George's Secret Key to the Universe

Stephen Hawking, author of the multi-million copy bestselling A Brief History of Time, and his daughter, Lucy, explain the universe to readers of all ages. George's parents, who have always been wary of technology, warn him about their new neighbors: Eric is a scientist and his daughter, Annie, seems to be following in his footsteps. But when George befriends them and Cosmos, their super-computer, he finds himself on a wildly fun adventure, while learning about physics, time, and the universe. With Cosmos's help, he can travel to other planets and a black hole. But what would happen if the wrong people got their hands on Cosmos? George, Annie, and Eric aren't about to find out, and what ensues is a funny adventure that clearly explains the mysteries of science. Gary Parsons' energetic illustrations add humor and interest, and his scientific drawings add clarity; there are also eight 4-page full-color inserts of scientific photos.

"What better way to interest young readers in science — and specifically in its relevance to the long-term survival of humankind — than for one of the world's most renowned theoretical physicists to put his subject at the center of a children's book? Stephen Hawking, his novelist daughter, and French physicist Galfard create two inquisitive, middle-school heroes, then send them on wondrous adventures through time and space. The characters round out their experiences with information regarding everything from nuclear fusion reactions to neutron stars to the origin of black holes. In this first volume of a projected trilogy, George Greenby — whose technophobic parents have done their best to shelter him from the dangers of the modern world (computers, television, grape soda, etc.) — meets his headstrong new neighbor Annie, her scientist father and his super-computer Cosmos, a machine capable of instantaneously taking the two young explorers anywhere in the universe. His decidedly nave worldview undergoes a breathtaking transformation when he gets the opportunity to ride a comet through the solar system and witness the death of a black hole. The authors handily explore a range of themes, among them, the moral responsibilities of science, global warming and space colonization. Four insets of color photos from outer space and Parsons's cartoons enhance the broad appeal of this book, a true beginner's guide to A Brief History of Time. Ages 8-up. (Oct.)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

In his first book for children, the worlds preeminent theoretical physicist and author of "A Brief History of Time" teams with his daughter for a tale of a boy who befriends a computer that helps him to travel to other planets and a black hole. Includes four 8-page full-color inserts of scientific photos. Illustrations.

Stephen Hawking is Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge; his other books for the general reader include the essay collection Black Holes and Baby Universes and The Universe in a Nutshell.

Lucy Hawking has worked for New York Magazine and has written for the Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Times (London), and the London Evening Standard and the author of Jaded (available from Plume). She is one of Professor Stephen Hawking's three children.

Garry Parsons has illustrated many books for children, including Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe. He lives in London, England.