21 fascinating science books for curious kids of all ages 

Written by physicist, mathematician and father of four, Chris Ferrie, this little board book is packed with big concepts. But don’t worry, the basics of quantum particles are introduced in a fun and simple way.. Look for other science books in the Baby University series like Neural Networks for Babies, Astrophysics for Babies, and Organic Chemistry for Babies.

This boxed set includes four board books: Thermodynamics!, Coding!, Aerospace Engineering!, and Gravity! and uses baby-centric language to connect the ideas in a simple but memorable way. Written for scientists aged 1 to 3. 

Part of a 30 book series all designed to bring big ideas to baby’s world, this board book brings the beauty of the night sky to bedtime or anytime. Point to the pictures and read along, just don’t be surprised when your little one says the word “moon” one night. Geared toward ages 1 to 3. 

Children from 1 to 5 will benefit from this cheerful introduction to botany. Using a flower for each letter of the alphabet, it also enforces reading skills. Bold graphics grace the pages of this sturdy board book, part of a series. 

Written by a bat expert, Fiona is a sweet scaredy-bat when it comes to flying free, but soon she discovers how to see in the dark using her powers of echolocation. Includes information about echolocation in the back of the book along with a “try it yourself” echolocation activity for kids ideal for ages 3 to 7. 

Dark pages give way to exquisite animals and other natural phenomena that are bioluminescent in this book that has a gentle, rhyming story thread with lots of scientific tidbits throughout. For kids ages 4 to 8, this book releases November 22. 

With die-cut pages and layered illustrations, this introductory anatomy book is full of details that clearly demonstrate various anatomical aspects of the human body, like the skeletal system, organs, and more. In spite of the vast concept, it’s written in a down-to-earth voice that helps engage kids. Though it’s suggested for ages 7 to 10, younger kids will definitely enjoy the imagery and can eventually read it independently when they’re older. 

A spin-off nonfiction book on the book Ada Twist, Scientist and the adorable Netflix show,  explore botany basics in this scrapbook-like format perfect for early-elementary aged kids, 5 to 8. Look for other fantastic books in the series like The Science of Baking. 

Although this book is closer to picture-book size and has rooms and sections rather than official chapters, it is a text heavy read perfect for those kids that loved to play doctor when they were little. Ages 7 to 11. 

Picture this: an expertly written book all about the kingdom of fungi complete with illustrations reminiscent of botanical collections of old. Add to that fascinating facts and an oversized (11 x 14 inches) hardcover format and it truly is a museum-quality book to treasure for years. Plus, if you like this one, collect more in the series including Botanicum and Anatomicum. For ages 8 to 12, but even those fungi-loving grown ups out there will adore this book. 

Like it or not, our kids are living through a pandemic and there’s no erasing that. Lots of illustrations and explanations pair up in this timely book that helps kids understand the concept of virology, vaccines, and the science behind why you should cover your nose when you sneeze. Geared toward ages 8 to 12, but frankly we learned a few things ourselves. 

There’s only one thing to top that feeling you get when you’ve discovered a book they can’t put down: finding out there are five more in the series. Each book in the series tackles one of the topics on young genius Frank Einstein’s lab board. For example, the first book teaches kids basic tenets of physics like protons and neutrons, book two discusses electricity, and so much more. Written with humor in the vein of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, reluctant readers ages 7 to 11 will find this illustrated chapter book series a joy. 

This Kid Legends series (which includes Kid Authors and Kid Inventors) takes a unique approach to teaching kids scientific history. Instead of giving summarized life stories of famous scientists, author David Stabler writes about pivotal moments in these scientist’s childhood. So instead of learning everything there is to know about Nikola Tesla, for example, kids meet a young Tesla and learn what events as a child led him to become an insatiable electrical engineer and scientist. It helps kids understand the value of their own curiosity, inventions, and trials. Illustrated and fun, it’s truly written with the kids in mind. Ages 8 to 12. 

A heavily illustrated and highly informative book in the spirit of books like Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, no list of stem books for kids is complete without a collection that tells the sometimes nearly-forgotten stories of remarkable women in science from Ancient Greece to modern day. Ages 6 to 10.

Geared toward ages 8 to 12, even teenagers will appreciate this book that helps explain all of the elements using a combination of fun descriptions, hard science, and brilliant illustrations. A heavy, hardcover book, this one makes an excellent gift. 

This dynamic new series follows Izzy Newton as she and her friends — the Solving Mysteries and Revealing Truth Squad aka the S.M.A.R.T squad — put their clever minds together to solve mysteries around Atom Middle School. The second book, Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: Newton’s Flaw is hot off the presses in early November and finds the crew facing a  mysterious illness threatening to shut down the media center (noooo!) and the school. The series weaves anxieties and obstacles kids face as they navigate middle school with suspenseful mystery and plenty of science. 

To understand the premise of this nonfiction book, the first thing to read is the complete title: The Disappearing Spoon And Other True Tales of Rivalry, Adventure, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. Adapted from the NY Times bestseller, kids will never roll their eyes at chemistry lessons again. Full of fun facts, silly sidebars, and intriguing stories from history, mythology, and modern day, this book makes a great addition to a teacher’s classroom library or a budding chemistry buff’s bookshelf. Ages 10 and up. 

This debut novel by author Christina Li explores a lot of uncharted territory for the middle grade audience. In addition to space exploration, there’s shocking loss, grief, abandonment, and discovery. Two kids who aren’t likely to be friends form a bond when thrown together as lab partners in school when they learn they have more in common than they thought, including the deeply felt absence of their own fathers. Ages 9 and up. 

An activity book that invites curious kids to take the book apart, color in it, cut out pieces, and more, all in the name of learning a wide-range of stem concepts from depth perception to chemistry. Perfect for kids ages 7 to 9, it’s fun and funny and perfect for a rainy day. 

If you’re looking for a great gift for a kid or you just want to find a book you’ll love doing with them, pick up this mystery book that delves into scientific methods and concepts as you work to solve the riddles and puzzles within. Written for ages 8 to 12, but younger kids can enjoy it with encouragement and participation. Let older kids lead the discussion and make it a family affair. 

The odds are if your kid has ever played Minecraft they already understand what a biome is. Build on that basic concept or start anew (no Minecraft required) with hands-on activities that encourage kids to explore environmental science and learn conservation in a way that makes sense. Geared toward ages 9 to 13.