I started looking for books that would interest my daughter in science since starting this blog in 2014. Several of these books were recommended by friends or gifts that were given to her. Now I’ve realized that I have quite a collection of books and I thought I would share them with you especially since Christmas will be here before you know it!
What is Science (Ages 3-7) This is a great picture book to introduce little ones to science. Here’s my favorite line, “So into the earth and into the sky, we question the how, the where, when, and why.” I’ve read this to a class of 3 year olds and they were spellbound with the pictures and the poetry.
Bedtime Math (Ages 3-6) I’ve never had so much fun doing math with Allie than reading this book with her. Who would have thought that doing math at bedtime would be so much fun. I asked Allie why she liked it and she said, “It has lot of math and funny things like exploding ketchup.” As a mom, I’ve never really liked math word problems until now!
Rosie Revere Engineer (Ages 5-7) I love any story that says that the heroine dreams of becoming a great engineer. Allie loves how she invents things like a cheese hat and I love how the story speaks to perseverance and not giving up.
Ada Twist Scientist (Ages 5-7) This is a great follow up to Rosie Revere. Ada doesn’t talk until she is three (much like Einstein) but when she does her first word is “Why?” I love how relatable this character is to our girls and everything she dreams up in the “Thinking Chair”.
Zoom (5-8) I found this book when looking for alternative ways to build spatial skills. The first page of this beautifully illustrated book has the reader “zoomed in” to a small piece of a much larger picture. As you flip each page it has you reconsidering what you saw on the previous page until it “zooms” you all the way to outer space.
What Do You Do with An Idea (Ages 5-8) This book inspires me every time I read it. The author present an ‘idea’ as an egg that you have the choice to nurture and grow or to ignore. The best lines, “I worried what others would think.” and “then I realized what you do with an idea… you change the world”. Allie said that she learned not to ignore your idea and to make sure you follow you it. Great message for her to learn so early on.
On a Beam of Light (Ages 6-9) This a great way to introduce Einstein to young children and make him relatable. It’s hard to imagine Einstein as a child but we learn that he was riding on his bike and started imagining what a beam of light would do in space. I believe it encourages kids to slow down, day dream, and imagine the possibilities.
Girls Think of Everything (Ages 10-12) This book is full of female inventors, scientists, and astronauts. It tells stories about how many inventions came from just being curious and sometimes by accident. But it’s what these ladies did and how they believed in their ideas that made all the difference. Allie’s favorite is Ruth Wakefield and how she invented chocolate chip cookies by using time saving ideas. My favorite story was of Stephanie Kwolek and how she discovered Kevlar and how every step was a learning process.
65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science (Ages 9-14) A father-daughter duo wrote this book about solving mysteries with science. They present the mysteries using short stories much like Encyclopedia Brown. I love reading it to Allie and seeing if she can guess what the answer is.
She Loves Science And how could I end the list without adding She Loves Science? I originally wrote this book for moms as a quick read to encourage you to try science with your daughters. But since publishing, I’ve had a few moms tell me that they’ve let their daughters read it too and that their favorite parts are how to apply science to problem solving and engineering. I hope you pick up a copy for a friend, teacher, or even your daughter!
Do you have any other books that you would recommend? I’d love to add to this list and read more amazing stories to my kids about scientists, inventors, and engineers!
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