Posted on: 14/06/2022
Science comes instinctually to many children as from an early age they begin to ask all sorts of tricky questions which can very soon test our general knowledge as adults! Children want to understand cause-and-effect in the world they observe around them. They start to explore the rocks and puddles beneath their feet, collecting and categorising flora and fauna. They start to look up at the sky, wondering about the lights that sparkle at night and the vast, mysterious spaces between stars, planets and themselves. Children can often become obsessed with dinosaurs and the evolution of animals.
As well as developing their knowledge, it is essential, as children grow as readers, they develop their ability to read non-fiction books. Non-fiction books can build their resilience as readers. Children must persevere to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar, technical vocabulary and comprehend new big-picture theories. Scientific books help children to become more discerning in what they read and understand to be truth; how they know and test whether a statement is true or not. Hopefully, with the right books to encourage them, this will become a life-long thirst for knowledge.
There have been many innovative, engaging scientific books and series published within the last five years which will do just that. With this in mind, we have updated our list of books with scientific links. To name a few, we have included the humorous Book of Bears by Katie Viggers which explores species of bears in a lively way. The Street Beneath my Feet by Charlotte Guillian and Yuval Zommer allows children to spread out its pages on the living room floor and explore the world underground, right to the centre of the Earth. Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Dr. Jess Wade and illustrated by Melissa Castrillón examines the microscopic world and introduces “young minds” to nanotechnology. We hope there is something in here for every budding scientist!
Posted in: Book Lists
