Kids Science

Ignite their passion for exploring the night sky―the astronomer's guidebook for kids ages 7 to 13

"No matter how many times you've orbited the Sun, Astronomy for Kids is really for kids of all ages. Dr. Betts shows you how to become an astronomer―an observer of the stars. With this book, you can know the cosmos and your place within it. Read on, walk out, and look up!"―Bill Nye, science educator, author, and CEO of The Planetary Society

One of the coolest things about outer space is that anyone can explore it. All you have to do is go outside and look up! Using plain sight, binoculars, or a small telescope, Astronomy for Kids shows stargazers how easy it is to explore space, just by stepping outside.

With this book as their guide to the northern hemisphere, kids will learn to find and name amazing objects in the night sky. Fully illustrated with fun facts throughout, kids can point out sights to friends and family, saying things like, "that's Jupiter," and, "those stars are the constellation Cygnus the Swan," and maybe even, "that group of stars doesn't have a name but I think it looks like my dog getting belly rubs."

From the Milky Way Galaxy to Mars to the Moon's craters and mountains―Astronomy for Kids helps young astronomers discover important parts of our solar system, with:

Like all big things, outer space is something you have to see to believe. Astronomy for Kids teaches kids that planets, shooting stars, constellations, and meteor showers are not only in books―but right above them.

Sophia Spencer has loved bugs ever since a butterfly landed on her shoulder--and wouldn't leave!--at a butterfly conservancy when she was only two-and-a-half years old. In preschool and kindergarten, Sophia was thrilled to share what she knew about grasshoppers (her very favorite insects), as well as ants and fireflies... but by first grade, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Some students bullied her, and Sophia stopped talking about bugs altogether.

When Sophia's mother wrote to an entomological society looking for a bug scientist to be a pen pal for her daughter, she and Sophie were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response--letters, photos, and videos came flooding in. Using the hashtag BugsR4Girls, scientists tweeted hundreds of times to tell Sophia to keep up her interest in bugs--and it worked! Sophia has since appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and NPR, and she continues to share her love of bugs with others.

With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow.

The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project, and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers. A nonfiction classic, and a perfect companion for early science lessons and curious young gardeners.

According to The Washington Post, Gail Gibbons has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator. Ms. Gibbons is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including the bestselling titles From Seed to Plant and Monarch Butterfly. Her many honors include the Washington Post/Childrens Book Guild Nonfiction Award and the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award.

From Seed to Plant was included in the Common Core State Standards Appendix B.

Sophie loves visiting her aunt and uncle in the countryside and learning all about the fruits that grow in their garden: strawberries, redcurrants and cranberries. She even discovers how a tall cherry tree grows from a small seed, and how bees help blossoms become fruit.

She is sad when her family moves south but starts to enjoy her new garden with its different plants and trees. Soon Sophie makes friends with her neighbors who help her harvest melons, grapes, figs, oranges and pomegranates.

At school, Sophie and her classmates learn about tropical fruits and nuts from all over the world -- bananas, coconuts, cashews, pineapples and many more.

This superb companion to Gerda Muller's beloved How Does My Garden Grow? is full of beautiful, and fascinatingly detailed, illustrations. The simple story, both informative and entertaining, is perfect for teaching children where food comes from, and for inspiring interest in the wonderful diversity of the world around us.