The Story of Atom

Category: Children-Educational
Author: Robert Reisler
Publisher: Kettle Books
Publication Date: December 13, 2024
Number of Pages: 70
ISBN-13: 9781734881479

Thoughtfully written and exciting, The Story of Atom is a children’s book that follows the adventures of Adam, a curious Carbon Atom, from the dawn of the universe to the present day. Spanning 14 billion years of cosmic history, this beautifully crafted full-color picture book immerses young readers in the wonders of science—Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—through Adam’s eyes. Filled with hidden Easter Eggs and a special secret to discover, the story sparks curiosity and imagination, encouraging children of all backgrounds to explore the universe within and around them. With an exciting surprise at the end and inclusive illustrations for diverse skin tones, The Story of Atom promises to be a treasured keepsake and a lifelong source of inspiration.

The story is narrated in the first-person narrative voice and is mostly hilarious. Imagine being swallowed up by a cow and not enjoying being in the body of the cow, then in a human person, and then in the grass. Carbon Atom has seen it all: “After you ate me, I became a part of you in kind of the same way I became part of that smelly cow.” The language is accessible, and the descriptions are gorgeous and well-crafted, entertaining young readers and leaving them with moments of “Wow,” while also making them think, “That must be such a terrible experience.” The illustrations are stunning and colorful, integrating elements of symbolism with a visual appeal that compels readers to consider scientific truths while finding delight in the colors. The Story of Atom is a beautiful book that introduces children to science while entertaining them with the unusual adventures of an atom. 

Reviewed By: Elena Enger

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Date: July 8, 2025

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