Special thanks to Claire Saxby, author of the recently featured Emu who put together this list of 10 Great Science Books for Children. We will endeavour to feature these great books over the coming weeks.

Claire’s Homepage: http://www.clairesaxby.com

Young children are exposed to science in their everyday life and everyday reading, even when they are unaware of it. Picture books can set the scene for later, more intentional science investigation.

1. George and Ghost by Catriona Hoy and illustrated by Cassia Thomas 

George and Ghost are friends, but now George needs proof that Ghost really exists. Uses a variety of measurement tests (including weight and displacement)

 

 

 

 

2. Fox and Fine Feathers by Narelle Oliver 

Set in a forest, ground birds must be on the lookout for danger. Features birds of different feathers and introduces the notion of predators, camouflage and food chains. Also provides the opportunity to talk about native vs introduced animal species.

 

 

 

 

3. Journey of the Sea Turtle by Mark Wilson 

Follow a sea turtle from hatching to laying her own eggs. Introduces life cycle, migration, endangered animals and environment concepts.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Mr Archimedes’ Bath by Pamela Allen

A classic! Why does Mr Archimedes’ bath keep overflowing when he gets in? And drop in level when he gets out? Great storytelling that just happens to introduce the idea of displacement.

5. Big Rain Coming by Katrina Germein

Australia is an arid country and in many areas the annual big rains are essential for survival. But the rains don’t always come on time. Join Old Stephen and others in the waiting. Introduction to climate and seasons, and the changes they bring.

6. Collecting Colour by Kylie Dunstan 

This trip into the Northern Territory outback to collect dyes for pandanus, offers many science strands including environment and sustainability, geography and biology, chemistry and more.

7. Isabella’s Garden by Glenda Millard and Rebecca Cool

Isabella’s garden is always growing and changing and demonstrating cycles of life, death and renewal.

8. Three Little Pigs

This classic story, available in myriad versions explores the properties of materials. Biologically, there’s specialisation and the benefits of collaborative working.

9. The Velveteen Rabbit

Another classic story about the meaning of life, really. What is living? What does living mean?

10. Platypus by Sue Whiting and illustrated by Mark Jackson

The platypus is the most mysterious of creatures. It’s also very shy. In this new picture book, combining both narrative non fiction and non fiction, explore notions of biology, adaptation/evolution, environment and more.