Science writer Brian Clegg has teamed up with ‘Judge Dredd' artist Stewart Moore and author Guy Lachlan to promote science-based learning for children... years before they set foot in a classroom.

With Comet ISON in our night skies this week, The Day A Comet Came To Tea introduces pre-school children to the wonders of the universe - inspiring a love of science before they start school.  Earth needs more scientists since we live on this planet as if we have another to go... it's a well known fact that many children avoid GCSE physics, chemistry and biology in favour of less challenging subjects. So why wait for school...?

Launched in September at The Royal Institution, The Day A Comet Came To Tea tells in simple rhyme, how a boy and his daddy, are shocked to find a galactic guest has arrived with a loud bang - right outside their house! The adventure unfolds when the space-travelling Comet is invited in for supper...

Brian, whose talks cover the theory of relativity or quantum physics, is convinced it is the teachers (not the children) that are scared of tackling ‘heavy' science topics. "I believe this book flicks a switch in young minds that could inspire a lifelong fascination with astronomy," he says. "Why wait for school?"

  (Brian Clegg)

Guy, who has a background in aviation mechanics, wrote the book for his three children. Whilst working in Prague, he met the artist Stewart Moore who was very excited about bringing Guy's comet to life for the eyes of infants.

"I wanted to introduce astronomical science in a way that my kids could understand... trying to make sense of nonsense," says Guy. "I simply couldn't find anything that opened their eyes to being part of a big fascinating universe."

Artist Stewart Moore created the rich ‘child friendly' images and is currently designing art for an iPad and Android game on the comic character Judge Dredd - www.wineink.blogspot.co.uk

Read by English actor and artistic director Graham Roos who is also Artist in Residence at the University of Buckingham and Home House in Portman Square, London - www.grahamroos.co.uk

The Team have developed a website aimed at engaging parents with kids wanting explanations about the night sky. www.cometbook.co.uk has games, free downloads and ideas along with a competition to win a thermo chromic ‘hug mugs' (heat generated pictures appear when you pour a bedtime drink in) to anyone that can answer a simple question found here: www.cometbook.co.uk/competition

So, when the once in a lifetime opportunity to see a real comet passes Planet Earth this month - keep a copy of this fabulous story on a tablet close by to explain it to your little ones... we may inspire another Brian Cox!

ENDS

Pictures show:

Author Guy Lachlan who was inspired to write the book The Day A Comet Came To Tea as a means of encouraging his young children to join in with his love of science

Left to Right: Stewart Moore with Guy Lachlan at The Royal Institution, Mayfair

A page from the story book www.cometbook.co.uk available in the Google, Amazon, and Apple App stores under ‘comet book' for £1.49

Images courtesy of www.charterphotography.co.uk - publications are welcome to use these photographs - if need high res, please ask Annie.

For further information please contact: A Penn PR (www.anniepenn.co.uk) or call Annie on 07742 937154. Email: annie@anniepenn.co.uk