A richly illustrated history of a single atom of carbon, tracing its many manifestations from the Big Bang to the present.Carbon: One Atom's Odysseyis an illustrated adaptation of  'Carbon,' a short story from Italian chemist, writer, and Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi. It traces the life story and many molecular manifestations of a single atom of this life-essential element.You'll follow one atom from its spectacular birth 14 billion years ago through its harrowing journey on planet Earth where it has become a basic building block of nearly 10 million known compounds in living things. You’ll learn that carbon:- Is breathed in by the peregrine falcon- Helps trees grow strong and tall- Helps a moth's eye make sense of light- Is found in your pencil as well as in your liver- And even helps convert grapes into wineIn this wondrous graphic journey, clever narrative and detailed art help bring to life the natural world and teach you a thing or two about how it was created. For anyone with a general interest in chemistry, physics, and the science of the universe, this beautiful book will both educate and inspire. If you’re ready for a STEAM adventure, then let the journey begin!