Everything in the Universe is Either a Potato or Not a Potato is a 32-page full-color children’s picture book that applies an absurdly scientific lens to the most basic question is this thing a potato?
With bold illustrations and simple, deadpan text, each spread introduces an everyday object (like a chair, a cloud, or a cat), explains a few facts about it, and concludes—emphatically—whether it is a potato or not.
This tongue-in-cheek non-fiction-style book teaches categorization, observation, and a bit of logic while delivering big laughs for both kids and adults. Great for ages 3 and up, this is a perfect read-aloud book for families, classrooms, or anyone who just really, really likes potatoes.
I grew up in the UK fascinated by the underwater world. When I finally got the chance to scuba dive, I was hooked. That passion led me to become an instructor and live in the Caribbean before shifting to a more grounded calling: teaching. I’ve been a primary school teacher ever since, now living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
As both a teacher and parent, I’ve seen how powerful stories can be for children — sparking curiosity, building values, and opening space for big questions. My writing began in educational publishing and a parenting blog for single dads, Just Dad It.
In April 2025, I published my first children’s book, Mima’s Choices — a story about decision-making and growing up. I’m excited to keep writing and sharing more stories soon.
EVERYTHING IN THE UNIVERSE IS EITHER A POTATO OR NOT A POTATO is a captivating book: silly, educational, and entertaining. I seldom give five stars for children's books: To be awarded five stars, a book must successfully fulfill all the conditions that make a reading experience memorable and immensely enjoyable. The story's unpretentious and humourous prose contains poetic views of small, like a potato, and big, like the universe, things. The author does not offer an earth-shattering narrative, but the repetition applied makes young readers comfortable reading and following the story. The silliness? It will make kids giggle. Possibly, many times. Add an educational component that connects household objects with our colossal universe, and you have a title you can recommend to any child, even those who don't like reading.
This quirky book has a unique concept that introduces children to critical thinking in a silly and engaging way. It also touches on big ideas like the universe in a way that’s accessible to young readers. The use of repetition and comparisons helps build memory skills and supports word recognition through familiar patterns. An interesting read!
Great illustrations. A good book for explaining the scientific method to little ones. Critical thinking and logic are introduced, as well. I will admit the title threw me; not sure what to expect until I started reading.
I truly enjoyed this potato based book about the universe. A funny quirky book with simple but great illustrations. Your kids will laugh out loud with this one! Recommended.