I wanted to like this one more than I did. I like the concept of marrying religion and science, allowing them to coexist without conflict. This one tries. It lays out the science as we understand it. It was the cookbook framework that didn't work especially well for me.

While reading this, I was trying to figure out who the ideal audience would be and I think this book is definitely for home school families who still want to know about astronomy but want a little bit of God added in. There is a lot of good scientific information that coincides with what I remember from my college class on astronomy. It’s actually more scientific than I thought it was going to be. Don’t let the pictures fool you, it’s a full science education. The most of the book is kind of a glossary of astronomy terms. There are some non-science type things like adding Queen Martha Matix and Sir Paynin Theobaum. I’m not sure who they are supposed to represent, but I don’t think it’s Jesus or the Holy Spirit like another reviewer suggested. I just thought they were silly characters, and I don’t understand why they were added. Actually, there isn’t a whole lot about God at all which kind of surprised me given the title.

I really did expect it to be more science- lite based on the cover. I’m not super into science, and I’ll admit I only read read 50% of it and skimmed the rest. My overall review is that it would be great for any middle or high school student who wants to start exploring astronomy, but your parents are against science because it leaves out God. This at least gives a nod to God creating the universe, but still includes all the scientific views like the Big Bang in a palatable way conservative Christians might not completely hate. However, I think they might be disappointed about not having enough God in the book which puts it in a weird no man’s land and has me questioning who the audience is for the book.

An introduction for younger readers to science and the Christian faith. An interesting read that deals with the science of the cosmos and how the universe came into being. A nice touch of humour and great illustrations. It is never patronising to the younger readers but shows how faith and science can co-exist quite happily in the same space. No pun intended.

This book was so adorable, I loved everything about it, the illustrations were so well done, they suited the book perfectly, the story was amazing as well, even thought is very short I could really connect with the characters. I’m sure the kids are going to be just as enthralled with this amazing book as I was. I will definitely recommend! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

Fantastic educational and fun science storybook, suitable for kids and grown-ups.

Perhaps too mentally stimulating for bedtime reading - this book is whip smart and I'm so grateful I got to read it.

I received a free ARC copy to review and I am leaving this feedback voluntarily.

Created with middle schoolers in mind, “God’s Cosmic Cookbook,” is approximately 200-pages of cartoon-illustrated scientific text created by Elizabeth Cole and Patrick Laurent in conjunction with Britain’s renowned Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge University.

From the Big Bang Theory; Black Holes; Charles Darwin’s evolution of the species; molecular DNA; continental drift and plate tectonics; greenhouse gases and climate changes; and much, much, more, this little “cook book” is admittedly advanced in it’s reach and undertaking—especially since, theoretically, the audience for this simplified science book is grammar school students.

I’m of the belief that even high schoolers and college students can benefit from this little primer that more easily explains difficult science and physics concepts than many trained professionals. There’s even a Periodic Table of the Elements included. Are fourth and fifth graders learning about their gases, heavy metals, etc. now? My how times change.

TheBookMaven graciously thanks NetGalley, Authors Elizabeth Cole and Patrick Laurent, and Publisher John Murray Press an Imprint of Hodder & Stoughton for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

This book is so cute! I think it is great for kids who want to know more about how the world was formed or the big bang theory.I just reviewed God’s Cosmic Cookbook by Elizabeth Cole and Patrick Laurent. #GodsCosmicCookbook #NetGalley
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When I saw the title of this book, I knew I was going to read it for review. I am ALWAYS interested when someone attempts a book on the subject of Creation. Unfortunately, I was not impressed. I can honestly say this was a creative attempt to deconstruct Biblical creation and other biblical beliefs and that is where a large part of the problem lies.

The author states this book was created in partnership with The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion located in Cambridge UK to “…ensure [their] science and theology are in line with current understandings and discoveries.” When I went to their website, I found the following statement: “…Faraday firmly believed in God as creator, but was critical of the natural theology that dominated much early Victorian science, and neither did he look to the Bible as a source of scientific information.…”

With this knowledge, the author then produces a book that includes the characters of God along with two others: a woman of color and her friend a physicist dubbed “Maestro”—both of whom “God” said were with him when he made the universe. This reference to the Trinity presents one of the characters as female, where several Bible verses identify each member of the Trinity as male. This is just one of the issues I have with this book. I will not waste time discussing the other issues as I tend to lose patience with publications that present God the way THEY want Him to be instead of how He is already stated to be. The author attempts to diminish God by ignoring the way God has identified Himself in the Bible—the very book they want to discount. In reality, science does not back up the theories proposed in this book yet the author has chosen to present theory as fact.

I do not recommend this book nor would I encourage its purchase. I give it one star because I can’t give t less. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The premise of this book was so intriguing that I just had to read it! Written from God’s perspective and giving instructions to any prospective universe creator, it explains how the universe was made.

This is a brilliant marriage between creation theory and scientific evolution, and although it gives greater weight to scientific theory, it doesn’t disregard creation. In fact, hearing how complex the universe is & how precise conditions need to be to enable life to flourish, I can’t help thinking that the Big Bang needed a creator behind it, in order for it to have worked the way it does.

There is a lot of scientific theory in here. I didn’t know, for example, that moons are needed to stop planets from wobbling in their orbit. Having said that, the way the facts are presented, makes it an easy read.

I thoroughly recommend this book to Christians and moon-believers alike.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Respectful and interesting concept to combine religion and science. Entirely new to me and I appreciate the inclusivity of it. Allows for more than one viewpoint and I think an important part of modernising our approach to religion.

Wow, this was an amazing book, filled with science and informations but in a fun and clever way, it’s definitely going to keep the kids entertained, especially with the amazing illustrations, they really added up to make this book a perfect read!

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

A book made for science, Physics, Chemistry enthusiats and everything related to the science of the universe. A clear, easy and compelling narrative that can easily be read by b oth children and adults. I liked a lot!

This was super informative- and non shame-y on either side of the spectrum: secular or not. I enjoyed this, and my kids in 5th and 3rd are going to enjoy this one too! We struggle to find a balance between belief and incorporating science as well- as we believe it coexists and this fit the bill perfectly!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to get an arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are
My own.

"God's Cosmic Cookbook" is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on an exciting journey through the vast wonders of the universe. I had the privilege of exploring this captivating blend of astronomy and cosmic creation.

From the very first page, the book bursts with lovely illustrations that transport readers to the outer reaches of space. The author's storytelling prowess shines as they guide young minds through the awe-inspiring cosmic ingredients used by God to cook up the universe. The combination of playful language and accessible explanations makes complex astronomical concepts easy for children to grasp.

What sets this book apart is its ability to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in its young readers. It skillfully intertwines scientific facts with imaginative storytelling, encouraging children to ponder the mysteries of the universe. By introducing concepts like the Big Bang and the formation of galaxies in a fun and engaging manner, "God's Cosmic Cookbook" ignites a spark of interest in astronomy that can potentially inspire young minds to explore the wonders of science further.



- An ARC Reader's Review