If your child’s role models are from the halls of science
Albie’s First Word: A Tale Inspired By Albert Einstein’s Childhood
Author: Jacqueline Tourville
Illustrator: Wynne Evans
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books, an Imprint of Random House Children’s Books
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
In this brilliant book, Jacqueline Tourville takes the fact that Albert Einstein was a late talker and weaves a story around the moment that he first spoke. While each event keeps the reader guessing, and hoping, it is only when his parents stop wondering “when?” that Albie wonders “why?” A terrific read-aloud.
Ask Albert Einstein
Author: Lynne Barasch
Illustrator: Lynne Barasch
Publisher: Frances Foster Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 8
Website
Awards: Natural History Magazine Best Books of 2005; Parents Choice Recommended Award Winner 2005
On A Beam Of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein
Author: Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Vladimir Radunsky
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Recommended Age Range: 6 to 9
Website
On A Beam Of Light is wonderful, not only because it describes Einstein and his brilliant ideas in such an understandable and child- like way, but because it shows Einstein in a whole new, well, light. ☺ For example, did you know that Einstein didn’t like socks? In fact, he never wore them as an adult! What did he love? Sailing, playing the violin, and apparently, eating ice cream. A must-read that teaches and inspires – just like Einstein himself.
Awards: Booklist 2013 Lasting Connections, Science; Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2013; Booklist 2013 Top 10 Books for Youth, Science & Health; SLJ’s Best Books of 2013, Nonfiction; Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books for Youth, 2013, Nonfiction; ALA 2014 Notable Children’s Books, Younger Readers; Booklist 2014 Top 10 Books for Youth, Biography; VOYA’s 2013 Nonfiction Honor List; A Junior Library Guild Selection
Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum
Author: Meghan McCarthy
Illustrator: Meghan McCarthy
Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Website
Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum is a great story not only about the history of gum, including one of its early predecessors – tree sap, but the determined young man that created the bubble blowing gum of today. Cartoon-like images complement the text; making it child-like and child-friendly. It’s what I’ve always believed – picture books are one of the best places to teach history and make it stick (no pun intended). ☺
Awards: Black Eyed Susan Book Award Master list (MD); Capitol Choices List (DC); Gate City Book Award Master List (NH); Land of Enchantment Children’s Master List (NM); Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honor Book; Monarch Award Master List (IL); Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award; Rhode Island Children’s Book Award Master List; School Library Journal Best Books of the Year; Utah Beehive Book Award Winner; WA Children’s Choice Picture Book Master List; Young Hoosier Book Award Master List (IN); A Junior Library Guild Selection; Society of Illustrators, Original Art Pack; A Parent Magazine Top 20 Book
Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos
Author: Stephanie Roth Sisson
Illustrator: Stephanie Roth Sisson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Carl Sagan was a born-explorer. Whether studying the world around him, or the one above him, he always asked questions and looked for the answers. One night, looking up at the stars, he wondered: “What are they?” And, in that moment, his life was changed. Not only did this inspire him to study the universe; it inspired him to create spaceships to get there. A story to remind all of us to follow our dreams and never stop imagining.
Awards: Orbis Pictus Honorable Mention book, 2015; School Library Journal Best Books of the Year; ALA Notable Children’s Books; Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year; California Book Awards Master List; Vermont Red Clover Children’s Choice