Alexandria author J.R. Becker has a new children’s book coming out in June, called “This World Was Made for Me!” that deals with the environmental issues in an informative but whimsical way.
The satirical title serves as a mantra for the characters in the book — creatures throughout history from the five major extinctions. The common belief? No matter how we treat our planet, nothing bad will really happen.
The book counters that argument, illustrating the need for humility and vigilance. “We’re not in charge [of the planet], we are a small part of it,” Becker said.
Becker’s book is the sixth in a series that follow two children, Annabelle and Aiden, as they learn about life and its meaning. Becker, whose day job is at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, said he was inspired to write these books after noticing there was a lack of books for children about science and philosophy.
Annabelle & Aiden is a pro-science children’s book series dedicated to inspiring a new generation of scientists, thinkers and all-around adventurers, according to Becker, who also serves as publisher. His books “foster curiosity, wonder, and critical thinking skills by exploring the line where science and philosophy meet,” according to the book series’ website.
The books touch on the origins of life, evolution, myths and death and emphasize that people are all innately connected.
The series is illustrated by illustrator Max Rambaldi, who lives in northern Italy (Becker found her through an internet search). Fans of the book series who help finance it on Kickstarter can submit photos of their family to be featured in the books.
The Annabelle & Aiden books have received praise from science-enthusiasts, educators, parents, and celebrities worldwide, according to Becker, including magician Penn Jillette, journalist Cara Santa Maria, comedian Sarah Silverman, actress Mayim Bialik, ethologist Richard Dawkins, science writer Michael Shermer, and actor Seth McFarlane.
Becker has a rotating list of seven or eight ideas for future books in the series. Two of his current favorites are a book about aliens and the search for alien life through the decades or a book about mythology like the Greek gods, which would be an anthropological history of beliefs.
His first five books are available for purchase at annabelleandaiden.com, and the sixth book is available for preorder. Becker says “This World Was Made for Me!” is set to be complete by mid-June.
