The Best STEM Books for Children
Space STEM Books for Children – released in 2023
As a space company we had to start our collection of STEM books for kids with space, all released in 2023. These captivating reads are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for space exploration in children. From enchanting stories about interstellar adventures to fascinating facts about planets and stars, these books will take young readers on an exciting journey through the cosmos.
With vibrant illustrations and age-appropriate content, these books are sure to spark imaginations and instil a sense of wonder about the vastness of the universe. Get ready to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure with our hand-picked selection of space books for kids.
When Moon Became the Moon – Rob Hodgson (August 2023)
3-5 Years Old
Meet Moon, the charming and humorous guide in this delightful nonfiction picture book. With witty narration, colourful art, and eleven captivating chapters, young readers will enjoy an entertaining and educational journey through the moon’s origin and phases.
This accessible exploration sparks curiosity for science and inspires a sense of wonder about the mysteries of the universe. Join Moon as she shares her fascinating story, unveiling secrets and providing a delightful blend of humour and knowledge. Perfect for budding young scientists, this book ignites a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
The Cosmic Diary of our Incredible Universe – Tim Peake (May 2023)
8-11 Years Old
Embark on a mind-blowing journey through the universe in this captivating book. Joined by astronaut Tim Peake and a cast of expert space STEM characters, children discover the answers to REALLY BIG QUESTIONS about our incredible universe.
From the age of the universe to the possibility of extra-terrestrial life, explore complex concepts with humour and playfulness. This book sparks curiosity about space, the universe, and our place in it, inviting young minds to reach for the stars.
Daisy and the Trouble With Space – Kes Gray (Jan 2023)
5-8 Years Old
Get ready for a hilarious adventure with Daisy in this new book by Kes Gray, bestselling author of the Oi Frog series. Daisy and her class catch Space Fever after a talk about stars, leading to a whole week of cosmic learning. But trouble follows Daisy home as she attempts to turn her bedroom into a universe.
Join Daisy in this laugh-out-loud journey filled with glow-in-the-dark stars, superglue, and her best friend. Get ready to blast off into a world of fun and imagination!
Jupiter the Gassy Giant – K.J. Field (May 2023)
5-10 Years Old
Join Jupiter, the gassy giant of the Solar System, as he invites his moons Io and Ganymede to take a whiff of his aromatic surprises. In this funny and educational children’s picture book, discover the pungent chemistry of Jupiter through a blend of story and science. Laugh out loud as the rocky moons learn to appreciate the unique scents of rotting garbage and bitter almonds associated with the gases of their ginormous host planet.
Explore the fascinating world of Jupiter and its chemistry, and uncover how planetary scientists investigate its mysteries. This humorous and informative book is perfect for little space fans, parents seeking an educational alternative, and teachers looking for entertaining STEM resources.
Dive into the scents of Jupiter and enjoy the humorous side of astronomy and chemistry!
Can You Get Rainbows in Space? – Dr Sheila Kanani (Feb 2023)
7-9 Years Old
Discover the fascinating world of colour in this collection of scientific facts. From why blood is red to the invention of the lightbulb, delve into the mysteries of colour and light. Explore animals that glow in the dark, the changing colours of leaves, and the curious perception of blue veins. And don’t miss out on learning how to create a rainbow in space.
Unveil the wonders of colour and gain a new appreciation for the vibrant spectrum that surrounds us.
Sally Ride (Little People, BIG DREAMS) – Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & Alona Millgram (Jan 2023)
4-7 Years Old
Follow Little Sally’s inspiring journey from growing up in California to becoming the first American woman to fly in space in this powerful book. Sally’s passion for science led her to study physics and pursue her dream of becoming an astronaut. After her groundbreaking space mission, she co-founded Sally Ride Science, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusive and exciting science education.
This book, part of the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS biography series, features stylish illustrations, intriguing facts, and a biographical timeline showcasing Sally Ride’s trailblazing life.
Empower young readers with the stories of outstanding individuals who started as children with big dreams and inspire them to reach for the stars.
Pluto!: Not a Planet? Not a Problem! – Stacy McAnulty & Stevie Lewis (June 2023)
4-8 Years Old
Join the lovable Pluto, the runt of the litter of planets, as it takes centre stage in this delightful “autobiography.” Despite not being the biggest or fastest planet, Pluto has a unique story to share, from its discovery by humans to its designation as a dwarf planet. With Stacy McAnulty’s signature humour and charm, readers will hear directly from Pluto itself.
This captivating book, beautifully illustrated by Stevie Lewis, is filled with kid-friendly facts, making it a charming companion to the other titles in the Our Universe series.
Get ready to be charmed by Pluto’s irresistible tale.
Zoom – Sam Usher (Sept 2023)
1-5 Years Old
Embark on an exciting adventure with Boy and Grandad in the first instalment of the new quartet by Sam Usher. In “ZOOM!”, their resourcefulness takes centre stage as they mend, recycle, and re-use materials to create an array of favourite vehicles. Join them as they blast off into space in their homemade rocket, determined to mend a broken module and rescue stranded astronauts.
This delightful family read not only celebrates creativity and recycling but also subtly introduces science and engineering facts.
Experience the heart-warming bond between Boy and Grandad as they explore the world and beyond in this enchanting tale that will captivate readers of all ages.
The Wonders of Time – Jan Bielecki & Emily Akkermans (Sept 2023)
8 – 10 Years Old
Embark on an awe-inspiring exploration of time with “The Wonders of Time.” This captivating book takes you on a journey through the fascinating history and enigmatic mysteries of time. From the origins of time in the Universe to the various methods of measuring it, you’ll delve into the concept of time travel and encounter different philosophies surrounding this elusive concept.
Discover the evolution of timekeeping, from ancient methods to modern advancements, and uncover the secrets behind coordinating time zones across the world. Dive into the remarkable records of lifespans in humans and animals, and contemplate our innate desire to capture fleeting moments in time. With captivating insights and stunning illustrations, this book offers a mesmerizing exploration of the wonders of time.
Get ready to be captivated by its spellbinding revelations.
Blast Off!: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fuelled America into Space – Suzanne Slade (April 2022)
7-10 Years Old
Experience the remarkable story of Mary Sherman, the world’s first female rocket scientist, in this inspiring STEM biography. From a humble farm in 1920s North Dakota to breaking gender barriers, Mary’s journey is one of perseverance and triumph.
Discover her love for science, her pivotal role in designing rocket fuels during World War II, and her selection to create the fuel for America’s first satellite launch. With courage and determination, Mary’s accomplishments open up new frontiers for exploration.
This captivating biography will motivate and inspire young readers.
Buy Blast Off! How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America Into Space
The Stardust That Made Us – Colin Stuart & Ximo Abadía (Sept 2023)
7-11 Years Old
Embark on a visually stunning journey through the world of chemistry with “The Stardust That Made Us,” the captivating third instalment in this STEM series. Uncover the secrets of nature’s unseen cookbook, where the “ingredients” are the chemical elements that make up everything around us.
From fish to fingernails, sand to Saturn, explore the fascinating world of 118 known elements organized in the periodic table. With Ximo Abadía’s mesmerizing surrealist artwork this book is sure to inspire and captivate young minds, fostering a love for science and sparking the curiosity of future scientists.
Exoplanets: A Visual Guide to the Worlds Outside Our Solar System – Wendy Bjazevich & David Miles (May 2023)
9-12 Years old
Discover the mysteries of planets beyond our solar system in “Exoplanets,” a visually captivating and informative book for kids. With over 5,000 confirmed exoplanets and counting, NASA has opened a new frontier of exploration. This unique guidebook introduces young readers to the four main types of exoplanets and the techniques scientists use to discover them.
Dive into the possibilities of finding life beyond Earth and delve into fascinating details about a wide range of exoplanets, from watery worlds to those experiencing dramatic evaporation. With its vibrant pop art-inspired illustrations and engaging content, “Exoplanets” takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the wonders of our universe.
Buy Exoplanets: A Visual Guide to the Worlds Outside our Solar System
A Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky – Stuart Atkinson & Brendan Kearney (April 2023)
7-9 Years Old
Embark on a celestial adventure with Felicity the cat as your guide in this enchanting book. Explore the captivating wonders of the night sky, from the mesmerizing phases of the moon to the dazzling constellations that decorate the heavens.
Join Felicity as she unveils the secrets of the Northern Lights and the Milky Way, teaching you how to spot these celestial spectacles. With its delightful illustrations and engaging storytelling, this book will open your eyes to the breath-taking beauty of the stars, offering a fresh perspective on the wonders that adorn our night-time sky.
Get ready to experience the magic of the cosmos like never before.
Buy A Cats Guide to the Night Sky
The Best Books about STEM for Children (Non-Space)
STEM subjects are a crucial part children’s education whilst growing up, however, when they are at such a young age it can be hard to know how to introduce STEM to your children at home. It is never too early to ignite your young scientist’s curiosity, creativity and interest in STEM and this learning can be done through reading, drawing, playing and building using these books – it could even inspire them to study these subjects and pursue a career in STEM in the future!
Nano:The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small – Jess Wade & Melissa Castrillón (March 2022)
5-9 Years Old
Get ready to dive into the captivating world of nanoscience with this beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book. Written by Dr. Jess Wade, a renowned physicist and advocate for diversity in STEM, and brought to life with stunning artwork by Melissa Castrillón, Nano is the perfect introduction to the cutting-edge field of nanotechnology.
Explore the wonders of materials at the nanoscale and discover how this rapidly evolving science is shaping our world. With accessible text and mesmerizing illustrations, this book will inspire young scientists and engineers to delve deeper into the fascinating world of the very, very small.
Once Upon an Atom: Questions of science – James Carter & Willian Santiago (June, 2023)
5-8 Years Old
Discover the captivating world of science in “Once Upon an Atom: Exploring Science’s Big Questions.” This playful rhyming book takes curious kids on an enchanting journey from the explosive Big Bang to the fascinating realm of tiny atoms. Dive into the whys, whats, and hows of science, covering technology, space, experiments, inventions, and the wonders of the natural world.
Sparking imagination and curiosity, this book blends education and entertainment, inviting young readers to uncover the secrets of the universe and satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Embark on an adventure where science comes alive and find answers to the biggest questions that ignite young minds.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
If you’ve ever felt different, if you’ve ever been low, if you don’t quite fit in, there’s a name you should know…Meet Dr. Temple Grandin―one of the world’s quirkiest science heroes!
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent ground=breaking improvements for farms around the globe!
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colourful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!
The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos
Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it’s true, many of them do. But Paul Erdos never followed the usual path.
At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn’t learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he travelled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications.
With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made “Uncle Paul” a great man.
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
Meet Raye Montague―the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy!
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.
The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colourful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!
Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code
“If you’ve got a good idea, and you know it’s going to work, go ahead and do it.”
The inspiring story of Grace Hopper—the boundary-breaking woman who revolutionized computer science—is told told in an engaging picture book biography.
Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.”
Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys. With a wealth of witty quotes, and richly detailed illustrations, this book brings Hopper’s incredible accomplishments to life.
How Machines Work: Zoo Break!
How Machines Work is a unique book full of inspiring illustrations by award-winning artist David Macaulay and packed with interactive elements, including press-out models, pop-ups, and pull-outs. Sloth and his sidekick Sengi are two furry friends on hand to guide you through the book and break down the basics. They’ll give you the lowdown on levers, pulleys, screws, inclined planes, wedges, and wheels on this intrepid adventure. You’ll find out how all different technologies work, from bicycles, cranes, and drills to diggers, hammers, and zips.
Along the way, you’ll help Sloth and Sengi plot their daring escape from the zoo using only newfound scientific knowledge to make a machine designed for break outs and break always. But will they succeed? Grab this essential guide, get your brain in gear, and get set for engineering greatness.
Baby University Books
Help your future genius become the smartest baby in the room!
The Baby University board book series is the perfect way to introduce basic concepts to even the youngest scientists. Written by an expert, the baby university book’s are a simple introduction to STEM – If you’re looking for the perfect STEM book for teachers, science toys for babies, or STEM toys for kids, look no further!
Ada Twist Scientist
Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?”
Don’t miss Ada’s further adventures―with her friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere―in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first all-new chapter book starring The Questioneers!
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Rosie Revere, Engineer, another charming, witty picture book about pursuing your passion. Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she’s a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer.
When her Great, Great Aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal–to fly–Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt’s dream come true. Her invention complete, Rosie attempts a test flight–but after a moment, the machine crashes to the ground. Discouraged, Rosie deems the invention a failure, but Aunt Rose insists that on the contrary, it was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit. Reassured, Rosie returns to her engineering and inspires her classmates to join in the fun.