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Top from left: Author Jennifer Morgan telling the cosmic story at Mission Montessori, Phoenix, AZ; with illustrator Dana Lynne Andersen, Berkeley, CA; with Thomas Berry, Genesis Farm, Blairstown, NJ, 1997.  Bottom from left: Giving a keynote address at the American Montessori Society, Orlando, FL, 2013; with Brian Swimme, Thomas Berry memorial, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NY, NY, 2009; doing a cosmic walk with her son, Morgan Martindell, 1998.

Born with a Bang: The Universe Tells our Cosmic Story, Revised Edition

Watch the Book Launch Celebration on Nov. 3rd.
    • Winner of Learning Magazine’s Teachers’ Choice Award
    • Nautilus Semi Nautilus Award semifinalist
    • Top rating from AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science)

Newly Released Revised Edition!

BORN WITH A BANG

The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story

by Jennifer Morgan
Illustrated by Dana Lynne Andersen

Purchase in paperback from Amazon.
Or, purchase in PDF format here.

Print Length: 54 pages
Reading age: 6 to 60 and beyond
Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 11 inches

ISBN 979-8-9992900-0-7 (Paperback)
ISBN 979-8-9992900-1-4 (PDF eBook)

Universe Story Trilogy:

Born with a Bang, From Lava to Life, and Mammals Who Morph

 

Book Launch Celebration

(Nov. 3, 2025)

Recording and other Zoom Meeting Assets

Video recording, click here!

Chat File, click Here!

AI Summary, click Here!

Zoom Recording link, click Here!

Passcode: D5U^tZ!4

Buy your paperback copy from Amazon.

  Click here

To buy a PDF version, click on “Add to Cart” below. (Download limit: 3)

First Published in 2002, Revised in 2025

In BORN WITH A BANG, kids learn it all in this scientifically accurate book telling the story of the universe up until the formation of young Earth. Gorgeous and ethereal illustrations and a story that brings children into a state of connectedness with the universe makes this an amazing cosmology book for parents and teachers who want to instill in kids a deep appreciation for themselves, their community, and the need to protect this planet that we all reside.

When we take the time to learn about the beginnings of the universe, the miraculous conditions that make our existence possible, and how we are physically part of everything around us, a sense of connection forms and hopefully results in a desire to do good for the world around us and everyone in it.

This book begins by reminding readers of our beginning. We start as a tiny speck inside our mother as the universe began as a tiny speck. “It’s hard to imagine that I started out so small. But I did. And if you ask me where I came from, I would tell you that I don’t know. It’s the greatest of all mysteries.” And like babies do not stay small inside the mother, the universe could not stay small either.

As we move through the pages, the science is apparent, but there is a narrative coming from the universe telling of all of it’s dreams and desires. It is fun and easy for readers to absorb the basic facts of the development of the universe, sun and planets and also remain engaged to the beautiful mystery of everything around us. We move from the early grapefruit size particles and then the massive explosions developing into galaxies. The tiny particles formed from energy soon became atoms of hydrogen, then came carbon and oxygen. All the planets were born and Earth, too.

A perfect book for:

  • parents looking for homeschool materials that are fun!
  • teachers looking for books about the beginning of the universe.
  • Parents and teachers following the Montessori cosmic curriculum
  • anyone looking for children’s books to help instill an appreciation of our planet!

Twenty-three years ago, the first edition of Born with a Bang was released, inspired by the work of Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Miriam MacGillis, Maria Montessori, Teilhard de Chardin, Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, Lynn Margulis, and many others who saw evolution as a foundational context. I had no idea then what a journey it would set in motion. Almost immediately, invitations began pouring in from schools and conferences, and before long that path led to co-founding the Deeptime Network.

I’m so deeply grateful to Muffy and Glenn Hoveman of Dawn Publications, the original publisher of the Born With a Bang and the other two books in this series — From Lava to Life and Mammals Who Morph — who took a huge leap of faith in publishing these unusual books.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined Dana Lynne Andersen as the illustrator for these books. Yet she came into my life and painted them with such energy and power, capturing the vitality of the story—exactly what I had hoped for.  I have watched many a child ponder the images with wonder and awe.

So many people are named in the first edition and more in the revised edition which now includes James Webb Space Telescope images and tweaks in the model that have been discovered since the first edition.

— Jennifer Morgan

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What people are saying about the Deeptime Network . . .

" Thank you for last night’s cosmic enlightenment!  I appreciate your preparation and enrichment.  We are a lively community. Receiver.  Amplifier.  Insulator.  All in one. I love how we each go on our expeditions of Universe unfolding and return to our campfire to share and learn. "

" Plus, remembering joy amidst the sorrow around us.   A bit of play"
-  Lisa Verni

" It is so supportive to have a whole community, from around the world, working together to embody and live out a deep connection to the new cosmology in its ethical and spiritual dimensions. We are the Universe emerging. "
- M.J. Zimmerman

" After 20 years of living into the Universe Story, I was reawakened to how truly empowering it is through what is emerging for others on parallel paths from around the globe. "
— Penny Andrews

" If you're seeking a meaningful story that explains our place in our Universe and in Nature, and like-minded global citizens, this course may be your next step on that journey. " - David Morton Rintoul

" Everything I have known in life is being integrated into unifying perspectives and connectedness which come like seeds being nourished from a deep space of love, abundance, and creativity "
— Marides "Madett" Virola-Gardiola, Philippines

Deeptime courses are not just about learning new ideas, they are a way to commune together to help each other spiral upwards to new heights of wisdom and awakening. "
— Sarbmeet Kanwal

" I am co-creating a space for children older than 7 years old and this course has been granting me a deeper understanding of how I want to position myself and act in this space while deep listening to children. " — Joana Benetton, Brazil

" Being around so many talented and confident people has helped me with developing a children’s book for Montessori Sunday school. " — Nancee Cline

It is all and more than I expected – I am not new to the material though have certainly learned and gained new insights into the wonderful planet we call “home”. 

The assignments are doable, interesting, and inviting.  I am enjoying the course very much.

Am loving it. The small groups are wonderful. It is such a marvelous group of participants. The networking is fabulous.  Love the opening and thoughtful reflections.

I look forward to every session.

I had to miss two weeks and was aware there was something missing in my life, so I know I am finding it really useful and challenging.  Also good to make connections.

I am feeling inspired, energized, and more-connected-than ever!  I am also enjoying the arc of the course, the meditations, quote sharing, and especially the content. 

Questions?   Write to us at hello@dtnetwork.org.

 

Anthony Robert Zelle, Esq., Tony is an Earth lawyer. While serving as Chair and President of the Earth Law Center, following 30 years in private practice trying cases and arguing appeals, he served as lead editor and author of the only comprehensive book on the subject: Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law-A Guide for Practitioners. Developed for law school curricula, and now part of developing LLM programs internationally, the book has also become the primary reference source for practitioners.

The focus of Tony's current work is developing Earth law in practice and creating revenue-generating opportunities for Earth lawyers.

Learn more about Tony’s journey from a recent Boston College Law School Magazine profile.https://lawmagazine.bc.edu/2025/02/voice-for-the-earth/

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Maisie Paddon, Maisie is spearheading the advancement of Earth Law by integrating its principles into transformative policies and business strategies that resonate with Earth-centric practices and Nature's patterns. At the helm of Project 2040, she seeks to revolutionize financial systems, foster circular economies, and develop regenerative food systems. Her extensive experience in top-tier management consulting, with roles at Ernst & Young and Capgemini, showcases her ability to lead complex innovation programs and engage with C-suite leaders. With a solid foundation in Philosophy and Climate Science, Maisie is deeply committed to beneficial systemic change. She champions the inclusion of Nature's voice in discussions that tackle the multifaceted crises of today's modern world, while aligning her efforts with global frameworks like UN SDGs, ESG principles, and ISO standards. Her holistic and emotionally intelligent approach underscores her pursuit of sustainable and equitable solutions.

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Kerry Hudson, Hudson works as an activist and public interest lawyer with a focus on social justice, and an academic and employment history addressing heirs' property reform and protections of the Florida aquifer. He served as co-founder and manager for a medical practice that focused on Environmentally Acquired Diseases, and the effects of that most macro of human phenomenon—climate change, on the most granular, personal issues—individual health and the chronic and intractable maladies brought on by changing climate. He has served as Education Director for Rights of Nature and eco-centric education, creating informational content addressing topics such as environmental protections and property law, and the Public Trust Doctrine, and creating supplemental educational content for the law school textbook Earth Law: A Practitioner’s Guide. He holds an MFA in writing, has a publication history with both fiction and non-fiction, and has authored funded grants examining strategies to mitigate generational heirs' property abuses. He holds a J.D. with a focus on Environmental Justice, social equity, and restorative justice and has created informational and educational content addressing the intersection of environmental and legal issues such as the one-percenters' climate change preparations. Currently based in London, He works on a long-form manuscript addressing the importance of property law, social justice, and the climate change crisis.

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April Elizabeth Finlayson, April Elizabeth Finlayson is an “Edu-neer” dedicated to designing holistic and transformational learning experiences. She has a fervent commitment to reimagining education, promoting lifelong learning and creating uniquely curated, humanizing educational experiences for youth, and the young at heart. This has led to the development of nearly a dozen innovative schools and numerous educational programs in the K-12, after-school learning, adult development and Higher-Ed spaces.

April’s style of leadership and service is rooted in making space for learner voice, agency and empowerment. She believes that the best teaching and learning is reciprocal, interwoven and interchangeable. April asserts that “if a learner knows that they are seen, affirmed, “in-powered” and protected while learning, they will feel loved, and will henceforth thrive!”

April's students and graduates have gone on to international and national renown in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, professional athletics, entertainment, and being great, enjoyable people. April was cross culturally raised and educated between The Bahamas, the USA and Canada. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Development Studies, Political Science and Management from McGill University, and earned both her Master's Degree in Mind, Brain and Education and her Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Tara A. Pierce, Tara holds degrees in painting, the humanities, a J.D., and an LL.M. in Oceans, Environment, & Sustainability. This transdisciplinary background enriched her legal studies and contributed to the successful publication of several papers on Earth Law and Restorative Ocean Farming. Her latest thesis synthesised her entire academic and hands-on experiences into an approach to transforming the law into a healing practice. Tara regularly guest lectures on Ocean & Coastal Law developments for various institutions in the United States and Europe.

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Cat Haas, Cat Haas is the Director of the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor (EJM), where she oversees the research and development of the world’s most comprehensive database of ecological jurisprudence initiatives globally. Since 2022, she has led efforts to document and analyze the global evolution of Earth-centered law, with a particular focus on the Rights of Nature movement, ecological law, and Indigenous ontologies. Cat holds an M.A. in Global Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her research explored the influence of Indigenous cosmologies and pluriversal ontologies on the development and globalization of the Rights of Nature movement.
She also serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) Academic Hub, an interdisciplinary network of scholars specializing in ecological law and governance.
With a background in environmental education, Cat is passionate about fostering awareness and advocacy for sustainable, equitable legal frameworks that address the climate crisis and center ecological well-being

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Ava Roche, Ava is currently a pre-law focused senior at Columbia University studying Political Ecology, conducting her senior thesis on the socio-political effects of deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands. She is attending Columbia University’s Climate School next fall, and aspires to be an earth lawyer, with experience as the student director of the Earth Law Centers, “Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law- a Guide for Practitioners” course last summer. She is an avid scuba diver who is passionate about protecting earths vital oceanic ecosystems, and is interning at Columbia Law Schools, "Sabin Center for Climate Change Law” this coming summer under Michael Gerrard. Above all, she can’t wait to TA with Earth Law Practice and work in such an impactful environment.

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Aurélie Rodzynek, advances Earth Law by uniting global advocacy, legal strategy, and community-led action. As Communications, Marketing, and Strategy Lead for the Earth Law Alliance, she works to embed Rights of Nature principles into governance systems worldwide. She has held leadership and coordination roles across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, guiding water governance initiatives, supporting international advocacy campaigns, and developing education programs on climate resilience and biodiversity. Leveraging her expertise, Aurélie has contributed to major UN-based gatherings and COP, promoting a holistic legal approach to protecting nature.

Holding an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University and a BA in International Relations, she works at the nexus of law, science, and community priorities to help restore ecological integrity and strengthen the relationship between people and the planet.

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Janet Marley is completing an MA in Ecopsychology at Naropa University. She is currently researching styles of governance in traditional indigenous societies of Turtle Island and how such wisdom ways can positively influence modern ecocentric regenerative residential communities and bioregional initiatives. She has a BA in Religious Studies from Brown University. Janet is a community organizer with an abiding interest in designing and co-creating intentional living and learning centers that model and teach connection, communication, and reciprocity with the natural world. Her gifts and roles include Teacher, Naturalist, Healer, Event Producer, and Facilitator of ceremony, council, rites of passage, vision quests, ecotherapy, and trauma integration work. She is a Montessori-trained educator and mom of two young children. She currently serves as a board member for The Circle for Change Initiative and is the Director of Programming and Events at the Manitoulin Eco Park, an indigenous-led nature connection facility in Ontario, Canada.

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Urwa Hameed, is a final year law student at Boston College Law School. She is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in International Studies and Political Science and has taught a course in Environmental Law at her alma mater. Urwa is the author of two published books, including her most recent, Hosting Earth: Facing the Climate Emergency (Routledge, 2024), which examines the environment through a philosophical and theological lens, framing humans as both hosts and guests of the Earth. Her work blends academic rigor with a deep commitment to exploring humanity’s moral and spiritual responsibilities toward the planet.

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