Science Books for Little Learners
Updated: Nov 14, 2022
What do kids learn in early elementary science? Well, a lot of what is covered in elementary school science involves the natural world, the water cycle, the butterfly life cycle, matter, forces, energy, the weather, what is science, what scientists do, and more.
Why not give your child a head start on science? Boost their knowledge and confidence in science by reading picture books that entertain them, inspire them, and teach them about things they will no doubt come across at school. These picture books not only come in attractive book covers but they are packed with tons of age-appropriate scientific information. Reading science-related books may help encourage kids to view science from a different perspective.
In this post, you will find a list of science books for young readers that will teach them about each of the subjects previously mentioned and more. They are excellent science picture books for young age groups, such as kindergarten and first grade, and great science books for second graders!
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Drop: An Adventure through the Water Cycle
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.
Moon! Earth's Best Friend
by Stacy McAnulty
Moon is not just any rock, she is Earth's trusty best friend! This adorable picture book is filled with kids-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
Forces: Physical Science for Kids
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 help support learning. With this science book, children will appreciate how science is a part of our day-to-day life. Even from a very young age, Force: Physical Science For Kids will help develop a child's understanding of physical science.
Energy: Physical Science for Kids
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.
Matter: Physical Science for Kids
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.
The Book of Brilliant Bugs
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.
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
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!
The Magic and Mystery of Trees
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.
Butterflies for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to the Butterfly Life Cycle and Beautiful Species to Discover
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?
All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids
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!
The Leaf Detective
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 clearly written informative text.
What Is Science?
by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Using simple words and kid-friendly illustrations, What Is Science is a perfect introduction to science. It promotes curiosity and a scientific mindset.
Look Inside Your Body
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.
Goodnight Lab
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.
Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys
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!