Physics for Young Scientists

Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels written and illustrated by Daniel Kirk

Newton the squirrel and his sister, Curie, conduct experiments based on what they hear through a classroom window, making simple machines to learn more about how the world works and to help their neighbors. Includes author’s notes and glossary of scientific terms.

Newton and Me written by Lynne Mayer

While at play with his dog, Newton, a young boy discovers the laws of force and motion in his everyday activities. Told in rhyme, Lynne Mayer’s Newton and Me follows these best friends on an adventure as they apply physics to throwing a ball, pulling a wagon, riding a bike, and much more. They will realize that Newton’s Laws of Motion describe experiences they have every day, and they will recognize how forces affect the objects around them.

Albie’s First Word: a tale inspired by Albert Einstein’s childhood written by Jacqueline Tourville

Three-year-old Albie has never said a single word. When his worried mother and father consult a doctor, he advises them to expose little Albie to new things- a trip to the orchestra, an astronomy lecture, a toy boat race in the park. But though Albie dances with excitement at each new experience, he remains silent. Finally, the thoughtful, quiet child witnesses something so incredible, he utters his very first word- “Why?”

Albert Einstein: a Curious Mind written by Sarah Albee

Complemented by photographic historical back matter, a leveled-reader introduction to the life of Albert Einstein explains how his innovative thinking paved the way for many world-shaping discoveries and inventions

Nonfiction

On a Beam of Light: a story of Albert Einstein written by Jennifer Berne

A boy rides a bicycle down a dusty road. But in his mind, he envisions himself traveling at a speed beyond imagining, on a beam of light. This brilliant mind will one day offer up some of the most revolutionary ideas ever conceived. From a boy endlessly fascinated by the wonders around him, Albert Einstein ultimately grows into a man of genius recognized the world over for profoundly illuminating our understanding of the universe.

Queen of Physics: how Wu Chien Shiung helped unlock the secrets of the atom written by Teresa Robeson

When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, girls did not attend school. But her parents named their daughter “Courageous Hero” and encouraged her love of science. This biography follows Wu as she battles sexism at home and racism in the United States of America to become what Newsweek magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on how atoms split.

Backyard Physics Experiments written by Alix Wood

Physics is the study of matter and energy, and how these two things interact. We can use physics to understand many fascinating things about the natural world. This hands-on book of awesome experiments lets readers learn about physics while having a blast. They’ll follow simple, step-by-step instructions accompanied by full-color photographs to complete each project.

Waves: Physical Science for Kids written by Andi Diehn

You can find waves just about everywhere you look! Take a tour of the world of waves in this fun, illustrated introduction to the concept of waves and energy.

Super Simple Experiments with Mass: Fun and Innovative Science Projects written by Paige V. Polinsky

Super Simple Experiments with Mass gives young readers the tools they need to start experimenting. Budding scientists will learn to make and measure the mass of putty, separate liquids by density, and more! Each project has easy‑to‑read directions paired with step‑by‑step photographs, while colorful graphics describe the super science at work.

Matter written by Ann Squire

From the tiniest specks of dust to entire planets, everything is made of matter.
A True Book: Physical Science allows readers to find answers to puzzling questions as well as discover how people have used physical science to make countless innovations throughout history.

Preschool Science Activity with the States of Matter: https://carrotsareorange.com/states-of-matter/

States of Matter Preschool Style: https://www.thingstoshareandremember.com/states-of-matter/

 Designing Elementary Engineering Education from the Perspective of the Young Child: https://regentsctr.uni.edu/ramps-pathways/designing-elementary-engineering-education-perspective-young-child

Guide to Teaching Children About the States of Matter: https://scienceexplorers.com/guide-to-teaching-children-about-the-states-of-matter/

Fall leaves, fall!

Dance Like a Leaf by A. J. Irving

As her grandmother’s health declines, a young girl begins to take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions.

A Kiss for Akaraka by Richard Jackson

When Lula begins to get tired of helping her father rake leaves, he suggests that her imaginary friend, Akaraka, might help.

Under My Tree by Muriel Tallandier

When Susanne leaves her city home to visit her grandmother, she finds a very special tree of her own in the forest. Each time she returns to the tree, she observes something unique about it–from the sheltering protection of its branches to the scratchy surface of its bark.

Summer Green to Autumn Gold: uncovering leaves’ hidden colors written and illustrated by Mia Posada

Yellow and red, orange and brown– fall is full of color! But why do leaves change color? Illustrated with gorgeous watercolor and collage artwork, this nonfiction picture book introduces young readers to the science behind the many colors of leaves. With a glossary and hands-on experiments.

Lawrence in the Fall written by Matthew Farina

Lawrence the fox accompanies his father into the forest to collect something to take to his school show-and-tell, and while briefly lost and alone, Lawrence encounters the beauty of nature and finds exactly what he needs.

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter written and illustrated by Kenard Pak

As leaves fall from their trees, animals huddle against the cold, and frost creep across windows, everyone knows – winter is on its way! Join a brother and sister as they explore nature and take a stroll through their twinkling town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the setting sun to curious deer, they say goodbye to autumn and welcome the glorious first snow of winter.

Wonderfall written and illustrated by Michael Hall

Follows the story of a single tree through the changing of the seasons from fall to winter, as people, animals, and vehicles pass in front of the tree, celebrating holidays, playing in the leaves, and building nests. Includes blended words.

Nonfiction

Trees by Pamela Hickman

In this first book in the Nature All Around series, kids will learn all about trees and the vital role that they play for people and animals. This introduction to the topic covers the different kinds of trees, how they grow and change throughout the seasons and how they provide a home to a variety of animals.

Twig identification: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/media/48347/twig-id-sheet.pdf

Sorting leaves: https://inspirationlaboratories.com/sorting-leaves-seeds-and-celebrating-autumn/

Squirrel Science

Girl versus Squirrel by Hayley Barrett

A resourceful girl named Pearl matches wits with an intrepid squirrel in a rollicking tale of teacups, peanuts, and the satisfying surprise of learning something new.

Nuts! Written by Lou Peacock

When a little squirrel finds a big pile of nuts, she is very excited! But soon she is joined by another squirrel … and this squirrel thinks the nuts belong to him. When Rabbit, Bear, and Badger get involved, things get very confusing indeed! They won’t even listen to wise old Owl. Will the squirrels ever learn to share?

 Who Stole the Hazelnuts? a Forest Mystery written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister

Someone has stolen Squirrel’s hazelnuts and he is determined to find out who.

Otto and Pio written by Marianne Dubuc

Otto the squirrel reluctantly becomes a foster parent when a strange, furry creature hatches outside his home, saying nothing but “Pio” and growing very, very quickly.

Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring! Written and illustrated by Kazuo Iwamura

While out exploring Mick, Mack, and Molly take a ride on a fallen log and learn how the snow melts and ends up in the rivers and lakes and eventually in the sky.

The Golden Acorn written and illustrated by Katy Hudson

When the Golden Nut Hunt race becomes a team event, will speedy Squirrel’s competitive spirit take over, or will she learn how to be a team player?

Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep written by April Pulley Sayre

Squirrels wrestle. Squirrels leap. Squirrels climb. Squirrels sleep. If you followed a squirrel for a day, what would you see? Climbing branches, storing seeds, making homes in tree holes, and maybe even flying! [The creators of this book offer] a glimpse into this fascinating world. Discover different kinds of squirrels as the scamper, eat, and–finally–sleep.

Nonfiction:

Squirrels written by Julie Murray

This very simple book about squirrels combines familiar with fun. Readers will learn about this favorite common animal while strengthening reading skills and being wowed with great photographs.

Squirrel feeder activity: https://funlearningforkids.com/nuts-book-activity-squirrel-feeder/

Mammals in the rodent family: https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/3055

Cool things you should know about squirrels: https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/686/7-Cool-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Squirrels