Isabel and the Invisible World - by Alan Lightman

About the Book

"There's only one gift Isabel wants for her sixth birthday: a way to see invisible things. She can hardly think of anything else! Finally, the day of her party arrives. Unwrapping a big box, Isabel finds a surprise inside--a glass prism--and a dazzling world of previously invisible color emerges, lighting up the room around her. What else could be out there, waiting for her eyes to discover? In simple, engaging language, complemented by luminous artwork from best-selling illustrator Ramona Kaulitzki, author and physicist Alan Lightman unveils the hidden world of light waves--the ones you can see and the ones you can't. Back matter delves briefly into the subject of wavelengths, radio waves, and X-rays for readers curious to know more."--

Book Synopsis

Renowned physicist Alan Lightman, author of Ada and the Galaxies, turns his focus to light waves in a second story for children.

There's only one gift Isabel wants for her sixth birthday: a way to see invisible things. She can hardly think of anything else! Finally, the day of her party arrives. Unwrapping a big box, Isabel finds a surprise inside--a glass prism--and a dazzling world of previously invisible color emerges, lighting up the room around her. What else could be out there, waiting for her eyes to discover? In simple, engaging language, complemented by luminous artwork from best-selling illustrator Ramona Kaulitzki, author and physicist Alan Lightman unveils the hidden world of light waves--the ones you can see and the ones you can't. Back matter delves briefly into the subject of wavelengths, radio waves, and X-rays for readers curious to know more.

Review Quotes

This simple but effective introduction to portions of the electromagnetic spectrum is physicist Lightman's second science-inspired book for children. As in Ada and the Galaxies (2022), co-written by Olga Pastuchiv and illustrated by Susanna Chapman, he emphasizes the wonders that science can reveal, nicely ending his narrative with Isabel wondering about other invisible things. . . . Invisibly and effectively instructive.
--Kirkus Reviews

Softly rendered digital art not only sets a playful tone but offers plenty of hints about light and prisms to find before and after reading, from streaming sunlight to stained-glass windows to rainbows in confetti, cakes, and Isabel's birthday posters. . . . A charming, breezy introduction to STEM basics.
--Booklist

About the Author

Alan Lightman is a physicist, educator, and acclaimed author for children and adults. His debut picture book, Ada and the Galaxies, illustrated by Susanna Chapman, was published by MIT Kids Press in 2021. He is also the best-selling author of Einstein's Dreams. Alan Lightman has a PhD in theoretical physics and is a professor of the practice of humanities at MIT. He lives in Massachusetts.

Ramona Kaulitzki is the illustrator of many books for children, including Winter Lullaby by Dianne White and the #1 New York Times bestseller Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush. When she's not illustrating, she can be found somewhere outdoors or at the riding stable. Ramona Kaulitzki lives in Potsdam, Germany.