📖 Overview
The World in a Second captures twenty-three moments occurring simultaneously across different locations around the globe. Each spread pairs concise text with illustrations to document what various people are doing at the exact same instant.
Bernardo Carvalho's illustrations use a limited color palette and geometric shapes to depict scenes from daily life in cities, homes, and natural settings worldwide. The artwork balances detail with simplicity to convey the essence of each location and activity.
This cross-section of global experiences demonstrates how time connects humanity across cultures and distances. The book invites contemplation about the countless stories unfolding at any given second, highlighting both the diversity and universality of human experience.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate the book's concept of showing simultaneous moments happening worldwide. Parents and teachers note it prompts discussions with children about time zones and global perspectives.
Positive reviews highlight:
- Detailed illustrations that reward repeated viewing
- Effectiveness in teaching children about different cultures
- Success in demonstrating how big yet connected the world is
Critical feedback mentions:
- Text is minimal, may not engage some children
- Some scenes are complex for younger readers
- Price point feels high for length
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (228 ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (31 ratings)
One teacher wrote: "My students loved finding new details in the illustrations each time we read it." A parent noted: "The book helped my 6-year-old understand that when she's sleeping, other kids are starting their day."
Several reviewers mentioned using it as a starting point for geography lessons and cultural discussions.
📚 Similar books
Just a Second by Steve Jenkins
This illustrated exploration shows the numerous events and changes that occur in a single second throughout nature and science.
All in a Day by Mitsumasa Anno Eight children in different parts of the world experience the same moment in time through detailed panoramic illustrations.
A Child Through Time by Phil Wilkinson Parallel stories follow children from different historical periods and cultures as they go about their daily lives.
Meanwhile by Jules Feiffer A boy's journey up a city apartment building reveals simultaneous scenes unfolding behind each window.
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall A child's letter to visitors from outer space captures snapshots of human life, routines, and experiences occurring across the globe.
All in a Day by Mitsumasa Anno Eight children in different parts of the world experience the same moment in time through detailed panoramic illustrations.
A Child Through Time by Phil Wilkinson Parallel stories follow children from different historical periods and cultures as they go about their daily lives.
Meanwhile by Jules Feiffer A boy's journey up a city apartment building reveals simultaneous scenes unfolding behind each window.
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall A child's letter to visitors from outer space captures snapshots of human life, routines, and experiences occurring across the globe.
🤔 Interesting facts
🕐 The book was first published in Portuguese (titled "O Mundo Num Segundo") before being translated into English and other languages.
🌍 Each illustration in the book represents an event happening simultaneously around the world at precisely the same second, demonstrating global interconnectedness.
✏️ The illustrator, Bernardo Carvalho, is a co-founder of Portugal's innovative Planet Tangerina publishing house, which specializes in creative children's books.
🎯 Author Isabel Minhós Martins was inspired to write the book after wondering what might be happening elsewhere in the world at any given moment.
🏆 The book has been recognized internationally, including being selected as a White Ravens book by the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.