COSMIC COLLISIONS: Asteroid vs. Comet

COSMIC COLLISIONS: Asteroid vs. Comet, published by MIT Kids Press & Candlewick Press, released in April 2024. It’s written by Dr. Marc Kuchner, illustrated by me, and is the first in a series. You can find links to buy it here.

Synopsis:

There’s a comet speeding in from the outer solar system, and it’s about to slam into an asteroid. Who will be left standing after this interplanetary smackdown? The pockmarked asteroid, a veteran fighter who’s already seen some action? Or the dazzling comet, with its incredible velocity and a tail that stretches millions of miles? Kicking off a dynamic series on cosmic collisions, Asteroid vs. Comet starts by comparing the two opponents, then offers hints and context to encourage readers to use real science to form a hypothesis. Action-packed full-color illustrations with a graphic, comic-book feel will attract reluctant readers and kids who love smash-and-crash along with budding scientists. Curious readers can find back matter addressing the question of fact versus fiction, how to become a citizen scientist, and comets and asteroids in the news.

Some nice reviews:

Aimed at pro-wrestling fans—and anyone a bit hazy on the differences between an asteroid and a comet—this high-flying explainer sends the two heavenly bodies rocketing toward one another in an “incredible interplanetary smackdown.” “Who will survive this cosmic collision?” Will it be the gassy comet, a “cow-burp Popsicle” racing in from the Oort Cloud or beyond to zip around the Sun at 60 miles per second while heating up to 4,900ºF? Or will the much bigger asteroid, tumbling along between Mars and Jupiter at 11 miles a second and a cool -452ºF, prevail? As the suspense builds, the unseen announcer goes on to deliver the lowdown on typical features and astronomical origins of both contenders, enhanced by Schu’s star-spangled views of craters, planets, flashy comets with long tails, and lumpy planetesimals, culminating in a climactic fullspread "KA POW" and a logical aftermath. Dazzled readers will come away knowing more about not only the main ticket’s bruisers but dwarf planets, interstellar comets, meteor showers, and how to join the ranks of amateur skywatchers.

— John Peters (Booklist)

The language of boxing gives Kuchner a frame for introducing comet and asteroid attributes in this action- and information-packed science tome featuring an “incredible interplanetary smackdown” that will surely send readers’ gazes skyward. Ample headings and subheadings guide pre-match chatter as first-person prose describes the “contenders” (a “sort of potato-shaped” asteroid vs. “one big, bombastic comet”), as well as the “battlezone” (an asteroid belt “between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter”). Facts about where the objects formed and their temperature, speed, weight, material, and density enable readers to develop their own hypothesis about the likely winner of this “celestial slugfest.” Sportscasting language builds suspense until a final sky-filling “KAPOW,” analyzed by citizen scientists of various skin tones. Laid out in a boxy textbook-inset style, Schu’s digital renderings have a comic-book vibe and appear alongside squares offering terminology definitions. It’s an exuberant book that packs an out-of-this-world punch.

— Publishers Weekly

Set up like a match between two mighty athletes, this book explores the differences between comets and asteroids and what can happen when they collide. The scientific facts are explained in a way that makes it easy to understand and visualize the players and their movements. Kuchner has a way with words that makes this a very engaging read.

— Alice Cyphers