The Best New Thing
Children from space's low gravity move to Earth. They discover gravity, enabling free movement and play, is the best new thing, teaching science and wonder.
Isaac Asimov’s The Best New Thing stands as a notable entry in his extensive body of work, unique perhaps in its specific aim: to introduce fundamental scientific concepts to the very youngest readers. Published in 1971, this picture book adopts Asimov's characteristic clear, logical, and deeply informative style, even while tailored for a new, youthful audience. It successfully blends genuine scientific ideas with a narrative that is both accessible and engaging, maintaining a certain depth and clarity throughout. The structure mirrors the logical progression often found in Asimov's explanations, moving from foundational ideas to their observed consequences and implications.
The story establishes its foundation by depicting life in a setting far removed from the experiences of most readers: a small, man-made world located deep in space. Here, the existence of the main characters, two children named Rada and Jonny, is shaped entirely by their unique environment. Their lives are spent primarily underground, a necessity imposed by the harsh conditions outside. When they do venture out, space suits are essential. Their sky is not blue, but a perpetual black, and the very air they breathe must be artificially supplied. This detailed depiction immediately immerses the reader in the reality of living off-world, highlighting the fundamental differences from life on a planetary surface. A defining characteristic of this existence is the pervasive low gravity. In this environment, the children are accustomed to floating in weightlessness, and even simple phenomena, like milk, behave differently, forming into bubbles. This initial setting powerfully establishes the baseline of their experience, emphasizing the physical conditions that define their reality.
Against the backdrop of their low-gravity, artificial home, the children's world is expanded through the stories shared by their parents. These tales paint vivid, almost magical pictures of a place called Earth. The descriptions are rich with sensory details that contrast sharply with the children's everyday experience: a sky that is not black but blue, ground covered not with dust or rock but with green grass. Most importantly, these stories speak of a powerful, unseen force that keeps one's feet firmly on the ground – the sensation of gravity. These narratives spark a profound sense of wonder and curiosity in Rada and Jonny. The idea of gravity is particularly captivating, presenting a concept that is almost unimaginable from their perspective of constant weightlessness. It represents a fundamental difference in existence, something they find incredibly difficult to picture, yet intensely desirable to experience. This contrast between their known reality and the described wonders of Earth fuels their desire for a change.
When the decision is made for the family to relocate to Earth, a crucial step is required. The children, having spent their lives in low gravity, must actively prepare their bodies for the transition to Earth's much stronger gravitational pull. This involves engaging in specific exercises designed to strengthen their muscles. The narrative carefully introduces the idea that gravity affects the human body and that adaptation is necessary for those moving between different gravitational environments. This preparation phase underscores the scientific reality that space travel and planetary transitions are not merely about transportation, but require significant physical adjustment and readiness. It's a subtle yet important lesson about the practicalities and physical demands of space exploration and habitation.
Upon their long-awaited arrival on Earth, Rada and Jonny are met with a cascade of new sensations and experiences. The most immediate and impactful is the sensation of gravity, which is described as both novel and exhilarating. It is a physical reality that instantly transforms their perception of the world. Rada's exclamation, "The floor is holding my foot," perfectly captures the wonder and perhaps slight astonishment of feeling weight for the first time. This simple act of standing becomes a profound discovery. The higher gravity environment immediately unlocks new physical possibilities that were impossible in their previous home. They discover the sheer delight in being able to run, jump, and simply feel the solid ground beneath them. Beyond the physical sensations, Earth presents a visually rich and stimulating environment: vibrant colors, the warmth of the sun, and the presence of other children further enhance their excitement and integration into this new world.
Amidst this wealth of new experiences and discoveries, Rada and Jonny ultimately identify what they consider to be the "best new thing" about Earth. It is not a specific object or a grand landmark, but something much more fundamental and experiential. According to the story, the greatest joy they find is the ability to play and interact freely within this gravity-rich environment. This culmination highlights a key theme of the book: that the most significant and fulfilling discoveries are often found in the simple pleasures of movement and connection with others. It underscores the idea that experiences we might easily take for granted, like running freely or playing with friends on solid ground, can be profoundly valuable and a source of deep joy. The story uses this simple yet powerful revelation to convey that the most wonderful things are sometimes the basic elements of everyday life made possible by the conditions of our environment.
Asimov's expertise lies in his ability to integrate scientific concepts seamlessly into the narrative, making them understandable and relatable for a young audience. The story serves as an engaging introduction to fundamental ideas such as gravity and its profound effects on the human body, the unique challenges associated with living in space, and the necessary physical adaptations required for space travel. By presenting these complex ideas through the experiences of two young, relatable characters, Asimov effectively fosters a sense of curiosity about the physical universe and encourages children to delve deeper into scientific exploration. The book is not merely a story but a gentle invitation to consider the principles that govern our world and the wider cosmos.
Adding another layer of engagement and comprehension, the book is significantly enhanced by the illustrations of Symeon Shimin. Shimin's artwork plays a vital role in bringing the narrative to life. The visuals effectively depict the stark contrast between the children's life in the controlled, low-gravity environment of space and their vibrant, sensation-filled new experiences on Earth. These illustrations serve as a crucial tool, particularly for young readers, helping them to visualize the scientific concepts being discussed and deepen their connection to the story. The interplay between Asimov's clear text and Shimin's evocative images makes the abstract ideas more concrete and the story more impactful.
In conclusion, The Best New Thing is a testament to Isaac Asimov's remarkable talent for taking complex scientific ideas and rendering them accessible through simple, engaging storytelling. The journey of Rada and Jonny is more than just a move from one place to another; it is a conceptual exploration of fundamental physical laws and the human experience of adaptation and discovery. The book leaves readers with a compelling message: an encouragement to embrace new experiences, to maintain an active sense of curiosity about the world, and to cultivate an appreciation for the wonders that science and discovery unveil. Through the children's eyes, Asimov imparts a timeless lesson about the inherent joy found in exploration and the boundless possibilities that await those who seek to understand the universe around them. This summary, like the source it draws from, aims to capture the essence of this charming and insightful work in a manner consistent with Asimov's own clear and logical presentation.
