100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Thanks for supporting our 100% NZ-owned independent bookstore ❤️ Overnight NZ-wide Delivery 🚀

Unlocking the Universe

4.31 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 913 ratings, 92 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Unlocking the Universe by Stephen Hawking and Lucy Hawking introduces young readers to fascinating scientific ideas and theories about the universe. It combines engaging narratives with clear explanations, exploring topics such as black holes, space travel, and the potential for alien life, all intertwined with intriguing facts and illustrations. This book aims to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the cosmos in a style accessible to children.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2200
Elsewhere:
$2400
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have a budding curiosity about space and the universe, especially from a young reader's perspective. It is filled with fascinating insights and fun facts, making complex scientific ideas accessible and exciting. With engaging storytelling and wonderful illustrations, it's a delightful journey through the wonders of the cosmos, perfect for inspiring young minds.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The ultimate children's guide to the universe.

A glorious scientific gaze at our world, and the universe beyond in a fact-filled volume that will keep curious kids occupied for ages - ReadItDaddy blog

An excellent book that will do wonders to raise enthusiasm for science among young and old readers alike - Jonali Karmakar, Blogger

Despite its scientific content the essays are written in a very accessible style and the many topics investigated which range from the physical explanations of the universe to earth science to robotics and future predictions. Highly recommended for curious minds from around 10 years upwards - Sue Warren, Blogger

Have you ever wondered how the universe began? Or what it takes to put humans on the moon - or even on Mars? What would you do if you could travel through space and time?

NOW WITH BRAND NEW CONTENT FOR 2021

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful collection of up-to-the-minute essays, mind-blowing facts, and out-of-this-world colour photographs, by the world's leading scientists including Professor Stephen Hawking himself, curated by the brilliant Lucy Hawking.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Unlocking the Universe is praised for its engaging and accessible approach to complex scientific topics, making it suitable for readers from around 10 years upwards. Reviews highlight the book's ability to captivate curious minds with its wide-ranging exploration of the universe, earth science, and future technology. The fact-filled content is lauded for its appeal to both children and adults, providing a comprehensive introduction to science that is both educational and enjoyable.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241481486

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Puffin

Audience: Children, Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 448

About the Author

Stephen Hawking (Author) STEPHEN HAWKING was a brilliant theoretical physicist, generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers. He was Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and is the author of A Brief History of Time which was an international bestseller. His other books for the general reader include A Briefer History of Time, the essay collection Black Holes and Baby Universe, The Universe in a Nutshell, and Brief Answers to the Big Questions. He died on 14 March, 2018. Lucy Hawking (Author) LUCY HAWKING is a children's writer, the co-creator of non-fiction compendium Unlocking the Universe and the George fiction series, with her father Stephen Hawking. Lucy is a former journalist, having written widely for British newspapers, and she gives regular talks about science and stories to audiences all over the world.

Also by Lucy Hawking

View all
  • You and the Universe
    A non-fiction picture book for curious minds ages 4-7, from the inspiring words of the most famous scientist of our times, Professor Stephen Hawking, with his daughter Lucy Hawking and the artwork of Xin Li. We are all time-travellers, journeying together into the future. Be brave. Be determined. Let's work together to make that future a place we want to...
    Hardback
    $2900
    Elsewhere:
    $3200
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • George's Secret Key to the Universe
    The first in the global smash-hit George series written by Lucy Hawking and her father, Professor Stephen Hawking. Out-of-this-universe space adventures, plus exclusive, real-life information from the world's leading scientists - including Professor Hawking himself. Perfect for any curious mind. George's pet pig breaks through the fence into the garden next door - introducing him to his new neighbours: the...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Princess Olivia Investigates: The Sea of Plastic
    The second title in this unique series by global bestseller and science educator Lucy Hawking about a former princess desperate to find out about the world around her - and what she can do to help it. Illustrated throughout by Zoe Persico and with fascinating non-fiction sections from world-renowned scientists, this is perfect for readers 7 and over. Everyone talks...
    Paperback
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • You and the Universe
    A non-fiction picture book for curious minds ages 4-7, from the inspiring words of the most famous scientist of our times, Professor Stephen Hawking, with his daughter Lucy Hawking and the artwork of Xin Li. We are all time-travellers, journeying together into the future. Be brave. Be determined. Let's work together to make that future a place we want to...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Princess Olivia Investigates: The Knights of Nature
    The third title in this unique series by global bestseller and science educator Lucy Hawking about a former princess desperate to find out about the world around her - and what she can do to help it. Illustrated throughout by Zoe Persico and with fascinating non-fiction sections from world-renowned scientists, this is perfect for readers 7 and over. Olivia much...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    Backorder
    Ships early September
  • George and the Big Bang
    The third out-of-this-world adventure from Lucy Hawking and her father, Professor Stephen Hawking—the most famous science genius in the Universe! Plus there's exclusive, real-life information from the world's leading scientists, including Professor Hawking himself. Perfect for any curious mind. Meet George. He's an ordinary boy with an incredible secret—the power to go on intergalactic adventures! Join him as he battles...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Princess Olivia Investigates: The Wrong Weather
    "The more we find out about the world around us, the more we can work out other, more complicated things, such as how the universe began or how life got started on Earth." The brand-new series for readers aged 7 and upwards from the globally bestselling science educator, Lucy Hawking. Olivia Alez is delighted about finally living a life away...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Also by Stephen Hawking

View all
  • A Brief History Of Time
    A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking transcends the boundaries of traditional scientific literature to explore profound questions about our universe, presented with clarity and precision. In this landmark work, Hawking embarks on a remarkable journey through the cosmos, making complex concepts accessible and engaging to readers from all walks of life. The book begins with a historical overview...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Brief Answers to the Big Questions
    THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking is a profound exploration of the most compelling questions that have captivated humanity for centuries. As the renowned cosmologist and bestselling author of A Brief History of Time, Hawking leaves us with his final thoughts in this remarkable posthumous work. In this enlightening book, Hawking addresses...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Scientist: The Origin of (almost) Everything
    Introduction by Professor Stephen Hawking. When Edwin Hubble looked into his telescope in the 1920s, he was shocked to find that nearly all of the galaxies he could see were flying away from one another. If these galaxies had always been travelling, he reasoned, then they must, at some point, have been on top of one another. This discovery transformed...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Illustrated Brief History Of Time
    The Illustrated Brief History of Time by Professor Stephen Hawking is a beautiful and fully illustrated new edition of one of the most profound books on cosmology ever written. This book takes readers on an incredible journey through the mysteries of the universe, starting with the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein. It explores profound questions such...
    Hardback
    $6000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Grand Design
    The Grand Design, co-authored by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and acclaimed thinker Leonard Mlodinow, embarks on an ambitious quest to answer some of humanity's most profound questions. Delving deeply into the origins and workings of the universe, the book explores cutting-edge theories in physics that challenge traditional views and push the boundaries of our understanding. From the beginning of time...
    Paperback
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • A Briefer History of Time
    In A Briefer History of Time, Stephen Hawking teams up with Leonard Mlodinow to offer readers a more accessible companion to his groundbreaking work, A Brief History of Time. This refined version revisits the profound mysteries of our universe in a manner that is easier to understand, aiming to reach even the most novice of science enthusiasts. Hawking and Mlodinow...
    Paperback
    $3100
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • You and the Universe
    A non-fiction picture book for curious minds ages 4-7, from the inspiring words of the most famous scientist of our times, Professor Stephen Hawking, with his daughter Lucy Hawking and the artwork of Xin Li. We are all time-travellers, journeying together into the future. Be brave. Be determined. Let's work together to make that future a place we want to...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Brief Answers to the Big Questions (Illustrated Edition)
    The million-copy bestseller now illustrated with over 200 full-colour images, illuminating the fascinating science of our universe like never before. 'A beautiful book by a brilliant mind' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'The best, most mind-bending sort of physics' THE TIMES The world-famous cosmologist and #1 bestselling author of A Brief History of Time leaves us with his final thoughts on the universe's...
    Hardback
    $4999
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • You and the Universe
    A non-fiction picture book for curious minds ages 4-7, from the inspiring words of the most famous scientist of our times, Professor Stephen Hawking, with his daughter Lucy Hawking and the artwork of Xin Li. We are all time-travellers, journeying together into the future. Be brave. Be determined. Let's work together to make that future a place we want to...
    Hardback
    $2900
    Elsewhere:
    $3200
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • George's Secret Key to the Universe
    The first in the global smash-hit George series written by Lucy Hawking and her father, Professor Stephen Hawking. Out-of-this-universe space adventures, plus exclusive, real-life information from the world's leading scientists - including Professor Hawking himself. Perfect for any curious mind. George's pet pig breaks through the fence into the garden next door - introducing him to his new neighbours: the...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Black Holes: The Reith Lectures
    Black Holes: The Reith Lectures by Stephen Hawking features his BBC Reith Lectures on black holes, introduced and annotated by BBC Science Editor David Shukman, with illustrations throughout. "It is said that fact is sometimes stranger than fiction, and nowhere is that more true than in the case of black holes. Black holes are stranger than anything dreamed up by...
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • God Created the Integers
    God Created the Integers is Stephen Hawking's masterful compilation of the most profound mathematical masterpieces in history. Through this meticulously curated selection, Hawking invites readers to journey through the evolution of mathematical thought, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the minds of the greatest mathematical geniuses of all time. The book features seminal works from a span of 2500 years, showcasing...
    Paperback
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

More from Children's Books

View all
  • Cass and the Beast
    New Release
    Cass and the Beast
    A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...
    Hardback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
    Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Royalslinger
    K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery
    Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...
    By Li Chen
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Mei Mei the Bunny Mei Mei the Bunny
    New Release
    Mei Mei the Bunny
    Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...
    By Laufey
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Hunted: Wolf Girl 15
    Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...
    By Anh Do
    Paperback
    $1699
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    What If You Could
    From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....
    Paperback
    $2599
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
    Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Dawn Raid: The Apology
    This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2099
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Big Bang Bread
    New Release
    Big Bang Bread
    In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    B is for Bird
    From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...
    Hardback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Signed Copy
    The Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
    (Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.