Ada is back in fine first chapter book form! She’s still full of questions and still bursting with scientific theories to test but this time she has the support of her fellow Questioneers to help her answer them.

In this instalment in the ‘The Questioneers’ series, Ada Twist takes centre stage, already composing several important scientific hypotheses to test before breakfast. Whilst she’s out in the garden testing whether hot objects are stinkier than cold objects, she helps stop her friend’s uncle from floating away in a pair of helium-filled pantaloons!

Ada, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck must devise a way to get Rosie’s uncle safely out of the sky. Using the cool application of her scientific skills (and asking lots of questions), Ada must solve the mystery hovering in over her backyard.

I am thrilled that Andrea Beaty’s inspirational picture book series now has chapter books for fans old and new to enjoy. There’s nothing like familiar characters to tempt children into reading something a little out of their comfort zone.

I love the clever use of pages from Ada’s notebook to help explain her scientific theories and give us peeks into how her busy mind works.

The book also brilliantly outlines how the scientific investigative process works, from deciding upon your hypothesis to presenting your conclusions.  The story clearly explains a number of scientific concepts to inform and intrigue its readers and it is for this reason I would recommend this chapter book series for people aged seven and up.

David Roberts’ illustrations play a starring role in this book, illuminating concepts and adding deft touches of humour to complement the text (which is already full if laughs.)

This is such an important series of books to help encourage young readers to question and make sense of the world around them, think creatively and develop their problem-solving skills. The inclusive cast of characters and strong STEM theme make them a must-have in any school or home library.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Amulet Books (an imprint of Abrams Chronicle) for sending me this title to review*