Geocentric model

Internationally acclaimed Japanese picture book author Mitsumasa Anno
Uses elegant stories to introduce children to famous astronomical theories throughout history.
The pursuit of truth requires a scientific spirit and immense courage…
 
　　Opening the first page is like entering ancient times. People prayed that the gods in the sky would not bring disaster. They believed in astrologers, witches, and alchemists… but they didn’t believe the Earth was round. It wasn't until sailors returning from long voyages slowly began to speak of a round Earth that people gradually started to believe the truth…
 
　　Mitsumasa Anno's greatest characteristic is that he possesses both the mind of a scientist and the hands of an artist. He uses aged paper and meticulously designed artistic borders to lead readers into the European Middle Ages, an era that believed "the Earth is flat." At first, the ground in the illustrations is flat, but as various historical events unfold, the horizon gradually rises, finally forming a round Earth—the truths of "the Earth is round" and "heliocentrism" are conveyed without words.
 
　　From a modern perspective, it was an era of superstition, ignorance, and fear, yet Mitsumasa Anno doesn't forget to remind readers not to ridicule people of old for believing in "geocentrism"… This shows that his works are not only aesthetically beautiful but also imbued with a spirit of humanistic care.