Let’s be... scientists! Screen-Free Summer 2026

These STEM-themed books each start with a simple question: does it float? what are stars? can we meet a dinosaur?, and refuse to stop there!

From Rosa testing boats in water to Ada Twist asking why absolutely everything works the way it does, this diverse booklist will delight children who can’t switch their curiosity off and love exploring the world and all its wonders.

Science isn’t just a subject at school for children. It’s about them paying close attention to the awesome world around them every day and refusing to take it for granted. Suitable for ages 1 to 9.

3+years

Rosa's Big Boat Experiment

Author and illustrator: Jessica Spanyol

Good for science and experiment lovers. Rosa and her friends investigate density and boat design.

Black/brown representation
Disabled representation
Diverse cast

6+years

Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe

Authors: Katie and Kevin TsangIllustrator: Amy Nguyen

An out-of-this-world adventure where young inventor Suzie Wen is sucked into her favourite TV show and the stakes are high.

Own Voice
East and Southeast Asian representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

2+years

What Are Stars?

Author: Katie DaynesIllustrator: Marta Alvarez Miguens

A font of interesting facts about stars, with many flaps to keep little fingers busy and intrigued. Excellent illustrations.

Black representation
South Asian representation
East and Southeast Asian representation
Black/brown representation
Diverse cast

3+years

Body Detective

Author: Janet KrauthamerIllustrator: Christiane Engel

A grumbling tummy — that must mean I'm hungry! A brilliant book supporting children to understand their body signals and what to do about them.

Diverse cast
Black representation
East and Southeast Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Black/brown representation

Body Detective - Cover

1+years

Baby Loves Gravity

Author: Ruth SpiroIllustrator: Irene Chan

This charming book offers an excellent and relatable explanation of gravity.

Own Voice
Black representation

3+years

Ada Twist, Scientist

Author: Andrea BeatyIllustrator: David Roberts

When Ada starts to talk, aged 3, she is bursting with questions!

Black representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead
Under-represented voice

4+years

Can We Meet a Dinosaur?

Author: Rosalind SparkIllustrator: Kate Anfilova

Evie and her best friend Dr Dino prepare for time travel in this educational picture book about dinosaurs!

Black/brown representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

Can We Meet a Dinosaur? - Cover

4+years

The Bumblebee Garden

Author: Dawn CaseyIllustrator: Stella Lim

A charming depiction of a grandfather teaching his grandson about the importance of bees and taking care of the natural world.

Own Voice
East and Southeast Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Diverse cast

5+years

Woke Babies: Femi and the Mindfulness Machine

Author: Flo FieldingIllustrator: Sawyer Cloud

A STEM project story, in which a boy learns the value of mindfulness and teamwork, and conquers his anxiety.

Own Voice
Black representation
Diverse cast
Disabled representation
Class/socio-economic diversity

Woke Babies: Femi and the Mindfulness Machine - Cover

7+years

This Book Will Make You A Scientist

Author: Dr Sheila KaniniIllustrator: Ellen Surrey

Travel through time with this engaging fact book to meet amazing scientists from different countries, cultures and moments in history.

Diverse cast
Black/brown representation
Middle Eastern representation
Muslim representation
Challenges gender stereotypes

This Book Will Make You A Scientist - Cover

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