At its most basic, philosophy is about learning how to think about the world around us. It should come as no surprise, then, that children make excellent philosophers! Plato & Co. introduces children—and curious grown-ups—to the lives and work of famous philosophers, from Socrates to Descartes, Einstein, Marx, and Wittgenstein. Each book in the series features an engaging—and often funny—story that presents basic tenets of philosophical thought alongside vibrant color illustrations.

On a peaceful winter night while the rest of the town sleeps, Mister Descartes stays up late reading the great books of the world. Suddenly, by the light of the moon, he sees a strange and fearsome shape in the shadow of his pet parrot, Baruch. Is it an illusion, or could it be that his faithful pet is but a figment of his imagination? Could the same be true of his room and all of sleepy Holland? Quite obviously, he cannot rely on his senses, so how can Mister Descartes arrive at any certainty about the world around him? How will he determine what is a clever trick and what is real?

Plato & Co.’s clear approach and charming illustrations make this series the perfect addition to any little library.

Jean Paul Mongin is a philosopher who lives and works in Paris. He is the editor of the Plato & Co. series. Marion Muller-Cotard is a theologian and the author of several children’s books in French. Anna Street is a PhD candidate at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and the University of Kent.

— Publishers Weekly, on the Plato & Co. series

— Kirkus Reviews, on the Plato & Co. series

— A. V. Club, on the Plato & Co. series