George’s Secret Key to the Universe
Author: Lucy & Stephen Hawking
Publisher: Doubleday 
ISBN: 9780385612708
Price: Rs 395
Age: 7 to 9

Everyone knows Stephen Hawking, the author of the bestselling A Brief History of Time. I haven’t read that one yet but the latest book of his, co authored with his daughter Lucy, titled George’s Secret Key to the Universe was an enjoyable read. The first book for children by Stephen Hawking, it combines the story of a young boy’s adventure into outer space with space facts interwoven in it.

George lives with his technophobic parents and his pet pig, Freddy. He is acutely aware of how different his family is from those of his classmates, especially at lunch! One day, thanks to Freddy he ventures into his neighbour’s yard (something he has been forbidden to do by his parents) and comes in contact with Annie and her father, Eric, who happens to be a brilliant scientist. Eric introduces George to Cosmos, the computer so powerful that it can draw you a doorway to space. George’s days are spent learning more and more things about space. Of course, there comes a twist in the tale with Greeper (Dr G Reeper, George’s teacher) who is definitely after something. The adventure begins when Eric is stuck in space with no contact with Cosmos who has been stolen (kidnapped?). George and Annie have to save Eric but first they have to find Cosmos.

Throughout the story are interwoven passages on the black holes, planets, illustrations and scientific drawings that answer any questions the reader may have. I skipped some of them but it was good to know that the facts were there if I wanted to know more. I also liked how there was a reasonable argument between those who are pro technology and those against. It offers scope for further discussion if you are recommending this book for your class.

On the whole, it is an interesting concept and probably the direction in which many children’s books are headed – combining information within an interesting story. From histories, to science, mythology and now space, stories seem to be the chosen medium. And George’s Secret Key...  is a commendable effort and good for a “romp through space”.

If you liked the book, watch out for the second book in the series, due for release in September 2008.

Aravinda A.