Once Upon a Time There Was and Will Be So Much More

Once Upon a Time There Was and Will Be So Much More

book

2021

WISE
97%

WISE Score

A mind-bending trip through time that starts at the Big Bang and ends with your kid's future—all through the coolest shrinking pages you've ever seen.

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare books that actually uses the physical medium of paper to tell a story that digital screens just can't replicate. It's beautiful, slightly trippy in a wholesome way, and manages to make the concept of 'billions of years' feel intimate.

It’s not just a history lesson; it’s a perspective shift. If you want a break from the loud, fast-paced 'brain rot' of modern media, this is the perfect palate cleanser for a bedtime story. It’s a 10/10 gift book for any kid who likes to stare at the stars and wonder 'why?'

Age Fit

Perfect for the 4-8 crowd who are starting to ask big questions about where the world came from, but honestly, the art and message are so sophisticated that adults will want it on their coffee tables too.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95

It offers a deeply grounded, calming perspective on the scale of existence. There is no snark or chaos here—just a quiet, awe-filled look at time.

Imaginative
98

The physical engineering of the book is brilliant. Pages shrink in size as the timeline moves from billions of years ago toward 'now,' then grow again as it looks into the future. It’s a tactile masterclass in storytelling.

Safe
100

Completely safe. It’s a philosophical picture book about the passage of time. No hidden 'scary' elements or mature content.

Enriching
96

It manages to teach the Big Bang, evolution, and human history while transitioning into a personal reflection on the reader's own life and choices.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The physical design is genius; the pages literally shrink as you get closer to the 'present' moment, making abstract time feel tangible.
  • It handles massive concepts like deep time and evolution without feeling like a dry, boring textbook.
  • The second half pivots to the reader's own life, giving kids a sense of agency and wonder about what they'll do with their future.
  • The artwork is stunning and minimalist, leaving plenty of room for a kid's own imagination to fill in the gaps.
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What to Watch For

  • It’s a 'quiet' book. If your kid is currently in a 'only books with fart jokes and explosions' phase, this might take a minute to click.
  • The die-cut pages are beautiful but can be delicate—aggressive toddlers might accidentally rip the smaller 'now' pages in the center.

Conversation Starters

  • "The book shows the world before humans existed. What do you think was the coolest thing about that time?"
  • "When we get to the middle of the book, it says 'Now.' What is one thing you're happy about right this second?"
  • "What do you think you'll be doing when you're as old as your grandparents?"
  • "If you could decide what happens in the 'future' pages of this book, what would you draw?"

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