I have been carefully collecting a fantastic range of science-based books (non-fiction and fiction) to share with you during British Science Week– a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. 

I’m going to start off with the information books as they are Book Boy’s favourites!

‘Science is Magic’ written by Steve Mould (DK Books)

This book is a very cool combination of magic tricks and the science behind them. It contains the background behind many different tricks and illusions, information about the greats of the magical world (such as Harry Houdini and David Copperfield) and their most famous stunts, as well as plenty of scientific fact.

The book contains step-by-step instructions for 28 fun science experiments, giving every budding magician more than enough material to set up their first show. Learn the science behind making a glass tube disappear, how to read minds and how to brew colour-changing potions.

Clear, bright layouts and lots of photos make for an engaging read. Chris Mould’s scientific expertise and enthusiasm really shiny through in the lively feel of this book.

‘Odd Science: Amazing Inventions’ by James Olstein (Pavilion Children’s)

This is a book for fans of the fast fact. Packed inside are bite-sized snippets of information about more than 100 astounding inventions, dreamt up by people who thought outside the box or made their amazing discoveries by pure chance.

You’ll learn about 3D movies for praying mantises, ice cream which never melts, and intergalactic reptile rubbish collectors. All the quirky and fantastical inventions explored have been handily sorted into different categories within the book, so whether you’re interested in nano inventions or super powers, there’s sure to be something inside of interest.

James Olstein’s cool retro illustration style make this book as enjoyable to read for adults as children.

‘The Element in the Room’ by Mike Barfield, illustrated by Lauren Humphrey (Laurence King Publishing)

An absolutely mind-boggling exploration of the period table as you’ve never looked at it before. Mike Barfield’s highly illustrated (courtesy of the brilliant Lauren Humphrey) tome sees the reader pair up with the legendary Detective Ohms to investigate the atomic components of everything around us.

 

 

 

 

 

All the 92 elements which make up everything in our universe get their own featured section, from the big hitters like Hydrogen, to the lesser known metals like Ruthenium. Find out where they come from and some of the weird and unexpected ways we use them.

Book Boy loved the brilliantly funny ‘Atomic Comics’ pages where there are graphic guides to the discovery of the elements is explored. There are also plenty of exciting experiments and fact boxes to keep young Einsteins satisfied.

All the above titles are highly engaging and informative – brilliant for use in the classroom or as additions to your home library.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to DK Books, Pavilion Children’s and Laurence King Publishers for sending us these titles to review*