Q is for quantum in unique baby books

Chris Ferrie spends his days wrestling with quantum information science and teaching the next generation of physicists about quantum theory at the University of Technology Sydney. But his passion for communicating physics doesn’t confine itself to the classroom—it inspired him to create the Baby University books, a series of children’s books that includes titles like Quantum Entanglement for Babies, Newtonian Physics for Babies, and Optical Physics for Babies. On 5 October Ferrie came out with three new titles: ABCs of Science, ABCs of Physics, and ABCs of Mathematics.

Ferrie, a father of four, says the Baby University series began in 2013 with a simple dilemma: He could not find books about science for his preschool-age daughter. “So I decided to write one myself,” he recalls. “Once the title Quantum Physics for Babies popped into my head, I knew I had something that would at least get some double-takes.”

Books on quantum entanglement, or an alphabet that includes “M is for Mitosis,” may seem like ambitious reading for kids under eight. As a parent I have to admit I was skeptical. But to my surprise, Baby University was an instant hit with my young toddler. My son loves the books’ bright colors and the fact that they feature his favorite objects, balls. I doubt he understands Newton’s three laws of motion or why red light refracts less than violet light just yet, but Ferrie thinks that early exposure to concepts in science and math will reap full rewards later. He writes, “One of my favorite quotes is von Neumann’s quip: ‘In mathematics you don’t understand things. You just get used to them.’ Why not start early?”

The ABCs books are Ferrie’s latest effort to share his love of science with kids. Each title takes the traditional alphabet book approach, pairing one letter per page with a concept that begins with that letter. “The books are designed to appeal to many age groups,” Ferrie says. “When I read them to my 1-year-old, I don’t read everything on each page. I read the letter and name, point at the picture and move on. For my preschooler I read the first sentence on each page, and for my oldest I read the whole page.”

ABCs of Science covers topics from a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geology, and medicine. Ferrie is skilled at using everyday objects as examples. “F is for Fulcrum” in ABCs of Science is illustrated with a pair of scissors, and curious kids are bound to go running for their pair to see how they work. Many pages, in fact, will prompt questions from children. Parents may find themselves answering inquiries about conductors and insulators, radiation, and the xylem (the part of a plant that carries water from the soil to its leaves). I recommend having a garden hose on hand when you reach “J is for Jet.”

For Physics Today readers excited to share something about their favorite subject with a little one, ABCs of Physics is the obvious choice. The book’s alphabet covers basic physics (“A is for Atom”), cosmology (“B is for Black Hole”), and quantum physics (“Q is for Quantum,” naturally). As with other Baby University titles, the illustrations are colorful and whimsical—I particularly appreciated the humor in “V is for Vacuum” (above).

ABCs of Mathematics is my personal favorite. Young readers will find familiar subjects like addition and division in its pages, but they will also be introduced to more advanced concepts like bases and matrices. If you know a kid who loves math or puzzles, this alphabet will be the perfect gift. Adults reading the book alongside their young mathematician just might learn new tricks for explaining complex mathematical concepts. The “T is for Torus” page (right) will look familiar to any readers who found themselves trying to explain the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics. Ferrie keeps the example grounded by describing a torus as a doughnut (the Nobel committee opted for a cinnamon bun in its press conference ).

If you know children who could use some new books in their libraries, keep Baby University in mind. Ferrie’s books are a fun way to share something you’re passionate about with a little one, and you may be surprised by how quickly they enter the regular reading rotation. My son now demands daily readings of Optical Physics for Babies and Newtonian Physics for Babies—or, as he calls them, the “ball books.” I look forward to adding Ferrie’s ABCs to the mix.