Little Black Hole

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

A charming and funny space-based story about the power of friendship and memory, perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers, Boy + Bot, and The Invisible String, from a Radiolab senior correspondent

There once was a little black hole who loved her universe, and especially her friends: the stars and the planets, the space rocks and the space fox, even the flying astronauts. She loved to play and laugh with them as they soared through the galaxy. That is, until they disappeared—which was always what happened. The little black hole felt all alone. 

But when she meets a big black hole and shares her worries, the big black hole knows just how to help! And the little black hole finds out that she has the power to find her friends, wherever she goes.

With a quirky, playful story, sweet and silly art, and information about the real science of black holes, this heartwarming story reminds us all that friendship is never more than a quick thought—and glow—away.

About the Author

Molly Webster (mollytwebster.com) is a science journalist and performer. She is the senior correspondent at Radiolab, the Peabody Award-winning podcast and radio program. After completing a degree in biology, Molly pursued science journalism, writing and producing for outlets such as National Geographic Adventure, Scientific American, and Nature. A frequent guest host on Radiolab, she reported and hosted Gonads, a critically acclaimed audio series about the parts of us that make more of us. Molly has adapted her audio and written work for the stage and co-starred in the 2021 feature film C’mon C’mon. Little Black Hole is her first picture book.

Author Residence: Brooklyn, NY

Alex Willmore (alexwillmore.co.uk) is an award-winning and bestselling children’s book author and illustrator. Since he could first hold a pencil, Alex has been drawing characters, bringing each to life with a sense of mischief and fun. After studying Illustration for Children’s Publishing at the North Wales School of Art and Design, he went on to illustrate The Runaway Pea, which was selected for the BookTrust’s 2020 Time to Read Campaign, was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal, and was a finalist in the 2020 Oscar’s Book Prize. Alex currently lives in his hometown of Northampton with his wife, two sons, and their cats. You can follow Alex Willmore on Instagram @alexander_willmore.

Illustrator Residence:Northampton, UK