Science texts for children offer a wide range of captivating subjects, from informative non-fiction works delving into animal habitats, weather patterns, and the mysteries of outer space, to inspiring biographies of renowned scientists. Fictional stories also play a significant role, allowing young readers who are passionate about science to connect with characters that reflect their own experiences and learn more about the scientific method.
Additionally, there are books designed to introduce young learners to computer programming concepts. Here’s a curated list of 20 exceptional science texts for kids, suitable for both classroom libraries and personal book collections.
Science Books for Kids: Board Books
Bayesian Probability for Babies by Chris Ferrie
Chris Ferrie’s Baby University series is a unique blend of humor and education. By tackling complex scientific concepts such as quantum physics and organic chemistry, he makes learning fun and accessible to young children. This latest title stands out as one of his most fascinating, yet all of his books serve as building blocks for future STEM prodigies.
Baby Loves Quarks by Ruth Spiro, Illustrated by Irene Chan
I must confess that my comprehension of quarks was limited until I came across this book. What struck me most was the author’s remarkable ability to break down complex concepts in particle physics and chemistry into relatable terms that even a baby could grasp. The text doesn’t just stop at quarks; it also delves into protons, neutrons, atoms, and molecules, all presented in a way that seamlessly integrates with the world of everyday experiences for infants.
Interestingly, this book is part of the ‘Baby Loves Science’ series, which features other fascinating titles such as ‘Baby Loves Coding’, ‘Baby Loves Structural Engineering’, and many more.
The Adventures of John Muir by Kate Coombs, Illustrated by Seth Lucas
Bring the ‘Father of the National Parks’ to life for young minds! This captivating biographic board book shares John Muir’s remarkable story, highlighting his unwavering dedication to preserving nature. As a passionate advocate for land conservation, Muir played a pivotal role in establishing many of our beloved national parks, including Yosemite. This charming read is an excellent way to introduce outdoor-loving little ones (and their parents!) to the man behind the movement.
Baby Code! Music by Sandra Horning, illustrated by Melissa Crowton
The Girls Who Code board book series takes a unique approach to introducing coding concepts to young children by relating computer language to familiar experiences. In this series, musical activities such as banging on a xylophone or listening to a mobile song are used to teach programming principles. While it may seem unconventional to try teaching coding to a child who cannot yet walk, the series offers a fun and engaging way to learn.
Moreover, these books often challenge traditional gender roles, as seen in Baby Code! Music, where the father takes on the primary caregiving role.
Bathtime Mathtime by Danica McKellar, illustrated by Alicia Padrón
This delightful counting book takes bath time to a whole new level! Not only does it help young minds learn numbers, but it also cleverly reinforces important concepts like sequencing, patterns, and basic arithmetic. The best part? It uses relatable visuals featuring one adorable baby, two feet, three friends, four ducks, and more to make learning fun and engaging. And did I mention the rhyming text that makes it an absolute joy to read aloud?
Backyard Bugs by Jill McDonald
This charming board book employs a unique collage-style approach to introduce young readers to a variety of bugs that can be found in their own backyards. The book’s vibrant illustrations bring to life bees, dragonflies, spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, ladybugs, ants, worms, caterpillars, and butterflies, making it an engaging way for kids to learn about these fascinating creatures. What’s more, the book concludes with a fun interactive activity that encourages further exploration.
This delightful title is part of Jill McDonald’s Hello World series, which also delves into other natural world subjects such as dinosaurs, weather, and ocean life, offering a comprehensive introduction to the wonders of our world.
Science Books for Kids: Picture Books
Georgia’s Terrific, Colorific Experiment by Zoe Persico
Georgia’s passion for becoming a scientist was met with sage advice from her family of artists, who cautioned that art and science were fundamentally incompatible pursuits. Undeterred, Georgia embarked on a journey to create an experiment, only to experience a string of failed attempts at recreating scientific protocols. It wasn’t until she began listening to the wisdom of her loved ones that she discovered the value of collaboration and creative problem-solving in the scientific process.
In the end, Georgia learned that even the most analytical disciplines can benefit from artistic expression, forging a unique path forward as a scientist.
A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison
In a stirring tale of perseverance and innovation, Katherine Johnson’s remarkable story comes alive in this nonfiction picture book. As a child, her exceptional math abilities set her apart, yet she faced significant barriers due to being both Black and female. Undeterred by these limitations, Katherine grew up with a deep understanding that her circumstances were unjust.
She went on to join NASA, where her remarkable computations played a crucial role in helping the first man achieve the extraordinary feat of reaching space.
Jurassic Farts: A Spotters Guide by P.U. Rippley, illustrated by Evan Palmer
This interactive dinosaur facts book cleverly combines education and entertainment, making it an engaging read for kids. As they turn the pages, readers gain a deeper understanding of various dinosaurs through informative content. The added bonus is the inclusion of sound effects that mimic each dinosaur’s unique flatulence sounds – a surefire way to elicit giggles! While the battery-powered aspect might bring a touch of silliness, it also provides an immersive experience.
What’s more, the book is replete with authentic scientific information about dinosaurs, making it an effective means of learning about these prehistoric creatures.
Gravity by Jason Chin
Jason Chin’s charming visualizations effectively convey the significance of gravity in both everyday life on Earth and the vast expanse of the cosmos, where it governs the movements of moons and planets. His whimsical portrayals of a universe devoid of gravity inject humor into an otherwise complex topic, allowing readers to intuitively grasp the concept through his engaging illustrations.
Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Emily Sutton
As a child, I was oblivious to the concept of microbes. I knew about germs, but had no idea what they were or that there existed good ones. This book successfully breaks down the complexities of microbes, showcasing their multifaceted roles in various contexts. It reveals that they’re not just responsible for making us sick; they also play a crucial role in creating your favorite yogurt and even help purify the air we breathe.
The author’s exploration of this intricate topic is nothing short of fascinating.
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
In this enchanting picture book, two worlds exist in harmony above and below a pond’s tranquil surface. Above, birds and moose gather at the water’s edge, with the sky reflected perfectly in the calm waters. However, beneath the surface, a thriving ecosystem comes alive, featuring tadpoles developing, fish swimming, and beavers exploring. As peaceful as it may seem, this ecosystem relies heavily on interconnectedness – but also faces threats from pollution and habitat destruction.
This beautifully illustrated book seamlessly conveys crucial information while emphasizing an urgent message. For more tales of interdependence, the author duo is also known for their work in ‘Over and Under the Snow’ and ‘Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt’, exploring similar themes of balance and harmony within our natural world.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
The inspiring story of William Kamkwamba, as told in this picture book, showcases his determination to bring electricity to his drought-stricken village in Malawi. Undeterred by the challenges he faced, William draws upon his resourcefulness and scientific curiosity to create a windmill from scraps gathered at the local junkyard.
This heartwarming tale not only celebrates the wonders of science but also thoughtfully explores the complexities of cultural identity and economic adversity, making it an enriching read for children.
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
As a young girl, Eugenie Clark’s encounter with sharks at the local aquarium sparked a lifelong passion. Nine years old and already perceiving the often-maligned predators as misunderstood killing machines, she was determined to devote her life to studying these creatures and shattering prevailing misconceptions about them.
Despite facing numerous challenges and biases – including the pervasive notion that women couldn’t possibly study sharks – Clark persevered, ultimately making groundbreaking discoveries about not only sharks but also the broader aquatic world. This engaging picture book not only provides an inspiring portrait of a pioneering scientist but also imparts fascinating facts about sharks, illuminating their importance in our ecosystem.
Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Cece’s insatiable curiosity drives her to explore new ideas, and when her teacher assigns an experiment, she and her friend Isaac are bursting with possibilities. Initially, they consider investigating a bear’s ticklishness, but wisely decide against it, opting instead to ponder whether animals eat vegetables. However, their only participant, Cece’s dog, is initially uncooperative.
Undeterred by the setback, Cece, as a budding scientist in her own treehouse laboratory, collaborates with Isaac to refine their experiment and uncover the answers they seek.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Ada Twist, a spirited young girl with an insatiable curiosity, embarks on a fascinating adventure to uncover the source of an unsettling odor that has taken over her home. Her scientific inquiry is sparked when she sets up a series of experiments to identify the culprit behind the pungent smell. As the experiment results in even more unexpected aromas, her parents are initially perplexed by her methods.
However, after taking a moment to reflect on their daughter’s passion for science, they decide to support her inquisitive nature and collaborative spirit. For readers seeking more tales of STEM-inspired ingenuity, explore Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer, both part of the engaging Stem series.
Science Books for Kids: Chapter Books
Trouble Next Door by Karen English, Illustrated by Laura Freeman
As third-grader Calvin prepares to participate in the school science fair, he’s faced with an unexpected dilemma. His initial hypothesis is put to the test as his data fails to support it, leaving him uncertain about what to do next. But that’s not all – the arrival of Harper, a new student who has moved into the foster family next door, adds another layer of complexity to Calvin’s situation.
As he gets to know Harper, he begins to realize that there may be more at stake than just winning the science fair. The challenges Calvin faces serve as a reminder that sometimes, there are more important things in life than achieving a specific goal.
Who Is Jane Goodall? by Robert Edwards, Illustrated by John O’Brien
The biography of Jane Goodall takes you on an inspiring journey from her childhood fascination with animals in London to her groundbreaking work as a scientist in Africa studying chimpanzees. As she delves into the world of primates, this engaging tale highlights not only Jane’s passion for animals but also her unwavering dedication and perseverance required to achieve her research goals.
Mad Scientist Academy: The Dinosaur Disaster by Matthew McElligott
In the unorthodox Mad Scientist Academy, the ordinary rules of education are delightfully distorted. The campus’s mascot, a lovable dinosaur named Oscar, takes center stage on the first day of classes. Dr. Cosmic, the school’s eccentric founder, concocts an ingenious scavenger hunt to locate Oscar amidst a sprawling robotic dinosaur exhibit he created during his summer break.
However, the excitement quickly spirals out of control as the robots spring to life, bringing with them an unpredictable brand of chaos. Inspired by the classic ‘Magic School Bus’ series, this tale takes the concept to new heights, combining wacky adventures with thrilling scientific discoveries.
Science Comics: The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine by Tory Woollcott, Illustrated by Alex Graudins
In a thrilling turn of events, Fahama finds herself in the clutches of an nefarious scientist seeking to pilfer her brain for his undead sidekick. With time running out before her cognitive faculties are irreparably compromised, she must rapidly acquire knowledge about the intricacies of brains if she hopes to outsmart her captor and regain her freedom.
This predicament is just one installment in a series of science comics that delve into a diverse range of subjects, including plagues, dogs, coral reefs, and many more fascinating scientific topics.