Universe) by Eve M Vavagiakis

Book Synopsis

An accessible and visually arresting picture book about one of the universe's most mysterious particles for the youngest scientific minds

Before you finish reading this sentence, trillions upon trillions of neutrinos will have passed through your body. Not sure what a neutrino is? Get an up-close-and-personal introduction in this dazzling picture book from MIT Kids Press, told in lilting rhyme from the neutrino's point of view and filled with mind-bending, full-bleed illustrations that swirl and splash the cosmos to life. Some of the smallest bits of matter known to exist--and they exist everywhere--neutrinos are inspiring cutting-edge and Nobel Prize-winning research. Here, playful text and watercolor illustrations blended with photographs distill the concept of these mysterious particles down to its essence. "Know Your Neutrinos" end notes provide context for each spread, amplifying the science and making complex astrophysics and physics concepts approachable. This indispensable STEM title urges children to dream of contributing their own discoveries.

Review Quotes

A whimsical initiation into the wonders and features of a neutrino particle. . . Ethereal digital illustrations with comical touches portray neutrinos from micro and macro perspectives and conjure up awe-inspiring images of outer space. . . . A poetic, gently humorous introduction to the world of neutrino physics.
--Kirkus Reviews

The illustrations depict children and adults of different genders and races; these fun visuals effectively depict the wonder and mysteriousness of this tiny particle. Kids who are curious about science will find this book an accessible and appealing entry point.
--Booklist

MIT Kids Press is here to educate kids on neutrinos! Told with fun rhythmic prose and adorable illustrations, little scientists will learn the ins and outs of this elusive element, along with a fun "Know Your Neutrinos" cheat sheet at the end of the book.
--Tiny Beans

The mother-daughter team behind this introduction to the neutrino--the most abundant of nature's mass-possessing particles--invites budding physicists to help solve the mysteries of this fundamental building block. . . . "Know Your Neutrinos" back matter expands upon each spread with accessible scientific detail. Unabashedly tackling a complex subject, this STEM read is sure to inspire curiosity.
--Publishers Weekly

Dynamic.
--The Virginian Pilot

The illustrations are awash with beautiful blues, oranges, and other hues; the illustrator creates whimsical neutrinos that bounce from page to page. . . an ambitious science topic simplified to a level many will be able to handle.
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Eve M. Vavagiakis holds a PhD in physics from Cornell University. A space enthusiast since childhood, she now works in experimental cosmology as part of the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, CCAT-prime, CMB-S4, and Simons Observatory collaborations to build instrumentation and study the oldest light in the universe. She also codirects the high energy physics reader's digest blog ParticleBites. Eve M. Vavagiakis lives in Ithaca, New York.

Ilze Lemesis is an artist and designer with a background in painting, advertising, Wall Street corporate communications, and international publishing. She has designed hundreds of higher education titles for major global companies and illustrated several books. She lives in Ithaca, New York.