Beyond the Sky: You and the Universe

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Dara Ó Briain, illustrated by Dan Bramall

Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

Published by Scholastic, 2018

Non-fiction

About this book

Beginning with the question, 'So you want to go into space?', this book takes readers on a hilarious journey through the solar system and beyond. It's packed with fascinating facts covering fundamental scientific questions such as 'What might be in a black hole?' and 'What happens to poo on the International Space Station?'.

Ó'Briain's genuine love for science shines through and Dan Bramall's witty illustrations complement his chatty, accessible style. The content does not feel remotely dumbed down – this is the kind of book both adults and children will want to read multiple times in order to grasp the sheer vastness of what we know (and more importantly, what we don't) about the universe we live in.

The book ends with a call to arms for more astronauts and rocket-makers – reading it will definitely start some budding stargazers off on their own space adventures.

About the author

Dara Ó Briain is a stand-up comedian and television presenter, best known for hosting BBC’s Mock the Week and Robot Wars. He started his career in television as a children’s presenter on RTÉ, while performing his first stand-up gigs on the Irish comedy circuit. This was after studying Mathematical Physics at University College, Dublin. In 2011, Dara co-hosted BBC1’s astronomical show Stargazing Live alongside Professor Brian Cox, sharing his love of space and science with the nation.

Dara’s first children’s book, Beyond the Sky, was published in September 2017. He has since published several children's books concerning science.

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