Just A Second

by written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

For the curious child who asks what a second really means: this book visualizes the passage of time through incredible animal feats and cosmic events.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to grasp the abstract concept of time or when they are transitioning from simple counting to a deeper curiosity about the natural world. It is the perfect antidote to the 'are we there yet' phase, transforming minutes and hours from frustrating wait times into windows of incredible activity. Steve Jenkins uses his signature collage style to visualize what happens in the blink of an eye, the beat of a heart, or the orbit of a planet. By comparing the speeds and rhythms of diverse creatures, the book fosters a profound sense of wonder and scientific appreciation. It is an ideal choice for parents who want to bridge the gap between mathematics and biology in a way that feels like an adventure rather than a lesson. While appropriate for the 6 to 10 age range, it serves as a sophisticated coffee-table-style book that invites repeated browsing and shared discovery.

Curiosity & Wonder Math & Numbers Animals Nature & Outdoors Space Ocean & Marine Life Birds Bugs & Insects

What Parents Should Know

Sensitive Topics

The book takes a strictly secular, scientific approach. It touches on life cycles and longevity (centuries), but does so through a lens of biological wonder rather than the grief of death. There are no depictions of predation or violence, only movement and existence.

Ideal Reader

A second or third grader who is obsessed with 'Guinness World Records' style facts but is ready for a more artistic, thoughtful presentation. It is perfect for the 'fact-collector' child who finds comfort in numbers and data.