Best Science Books for Kids (Pre‑K–Grade 3) – Sorted by Topic & Hands‑On STEM Fun
- kindlittleexplorer
- Jul 10, 2021
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 19
What do kids learn in early elementary science? Well, a lot of what is covered in elementary school science involves the natural world, space, physical science, earth science, what science is, and what scientists do. Why not give your child a head start on science? Boost their knowledge and confidence in science by reading picture books about science that entertain them, inspire them, and teach them about things they will come across at school. In this post, you will find hand‑picked science picture books for kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3r grade that cover today’s most‑searched STEM topics for kids.
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Jump to Popular Sections in this Post:
STEM Picture Books
What kids are learning: These engaging books help children explore science, technology, engineering, and math through storytelling, experiments, and problem-solving. They’re perfect for sparking curiosity and developing critical thinking skills in elementary-aged learners.
by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Using simple words and kid-friendly illustrations, "What Is Science" is a perfect introduction to the world of science. It promotes curiosity and a scientific mindset.
by Joey Benun
The colorful illustrations and playful narrative keep young readers engaged while mathematical ideas unfold naturally. Each page includes “Did You Know?” trivia, “Number Notes,” and “Science Spots” to scaffold learning. Targeted at ages 4–8, it's equally enjoyable as a read-aloud or for independent explorers. The book ends with a glossary and online activity suggestions, making it an enriching mix of STEM and storytelling.
by Ashley Spires
A little girl sets out to build something magnificent but struggles and feels frustrated when her invention doesn’t work. With encouragement from her dog and a walk outside, she returns with new energy and finally succeeds. The story highlights creativity, engineering thinking, and resilience. Simple language and expressive illustrations make it ideal for young children. It offers a heartfelt lesson about trial, error, and perseverance in STEM endeavors.
by Chris Ferrie
A Goodnight Lab is a scientific parody book for toddlers. If your child loved Goodnight Moon, they will love this one too. A Goodnight Lab takes place in a, you guessed it, science laboratory. Children will be entertained while having a fun glimpse of what it is like inside a laboratory. I used this book as an introduction to the "where scientists work" section of our homeschool science curriculum.
Space & Astronomy
What kids are learning: Younger students begin by observing the sun, moon, and stars, learning how they move across the sky. By upper elementary, kids explore the planets, phases of the moon, orbits, gravity, and space exploration.
by Stacy McAnulty
Moon is not just any rock; she is Earth's trusty best friend! This adorable picture book is filled with kid-friendly space facts delivered with humor and charm.
Editorial Review:
"Perfect for children―and grown-ups―who have questions about the greater universe." ―Booklist on Moon! Earth's Best Friend
by Will Gater
The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces kids to 100 fascinating space objects, including planets, stars, black holes, and galaxies. With large, colorful images and short, engaging facts, it makes complex space topics easy to understand for younger readers. Each entry is written in a story-like style that captures kids' imaginations and keeps them curious. It’s a great choice for read-aloud time or for kids to explore on their own. This book is perfect for sparking wonder about space and is a fantastic addition to any science book collection for grades 3 and below.
by Oliver Jeffers
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers is a beautifully illustrated picture book that gently introduces young children to the wonders of our planet and the universe. Written as thoughtful notes from a parent to a child, it explains the land, sky, people, animals, and how we all share the Earth. The language is simple and warm, making big ideas feel accessible and meaningful. It’s a great conversation starter about kindness, community, and caring for our world.
Weather and Earth Science
What kids are learning: Students learn to identify weather patterns, measure temperature, and observe seasonal changes. Older students study the water cycle, types of clouds, natural disasters, and how Earth's surface changes over time.
by Emily Kate Moon
Children will be taken on a fun adventure through the water cycle. They will meet Drop, who is water, and she will tell you all about what she does and where she's been. It is a fun and thorough explanation of the water cycle. Both my 4-year-old and 8-year-old enjoy this book. It is non-stop giggles from the first page to the last.
by Maddie Frost
Layered illustrations and playful narration walk children through storms, clouds, rain, and the global cycle. The story makes scientific concepts easy to follow and fun to read. Bright visuals and kid-friendly language help explain evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a memorable way. Perfect for classrooms or bedtime reading, it encourages kids to see the water around them in a whole new light.
by John Paterson
It gently introduces scientific vocabulary while emphasizing the importance of water in our daily lives and the environment. The back of the book includes conservation tips and hands-on science activities that make it perfect for classrooms, homeschool lessons, or at-home enrichment. Both educational and beautiful!
by Huda Harajli MA
In this book, children will learn all about the four seasons, how clouds form, why it rains, rainbows, and more. A fantastic introduction to weather science!
Physical Science (Forces, Energy, Matter)
What kids are learning: Kids investigate pushes and pulls, gravity, magnetism, and motion. They also explore the properties of matter (solids, liquids, gases), temperature, and forms of energy like light, sound, and heat.
by Andi Diehn
Forces: Physical Science For Kids encourages children to observe and think about the different forces they encounter every day. It does so using simple vocabulary and detailed illustrations. In addition, the book contains easy science experiments and a glossary that helps support learning. With this science book, children will appreciate how science is a part of our day-to-day lives. Even from a very young age, Force: Physical Science For Kids will help develop a child's understanding of physical science.
by Andi Diehn
Energy: Physical Science for Kids is a non-fiction picture book in which kids will discover different forms of energy, such as heat, light, and chemical energy, and how they keep the world working and moving.
by Andi Diehn
In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids will learn about matter, what matters, what does not matter, and the different states of matter.
by David A. Adler
Kids will be surprised at how many simple machines they come across every day. They will learn all about simple machines and how they make work easier. In this book, David A. Adler outlines the different types of simple machines and how we use them every day.
Perfect for budding engineers!
Life Science & Animals
What kids are learning: In early grades, children learn about animal needs, habitats, life cycles, and simple traits. In upper elementary, lessons expand to ecosystems, food chains, inherited traits, and behavioral adaptations.
by Jess French
This beautifully illustrated book teaches young kids about all the main bugs, what these amazing little creatures do for our planet, and how we can help them. Readers are taken on an amazing journey highlighting the fascinating world of our creepy-crawler friends.
by Lauren Davidson
The book Butterflies for Kids answers all questions about butterflies with facts, photos, and illustrations. Kids will learn about the butterfly life cycle, their behavior, and butterfly migration.
After reading this book, why not start your own butterfly garden and watch the butterfly life cycle from home? Click Here to Read How We Started Our Own Butterfly Garden
by Kay Barnham & Maddie Frost
A beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book that walks readers through the complete journey of plant growth—from seed to sapling to mature plants. The bright, layered collages and lively text explain processes like photosynthesis and pollination clearly. At the end, “Notes to Parents and Teachers” offer bonus context and activity ideas, making it perfect for early classroom or homeschool use.
by Steve Jenkins
This engaging book invites young readers to guess which animals live in different habitats around the world. Each page offers clues, then reveals the featured animal in its home. With captivating cut-paper collage art and fascinating facts, kids will explore deserts, rainforests, oceans, and more. It’s a fun and interactive way to introduce animal adaptations and biodiversity.
by Kate Messner
A poetic look at a freshwater ecosystem, this story follows a boy and his mother as they explore what lives above and below the surface of a mountain pond.
by Brenda Z. Guiberson
This engaging book shows how a giant saguaro cactus becomes a shelter for desert animals. A great pick for learning about desert habitats and interdependence.
Environmental Science & Conservation
What kids are learning: Students explore the importance of natural resources, recycling, and how human actions affect the planet. Topics include pollution, endangered species, sustainability, and how to care for Earth’s ecosystems.
by Jen Green
An amazing natural science children's book about trees. Did you know they can warn each other of predators? Discover how trees communicate, record their past, and much more. You will be surprised by how much there is to learn about trees.
by Kirsten Hall
With vibrant illustrations and rhythmic storytelling, this book explores the life of the honeybee and its critical role in pollination and ecosystems. It’s a great way to introduce kids to environmental interdependence and the importance of even the smallest creatures in conservation.
by Mary McKenna Siddals
This clever alphabet book teaches kids what compost is and how they can make their own "compost stew" using food scraps, yard waste, and other natural materials. It's a fun and engaging introduction to sustainability and reducing waste.
by Lynne Cherry
Set in the Amazon rainforest, this beautifully illustrated tale introduces children to the importance of biodiversity and conservation as animals plead with a logger to spare their home.
Famous Scientists & Biographies
What kids are learning: Children are introduced to key figures in science—both past and present—who made discoveries, invented new tools, or changed how we understand the world. Biographies often highlight curiosity, persistence, and creativity.
by Jess Keating
The true story of Eugenie Clark, a fearless ocean scientist. It is named one of the best science picture books for children, Shark Lady is a must for both teachers and parents alike!
by Heather Lang
A picture book biography that reads like an adventure book! Learn about the true story of the scientist determined to discover the world of the rainforest treetops, Meg Lowman. The Leaf Detective captures the magic of the forest treetops in its written informative text.
by Hayley Barrett
A beautifully illustrated, biography-style introduction to astronomer Maria Mitchell, one of America’s first female scientists. The book tells the true story of a young girl on the island of Nantucket who developed a passion for the stars and eventually discovered a comet using a telescope.
Human Body & Health
What kids are learning: Young learners discover body parts and the five senses, while older students explore the major body systems (like the digestive, skeletal, and nervous systems), nutrition, germs, and personal health habits.
by Stowell, Louie
A lift-flap board book that teaches young children about the human body. When lifting the flaps, they will reveal interesting facts about the human body.
by Lizzy Rockwell
A fun and fact-filled introduction to how our bodies move and stay healthy. It explains muscles, bones, heart, lungs, and the importance of exercise and nutrition in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.
by Elizabeth Verdick
Perfect for preschool and early elementary kids, this book teaches the basics of personal hygiene, handwashing, and healthy habits to help keep everyone safe from germs. It’s simple, empowering, and classroom-friendly.
BONUS: Glow-in-the-Dark Wonders (Bioluminescence)
What kids are learning: In upper elementary grades, kids learn about unusual animal adaptations, including how some creatures produce light through bioluminescence. This ties into lessons on survival strategies, deep-sea life, and energy in living things.
by Jennifer N. R. Smith
This visually stunning picture book introduces young readers to the magical world of glowing creatures—from fireflies in your backyard to mysterious deep-sea fish. Each page glows with luminous illustrations and engaging facts about how and why animals light up. It’s a perfect blend of art and science that captures kids’ curiosity and encourages them to explore nature’s hidden wonders.
by Jessica K. Foster
This vibrant and educational picture book introduces children to the unique organisms that glow in the dark. From glowing mushrooms in the forest to sparkling plankton in the sea, readers will learn about the fascinating ways bioluminescence occurs in nature. With rhythmic text and colorful illustrations, it encourages kids to ask questions and get curious about the world around them.
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