Why In The World Are We Here is an interactive philosophical adventure that explores the purpose of life and is meant to foster critical thinking in young readers.
Table of Contents
Review
Explore the purpose(s) of life with Eia and her friend Whhat as they embark on a philosophical adventure through different islands and their unique worldviews.
The question of why we are on Earth is not just a question but a driving force as old as mankind itself. This book invites you to ponder on this age-old question and find your own answer or as many answers as you wish. Eia and Whhat travel through different islands, each one with its own motto, exports, attractions, currency, laws, and institutions. Will they find their purpose on the Island of Fun? Or perhaps the Beatles were right, and life is all about love? Why In The World Are We Here? by Clare-Rose Trevelyan is an interactive philosophy book for young readers.
The fact that this book is directed at young readers is an achievement in itself. Why wait until we can understand Kant to start introspection and reflection? Some of us may never want to dive into long and boring treaties. Parents and caregivers, understandably concerned about the confusing and sometimes blatantly harmful information of our day and age, can use this book as a tool to foster young thinkers.
The art in this book is splendid. Gathering the work of nine different visual artists, the book has no ordinary illustrations but visual pieces that are as thought-provoking as the story itself. They include collages, 3D digital art, pictures of ceramic sculptures, graphic novel art, and charcoal, among others.
The book’s language is the exact opposite of the obscure terms one would imagine for a philosophy book. The author uses fun neologisms and lively alliterations to keep the reader interested. The alliterations not only help in memorization but also bring out a playful side that reminds us of nursery rhymes and tongue twisters.
Philosophy can be hard because of its intrinsically intangible nature, but Trevelyan anchors it down using things that are common to all of us, such as currency, laws, or moon phases. Encouraging the reader to interact with the book and even leaving pages for us to create our own island also helps lift the weight out of a heavy subject.
Why In The World Are We Here? worked for me as a self-exploration tool. For once, I am trying to move from the Island of Power to the Island of Now. I call it mindfulness, but I’m not as creative as Clare-Rose Trevelyan.
Of course, the book could include a lot more “islands.” For example, religion and its own purposes (i.e., salvation) are lacking in this text. However, the open-ended narrative and constant encouragement from the author to the reader to “create as many islands or places within your island as you like” solves this pretty easily.
This book is a must-read for adults who are ready to embrace a lighter approach to philosophy or who are seeking self-exploration. This is a fundamental read for young ones and a valuable tool for teachers and caregivers seeking to raise critical thinkers. And don’t we need critical thinkers more than ever?
About the Author
Expressing a lifelong passion for philosophy ignited by the mysteries of the universe and the enchantment of everyday existence, Clare-Rose Trevelyan has dedicated the past two decades to fostering philosophical inquiry among young minds. Through roles in schools, external literacy programs, and theater, she has endeavored to awaken the philosopher within children and to encourage them to contemplate their own thoughts and ponder the nature of their curiosity. By enthralling them with vibrant narratives, intricate characters, evocative soundscapes, and above all, thought-provoking questions, she seeks to inspire a deeper engagement with the complexities of existence and the wonder of the human mind.
Book Details
- Title: Why in the World Are We Here?
- Author: Clare-Rose Trevelyan
- Genre: YA
- Theme: Philosophy, Mindfulness, Self-exploration
- Publication Date: December 13, 2023
- ISBN or ASIN: B0CQ7BF6SQ
- Number of Pages: 130
- Minimum Audience Age: 13
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 0
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 0
- Other adult themes: 0
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 4 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 4.8 out of 5
Get a Copy of the Book
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I love the originality of this book!
Very nice