Uncle Albert and the Quantum Quest

This is not the first Russell Stannard I have purchased for my grand-children (three and one - so starting the library early) and that is a recommendation in itself. I have no doubt whatsoever that the world in which they grow up will continue to expand exponentially in so many different ways, as it has in my life-time; as an English graduate with an extensive library, a long-standing computer user and now an avid iPad user, I have grown used to and now enjoy reading books, newspapers and PDFs from screens. Information Technology and its cousins are just amazing, thank you, the late, great Steve Jobs. However, I continue to stock the grand-children's libraries, mostly with hardbacks, in the belief that books will continue in some shape or form to be a staple diet.Gedanken and her scientist uncle, Albert, are the characters Stannard uses to take his readers on a journey into the world of quantum physics, a fun journey through the world of atoms, molecules, electrons and quarks. He knows the power of enjoyable stories to take our minds for a walk and he populates the journey with resonant characters with whom children can relate. Along the way, if they learn a little about physics, chemistry or biology, well, that's fun too.It does not make quantum physics any easier or less confusing for mere mortals but it does slip concepts into the minds, provide vocabularies to use and moments to remember, in addition to simply putting books into hands. "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel" Socrates (470BC-399BC), who knew too well how to educate the youth.A much mis-quoted and over-used Chinese quotation is "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."; although I do not entirely subscribe to this, it is the essence of what Stannard succeeds in doing surreptitiously with his series of books.Recommended as a wonderful educational ambush.

I love the Uncle Albert books. Not only are they an entertaining read but they introduce the reader to some of the most fundamental yet counter-intuitive principles of our Universe. My daughter first read these when she was 10. In her words they are 'amazing' and 'really make you think'. As a physics educator myself I'd love to see all young people reading them. The concepts are not covered until at least age 17 in UK school curricula which I think is a great pity since young people are naturally full of wonder about the world around them and deserve to have their eyes opened to these important ideas. Forget fictional stories of magic. The real world is far more wonderful and seemingly 'magical' than most fiction writers have imagined.

informative, good illustrations

This story presents the early development of quantum theory through the thought experiments of Albert Einstein and introduces some of the other important players and their ideas. All of this is done in a way that children of 11 and over can follow, but even adults will enjoy.

Got the trilogy for my son. He loves them all. Even I could understand these complex ideas!!

Good book. Thanks

A really good read for youngsters that have a scientifically inquisitive mind. Also useful for those that are looking for inventive ways to explain such difficult concepts.Buy the set!

A friend's boy, aged 7, said he wishes there were books like this at his school. So he took it to read the other pupils in his class