A science book makes a brilliant birthday gift or Christmas stocking filler. You can pair up a book with a magnifying glass ( we like this one from Learning Resources ), a little notebook and pen, a magnet set or even a mini science kit to make a fun, inexpensive and slightly unusual gift. I’ve compiled a list of a few of our favourite science books for kids to get you started.
The Best Science Books for Kids
Lonely Planet Kids
Lonely Planet books are always beautifully illustrated, full of fun facts and easily understandable information and generally really lovely books to receive or gift.
The Rocks Book takes readers on a journey around the world learning about different rocks, how fossils form, how to collect them sustainably and a huge rock directory making identification easy!
The Amazing Ancient World Atlas explores 40 historical cultures from all over the world with maps, artwork, amazing photos and lots of fun facts!
We’ve learned a lot from both books and now have some new countries on our travel wishlist!
Little People, BIG DREAMS
The Little People, BIG DREAMS series is fantastic for young children. In addition to scientists, the series includes inspirational sportspeople, authors, and musicians. There’s a book for every interest and dream. We love them!
The Earth Heroes gift set looks especially good!
The World’s Most Atrocious Animals
The World’s Most Atrocious Animals is the third book in the hilarious and very informative series by Philip Bunting.
Each book in the series is full of facts about the quirkiest animals on planet Earth, all presented in a visually appealing and hilarious way. Whenever I read it with my son, he always wants to read more!
One of my favourite features of the book is the cleverly made-up scientific names for the animals, which always make me chuckle.
Dictionary of Dinosaurs
New for January 2024 is this beautiful dinosaur book containing a huge list of the biggest, most fearsome and strangest dinosaurs that ever lived.
From aardonyx to zuniceratops, read about where dinosaurs lived, what they ate and much more! We’ve learned about dinosaurs we didn’t know existed. It’s a truly beautiful book!
Iggy Peck Architect
When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up. The fun rhyming text and super cute illustrations make this book appeal to children and adults alike.
From the same publisher, also check out Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist.
This Is Rocket Science
I’m a bit biased with this one as it’s my own book, but This Is Rocket Science is bursting with fun and easy rocket science themed activities and experiments taking you into space, around the solar system and back to Earth with a bang!
UK: https://amzn.to/2JPAj45
US: https://amzn.to/2MrxQvp
Snackable Science
Snackable Science contains 60 delicious edible science experiments for kids of all ages! Make chocolate bridges for dinosaurs, build a marshmallow treat Jenga, edible fudge Tetris and lots more yummy science.
Gross Science
Gross Science contains 60 disgusting science experiments for kids. Explore the layers of your skin, make a model of intestines, edible poo, bendy bones and so much more!
123 Seriously Smart Things You Need to Know About the Climate
123 Seriously Smart Things You Need to Know About the Climate is an absolute must-read book for everyone! I’ve been reading it with my children over the last few days, and we have learned so much already. The book is jam-packed full of information and facts presented, so they are easy to understand, but best of all, it gives hope that we can save our planet if we take action now.
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures introduces readers to the immensely inspirational and groundbreaking stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden and their once-hidden contributions to science, aeronautics, and space exploration.
Tinkerlab
TinkerLab is one of our favourite bloggers, and this book complements the website beautifully. We love how it encourages creative thinking and hands-on exploration. I’s definitely a must-have book for little scientists and engineers.
This Book Thinks You’re A Scientist
Published in association with London’s Science Museum, This Book Thinks You’re A Scientist explores seven scientific areas, including force and motion, electricity and magnetism, earth and space, light, matter, sound and mathematics.
Readers are encouraged to ask questions, carry out their own experiments and record their findings. The book is beautifully presented with areas to record results and design things like new constellations and a musical instrument. It also includes cutouts of speed boats and drip mazes, amongst other things. This one is definitely near the top of our favourites!
My Mummy is an Engineer
My Mummy is an ENGINEER. It is all about a little girl talking about her mummy’s job, which is both looking after the little girl and being an engineer. It makes a refreshing change from more traditional stories where the Mum is at home and gives a wonderful glimpse into the exciting life of an engineer.
Dinosaur Awards Book
This beautifully illustrated dinosaur book is perfect for big and little dinosaur fans. It’s jam-packed full of information and fun facts, all presented in an amusing way. We love it!
Can you recommend any more science books for kids for us?
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Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
Love this book!