Earth sciences meet Diary of a Wimpy Kid in Oliver’s Great Big Universe: Volcanoes Are Hot!, the second book in the fun illustrated middle-grade series that blends science with narrative from bestselling cartoonist Jorge Cham, Emmy Award–nominated co-creator of PBS’s Elinor Wonders Why.
Named a Best Book Of the Year by Kirkus, Science Friday, the Children's Book Committee, and Book Riot!
"Mind-expanding and hilarious. I got smarter reading this!"
- Jeff Kinney, author of the international bestselling series Diary of a Wimpy Kid
"A stellar confluence of comic episodes and cosmic information. Brilliantly integrated comic moments [and] surprising plot twists add narrative pizzazz to a serious raft of data about the universe."
- Kirkus, Starred Review
"Smart, endearing series that’s fun to read and is also packed with science content. Middle school, asteroids, family and friend drama — it’s all here."
- Book Riot
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans, rejoice—this comics/prose hybrid follows a budding young astrophysicist as he makes everything from the Big Bang theory to dark matter readily accessible to a middle-grade audience."
- Science Friday
"Prepare for liftoff! This is exactly the sort of book that can turn reluctant readers into lifelong learners. An absolute gem!"
- Lincoln Peirce, bestselling creator of Big Nate and Max & the Midknights
"Such a pleasure to read a book about the universe that is overflowing with both fun and facts. I wish I had this book when I was Oliver's age."
- Sean Carroll, author of The Big Picture
"Funny and heartwarming! This book will get the entire family laughing and learning together.”
- Kazu Kibuishi, creator of the New York Times bestselling Amulet graphic novel series
Jorge is the best-selling and Emmy-nominated creator of "PHD Comics", the popular ongoing comic strip about life (or the lack thereof) in Academia. He is the Creative Director and co-creator of the celebrated animated series Elinor Wonders Why, which airs on PBS Kids and in 78 countries around the world. He is the co-author of the award-winning book We Have No Idea (and its follow-up FAQ-U), and the co-host of the iHeart Radio show Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. He is also the co-founder of PHDtv, a video science and discovery outreach collaborative, and the co-author of the upcoming book Out of Your Mind.
Jorge earned his Ph.D. in Robotics from Stanford University and was an Instructor and Research Associate at Caltech from 2003-2005. He is originally from Panama.
Oliver's Great Big Universe was selected as a Best Book of the Year in several lists, including Kirkus, Science Friday, and Book Riot!
The book was featured in The Week Junior and SMORE Magazine. Read Jorge's essay in Publisher's Weekly about using humor to make STEM accessible and engaging. Check out Jorge's interview with School Library Journal (feauring a bonus original comic!). And read an original two-page spread comic that Jorge made for Scout Life Magazine. Jorge talked about Teleportation in the Mysteries of Science podcast.
Have a question for Oliver? Send it to us here!
Oliver's Great Big Universe is being translated to 15 languages (and counting!). Find your local publisher below:
Territory | Language | Publisher |
Brazil | Portuguese | Editora Rocco |
China (Mainland) | Chinese (simplified) | United Sky |
Croatia | Croatian | Znanje |
France | French | Editions Larousse |
Greece | Greek | Metaichmio |
Italy | Italian | DeAgostini |
Japan | Japanese | Asunaro |
Latin America | Spanish | Oceano |
Netherlands | Dutch | Pelckmans |
Poland | Polish | Otwarte |
Romania | Romanian | Bookzone |
Russia | Russian | Mann-Ivanov-Ferber (MIF) |
South Korea | Korean | Mirae N |
Sweden | Swedish | B. Wahlströms Bokförlag |
Turkey | Turkish | Indigo Kitap |
U.K., Australia, Commonwealth | English | Simon and Shuster |
United States and Canada | English | Abrams |
Jorge is touring over 40 elementary schools, science museums, book festivals, universities and more!
To have Jorge visit your school or institution, please e-mail
jorgephdcomics.com
South Pasadena Elementary School - Book Preview
KICKOFF EVENT at Caltech!
Sharp Lecture Hall, in the Arms Building
Los Angeles Area Elementary Schools
Book Signing Release Party!
2:00pm - Once Upon a Time Children's Bookstore, Montrose, CA
BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL
New York City Area Elementary Schools
Denver Area Elementary Schools
LATIN-X KIDLIT FESTIVAL
Los Angeles Area Elementary Schools
Washington DC Area Elementary Schools
Boston Area Elementary Schools
BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL
Ann Arbor Elementary Schools
Austin Area Elementary Schools
TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL
Los Angeles Area Elementary Schools
"
Jorge Cham was just amazing. He made all the kids want to study the universe and beyond. Kids are still talking about him.
"
-
Ms. Kona, School Librarian, Magnolia Elementary, Upland, CA
"
Super relatable and exciting. The kids can't wait to get their hands on the book.
"
-
Ms. Bellbottomly, Teacher, Mountain Av. Elementary, La Crescenta, CA
"
Jorge Cham's presentation was awesome, brilliant and engaging.
"
-
Ms. Nunn, 3rd grade Teacher, Atkinson Elementary, Portland, OR
"
Super interactive. The kids were very excited, there was a line of 100 kids who wanted to get his autograph.
"
-
Mr. Keefer, Principal, Vernon School, Portland, OR
"
Highly engaging, it was a great opportunity for us. The kids formed core memories they'll remember forever.
"
-
Ms. Sylvester, School Librarian, Faubion School, Portland, OR
"
Book it. So much fun, it was amazing and mind-boggling. All the kids loved it.
"
-
Ms. Hilton, School Librarian, Atkinson Elementary, Portland, OR
"
Super engaging. We tricked kids into learning about math and science! I now have a list a mile long of readers that want to check out the book.
"
-
Ms. B., school librarian, George Middle School, Portland, OR
"
It was wonderful. The kids were so interested to learn about the Universe. Jorge was very engaging, he drew them right in with humor, drawings and having kids be a part of the story with cartoons of them. He hooked and inspired them while teaching them real facts. It was very multi-sensory, and the kids were very focused.
"
-
Ms. Martin, Reading Specialist, North Scituate Elementary, Scituate, RI
"
Dr. Jorge's visit to our school was engaging, hilarious, and incredibly informative, too! He knew just what to share with a middle school audience (comparing the ever-expanding universe to a fart? Brilliant.) and kept students on the edge of their seats with live sketches and mind-blowing facts. What impressed me most was his ability to connect with such a vast variety of students. As a writer, he shared about the process of becoming an author, which our literary-minded students loved. WIth his live-time drawings, he captured the attention of our visual artists. And through his approachable connections to scientific concepts, he engaged our aspiring scientists. Thank you, Dr. Jorge!
"
-
Ms. Mahrt, Teacher Librarian, Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR
"
We were so fortunate to have a visit from author/illustrator Jorge Cham at our library. Jorge had our diverse group of students and faculty riveted with his comedic approach to explaining the universe, and we learned a ton! Jorge discussed his book, "Oliver's Great Big Universe" and we explored the nuances of the Big Bang, the Milky Way, the speed of light, and more. The students were mesmerized, and they now eagerly await Jorge's next Great Big Universe adventure with Oliver and Co. We love Jorge's approach to storytelling, and the clever ways that his character, Oliver, infuses both scientific fact and humor into such an endearing adventure story.
"
-
Ms. Donahue, Library Media Specialist, Hennigan K-8 School, Jamaica Plain, MA
"
It was fantastic. Dr. Cham had them spellbound. We'd love to have him come back for his next book.
"
-
Ms. O'Dwyer, Librarian, The Condon K-8 School, Boston, MA
"
The kids were highly engaged and laughing. It was right up their alley. You could see the wheels turning in their heads. I can't wait to get Dr. Cham's book in our class library."
-
Ms. Town, Teacher, Becker Elementary, Austin, TX
"
It was VERY entertaining. Kids loved the humor. It got them more excited about science.
"
-
Ms. Condron, Librarian, Cook Elementary, Austin, TX
"
Such a phenomenal speaker. He had them hanging from every word.
"
-
Ms. Burton, librarian, Murch Elementary, Washington DC
"
I've seen a lot of author visits and this was really special. Really unique and engaging, I especially liked how Dr. Cham drew the students in and made them a part of the story.
"
-
Ms. Hamm, librarian, Eaton Elementary, Washington, DC
To have Jorge visit your school or institution, please e-mail
jorgephdcomics.com
"
I finished the book, and I loved it! In my entire collection of books, yours is by far my favorite. I especially loved the fact that it was full of fun facts.
"
-
Annabelle
"
Thank you for coming! I LOVE Oliver’s Great Big Universe! Your book is one of the BEST books I’ve ever read!
"
-
Zoe
"
Thank you for coming to our school. I love Oliver’s Great Big Universe because Oliver loves space and the Universe. I love the Universe, too!
"
-
Isaac
"
Dear Mr. Cham: I am probably your biggest fan. Thank you for coming to our school. I love how much you know about the Universe. When you were telling us about the sizes of things in the Universe, I nearly fainted.
"
-
Penelope
"
It was a fun time! It is my favorite book. I loved the presentation. I can’t wait to tell my parents all about it!
"
-
Amelia
"
Wow! Just wow! That presentation was amazing! I just loved it. I am so excited for your next book!
"
-
Miko
"
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come and teach us about the Universe! Your presentation about space was out of this world! When I was younger, I thought space was boring. But because of you, I know how interesting space really is! So thank you, Mr. Cham. You can come back anytime you want!
"
-
Pearl
"
I love your book!! I love everything about it! When our teacher read it, I was smiling from ear to ear! I also loved your presentation because your drawings are amazing and I think you’re really, really smart.
"
-
Emma
"
I loved your presentation! I like that you have facts mixed in with fun comics! I’d take your book over science class any day.
"
-
Quinn
"
Your speech was amazing. Your book was amazing and funny. I wanted to say that you are a such a great artist and you are really quick at drawing.
"
-
Heaven
"
Thank you so much for coming! You are the best author I have ever met and you are so nice. I had so much fun learning about the Universe. I can’t wait to read your book!
"
-
Sienna
"
Thank you for coming to our school! Everybody was excited. In fact, I was the most excited. Why? Because I like to learn about space. I really hope your book skyrockets all over the world because of how good it is.
"
-
Kai
To have Jorge visit your school or institution, please e-mail
jorgephdcomics.com
Previous stops:
L.A. Area School, Los Angeles, California
09:00am - Marengo Elementary School
Beatley Public Library, Alexandria, Virginia
6:00pm - 5005 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22304
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
Morning - Hyde-Addison Elementary
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
Morning - Charles Hart Middle School
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
Morning - Watkins Elementary - Capitol Hill Cluster School
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
2:15pm - Columbia Heights Educational Campus
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
11:45am - Eaton Elementary
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
09:00am - Murch Elementary
D.C. Area Schools, Washington, D.C.
09:00am - Powell Elementary
L.A. Area School, Los Angeles, California
09:00am - Arroyo Vista Elementary School
L.A. Area School, Los Angeles, California
08:30am - Monterey Hills Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
2:30pm - Walnut Creek Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
1:00pm - Maplewood Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
8:30am - A.P. Wooldridge Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
10:30am - Small Middle School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
12:25pm - Sanchez Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
1:30pm - Baldwin Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
8:30am - Winn Montessori School
Texas Book Festival, Austin, Texas
11:15am - Panel "Graphic Novels for Curious Readers: Comics, War and Astrophysics"; 12:00pm Booksigning and free cartoon portraits; 4:00pm - Activity Tent Draw Along
Reading Rockstars, Austin Area School Visits, Austin, Texas
7:25am - Pecan Springs Elementary
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
8:30am - Blazier Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
12:30pm - Linder Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
2:30pm - Ojeda Middle School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
8:30am - Lively Middle School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
1:00pm - Bailey Middle School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
1:30pm - Cook Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
09:30am - Sunset Valley Elementary School
Austin Area School, Austin, Texas
08:15am - Becker Elementary School
Houston Area Schools, Houston, Texas
09:00am - Westside High School
Houston Area Schools, Houston, Texas
08:00am - Lyons Elementary School
Houston Area Schools, Houston, Texas
01:00pm - Crockett Elementary School
Houston Area Schools, Houston, Texas
11:40am - Pershing Middle School
Houston Area Schools, Houston, Texas
09:00am - Frank Black Middle School
Tweens Read Book Festival, Houston, Texas
Picture This! Panel (11am), Getting Graphic Panel (12pm), Read Visually Panel (3pm) - 10220 Blackhawk Blvd. Houston, TX 77089
Boston Area School Visits, Boston, Massachussetts
1:00pm - The Condon K-8 School
Boston Area School Visits, Boston, Massachussetts
9:30am - PA Shaw Elementary School
Boston Area School Visits, Boston, Massachussetts
1:00pm - Hennigan K-8 School
Boston Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts
12pm-3pm Free cartoon portraits! 3:30pm Presentation and Q&A - Current Sciennce and Technology Stage
An Unlikely Story Bookstore, Plainville, Massachusetts
4:00pm - 111 South St, Plainville, MA 02762
Boston Area School Visits, Boston, Massachusetts
1:45pm - North Scituate Elementary School
Boston Area School Visits, Boston, Massachusetts
9:00am - Amvet Elementary School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
11:30am - George Middle School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
9:30am - Whitman School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
1:30pm - Sunnyside Environmental School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
11:30am - Faubion Middle School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
8:45am - Vernon Elementary and Middle School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
2:00pm - Beaumont Middle School
University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
3:00pm - EMU Ballroom, UO Central Campus
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
8:30am - Bridlemile Elementary School
Portland Area Schools, Portland, Oregon
10:15am - Atkinson Elementary
Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana
5:00pm - Washington Hall
Notre Dame Family Event, South Bend, IN
4:00pm - Hammes Lounge, Coleman-Morse Center
Chicago Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois
3:30pm - 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Kidquake Book Festival, San Francisco, California
10:15am and 11:15am - San Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library
Maplewood-South Orange Book Festival, Maplewood, New Jersey
11:00am - Children's Area
Brooklyn Book Festival, Brooklyn, New York
1:00pm - Young Readers Stage, The Plaza of 5 Metrotech Center
Caltech Astronomy Public Lecture, Pasadena, California
5:00pm - Cahill Auditorium, 1200 East California Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Mountain Ave. Elementary School, Los Angeles, California
8:20am -
Magnolia Elementary School, Los Angeles, California
9:00am -
Once Upon A Time Bookstore, Montrose, California
2:00pm - 2207 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020
To have Jorge visit your school or institution, please e-mail
jorgephdcomics.com