CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION: DRAGON HOOPS

CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Jayawardhana, Ray, and Raúl Colón. Child of the Universe. Make Me A World, 2020. ISBN 9781524717544

2. PLOT SUMMARY 

    The child of the universe is a bedtime story that describes how each child is unique and precious as the vastness of the universe we live in. The story starts with child looking upon the moon with her father before bedtime, and her father compares her to different parts of the universe, such as how she shines bright as the sun, her curls as swirly as the Milky Way, the galaxies are as wide as her smile, and the cosmos is reflected in her eyes. Her father goes on to compare and describe how his daughter is as unique and beautiful as our universe, and how we are all connected to the universe by very molecules that make up our existence. The child then is tucked into bed and goes to sleep, dreams of the stars and planets that her father described to her. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

    From the very beginning of the story, readers are introduced to the wonders of the universe, and the beautiful multitudes that are contained within, all that encourage a sense of awe for the universe we live in, and to be dreamers. Readers travel throughout the galaxy, and make personal connections with the comparisons the father gives to his daughter, such as how truly unique and wondrous they themselves are, and how each and every part of them and their being are a gift and loved. One such comparison describes 

“Like faraway planets only telescopes can see, with hills and valleys, glaciers and seas…you are grand and marvelous, strong, and mysterious. The history of the world is in your fingertips.”

Such lyrical comparisons can give the reader feelings of being beautiful, unique, valued, and loved.

The vivid illustrations are filled with bright pastels that detail each part of the universe described, and immerse the reader into the possibilities and beauty the universe has to offer, even when we may never see it for ourselves. The vibrant colors not only aid in showing the beauty of the universe, but also comparatively with the beauty found within each of us. The unique layouts of each scene within the universe fill two entire pages each, to help the readers visualize how vast each part of our universe is, and to dream of their own exploration of the universe through their imagination.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

    School Library Journal Starred award

From Colorado Springs librarian Joy Fleishhacker: “This lovely picture book can spark interest in scientific exploration, create awareness of our connection to the cosmos, and encourage dreamers to embark on their own journeys of imagination.” 

    Publishers Weekly

“In contrast to picture books that promote STEM to girls by showing them engaged in scientific activities, Colón represents the child as the actual embodiment of elemental science: a figure in white gown and with streaming hair who is at home in-and made up of-the farthest reaches of the universe. Ages 3-7.”

5. CONNECTIONS 

Stories that are similar to “Child of the Universe” in describing the uniqueness and beauty of every child: 

• Heling, Kathryn, et al. There's Only One You. ISBN 9781454922926

• Martin, Emily Winfield. The Wonderful Things You Will Be. ISBN 9780385376716

• Miller, Pat Zietlow, et al. Remarkably You. ISBN 9780062427588

Stories that are similar to “Child of the Universe” in sharing the wonders of the universe we live in:

• Bauer, Marion Dane, and Ekua Holmes. The Stuff of Stars. ISBN 9780763678838

• Cunningham, Matthew. Abigail and the Birth of the Sun. ISBN 9780143772705

• Slade, Suzanne, and Stephanie Fizer Coleman. The Universe and You. ISBN 9781534111080

    In a story time with a younger audience, read Child of the Universe, and follow with a “Make and Take” craft program where children can make a Paper Plate Galaxy Twirler. 

Materials needed: 

• Paper Plates 

• Blue,  Purple Paint

• Glitter Sticks 

• Paint brushes

• Glue 

• Child Scissors 

• Markers

• Pre cut Star and planets (circles) shapes - construction paper. 

• Fishing Wire. 

After painting paper plates, the children and their parents can cut the paper plate into a large spiral. While drying, the children can decorate their construction paper stars and planets, and after the twirler is finished drying, they can glue the planets and stars to the twirler. The twirler can be hung from anywhere!