Project Summary
'YOUNIVERSE' is an illustrated children’s storybook designed to introduce children to foundational neuroscience concepts through an engaging narrative set on a whimsical planet called Brain. The story follows a bundle of energy named Sparky, who travels across the planet collecting “sparks” (representing action potentials) and meeting different neurons, each with its own personality and function. As Sparky journeys through planet Brain, young readers explore core brain functions such as emotion, movement, sensory perception, memory, and decision-making, all explained in simplified, age-appropriate terms.
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This storybook serves as the starting point of a larger educational initiative - a flexible framework using the imaginative world of Planet Brain to teach children about neuroscience and mental health in a way that is playful, empowering, and inspiring.
Sparky is the lively narrator and curious explorer of Planet Brain. A tiny spark of energy with a big sense of adventure, Sparky is on a mission to discover how the brain works — one continent at a time! With a trusty red backpack and a Polaroid camera slung over his shoulder, Sparky captures snapshots of all the fascinating friends and places he visits. Along the way, he collects "sparks" that help him travel and learn. His wide-eyed wonder and playful spirit make neuroscience accessible and fun, as he guides young readers through the complex world of brain functions with warmth, humour, and enthusiasm.
Planet Brain is home to a colourful community of neurons, each with a unique personality and a very important job. These neuron characters work together to create everything we think, feel, and do - like dancing, dreaming, solving puzzles, and feeling joy or sadness. From Motor Neuron, who helps us move, to Memory Neuron, who stores our favourite moments, each character introduces children to key functions of the brain in a playful and relatable way. They are not just workers - they are friends who rely on teamwork and communication to keep Planet Brain running smoothly. Through them, kids learn about emotional regulation, decision-making, sensory input, and more - all through fun, character-driven storytelling.
characters
Character Blob, affectionately known as Youniverse, is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary secret: an entire planet lives inside him. While he seems like just your average child - he dreams of becoming an astronaut, loves riding his bike, and wonders about the world - he also holds within him the vast and vibrant world of Planet Brain. Youniverse represents every child, reminding us that there’s a whole universe of thought, feeling, and possibility within each of us. His dreams and daily life create the backdrop for Sparky’s journey, helping kids understand that their own brains are powerful, worth exploring and taking care of.
YOUNIVERSE is just the beginning of a much larger journey... This first storybook - focused on the auditory system, sound, and music - acts as a template for a broader series that will explore the brain, one system at a time. Each new book will dive into different aspects of brain function, from movement and memory to emotions, decision-making, and beyond. The goal is to build an ever-growing collection of beautifully illustrated, age-appropriate resources that make complex neuroscience concepts accessible and exciting for young minds. As the world of Planet Brain expands, so too will the learning experience - through accompanying activities, discussion guides, and eventually a full library of interconnected stories that help children understand the incredible inner universe they carry within themselves.
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At its heart, this initiative is rooted in a deep commitment to mental health and emotional wellbeing. By teaching children about how their brains work in a joyful, imaginative way, YOUNIVERSE aims to equip them with the tools, language, and confidence to better understand themselves and others. The long-term vision includes not only a book series, but also hands-on, interdisciplinary learning through after-school clubs and interactive workshops led by neuroscientists and educators. Through storytelling, science, and creativity, YOUNIVERSE is building a movement - one that empowers children with knowledge, sparks curiosity, and fosters lifelong resilience.