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Inspiring the next generation of scientists with Dom Conlon
Primary Times talks to Dom Conlon, Poet and Author, about the possibility of life beyond Earth and his upcoming children’s book ‘Matilda Meets the Universe’.
As a follow up to the fantastic ‘Meet Matilda, Rocket Builder’, this title sees Matilda explore astrophysics and scientific concepts in an accessible and fun way, perfect for readers aged 8 and over. We asked Dom a few questions to get his thoughts on the creation of ‘Matilda Meets the Universe’…
1. Where did the idea for the book come from?
One afternoon I was wondering about 3D printing a space rocket and began to excitedly research if it was possible. All that effort became Matilda’s first book! I knew that I wanted her to fill in the blanks of her knowledge about space, discovering if life might exist elsewhere in the universe and all the obstacles in the way to meeting up with it for a milkshake and bag of crisps.
2. What made you want to explore STEM subjects and topics in this way?
Pure curiosity. I love learning about space and the world around us. Big ideas excite me and I wanted to take the reader along with me. I wanted to capture the energy of learning as we go, so I wrote it as Matilda’s journal. It’s a book of discovery and not being afraid to ask questions. Matilda (and me) just wants to learn.
3. Do you think it’s important that children engage with scientific terms and concepts at a young age?
Children are remarkable. They can engage with the biggest concepts and aren’t afraid to question them so yes, let’s give them all they can take because it’s their understanding mixed with their imaginations which will be responsible for tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs.
4. Have you enjoyed crafting and creating this book?
I’ve loved it. The character of Matilda has so much enthusiasm for space and for her friends and family that writing each chapter was like hanging out with my best friends. Working with the team at UCLan kept me on my toes too, making me really understand the things I was writing about. The editors pushed and pushed and Heidi’s artwork inspired me in ways which I’m still amazed at.
5. Do you think readers will resonate with Matilda’s character and the fascination with the idea of life on other planets?
I certainly hope so. Life on this planet is extraordinary so the idea of life on other planets is the icing on the cake (which I would happily eat)! There are so many questions which come from asking whether we are alone in the universe and I think it’s a subject that children can explore even better than I can.
6. Are you currently working on any new ideas for children that you think our audience would be excited for?
I’m writing more books in my Wild Wanderers series which explore life on this planet (Fly, Butterfly, Fly! is the latest) and I have some nature poetry coming out too. I’ve also begun a new project which fans of the Meet Matilda books would be very interested to hear about…
7. Lastly… do you believe in aliens?
I believe in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Biological life is so determined to survive and we find it on this planet in the most unlikely places that it would be more surprising if the rest of the universe didn’t contain any. There are trillions of places in which to look though!
‘Matilda Meets the Universe’ by Dom Conlon and illustrated by Heidi Cannon is published on the 1st June by UCLan Publishing.