Big Bang! The Tongue-Tickling Tale of a Speck That Became Spectacular by Carolyn Cinami Decristofano, illustrated by Michael Carroll ages 9-12 32 pages Charlesbridge January 2005 Paperback     What child hasn’t looked up into the starry night sky and asked, “Where did it all begin?” This delightful and colorful book tells the tale of an astronomical bang that occurred billions of years ago, when a little itty-bitty speck smaller than the tip of a child’s finger exploded in a gigantic universal sneeze, sending energy hurtling into space as the universe began expanding and expanding and expanding... With realistic illustrations that capture the magnificence of space, Big Bang! follows the speck-turned-universe as it evolves over time and creates galaxies and solar systems and takes on the form modern scientists now observe through their high-powered telescopes. In language that youngsters can easily comprehend, the author presents the chronology of the cosmos, asking questions along the way that provide even more fodder for the curious mind. Children who love all things outer-spacey will cherish this book, but it also serves as a wonderful learning tool for kids who are just plain curious about how our universe was formed. Parents will enjoy the basic concepts and facts presented as well as the bold illustrations. There is also a helpful glossary of terms that clarify the content of this educational and highly entertaining glimpse into the cosmic story of our universe from birth.       web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2005 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)