Books: Science Themes

Science-themed picture books to encourage children to explore and discover the world around them.

Abigail and the birth of the sun

Source: Massey University Library

ISBN-13 9780143772705
Publisher Penguin
Imprint Puffin
Published 2 Jul 2019
Author Matthew Cunningham
Illustrated by Wilkins, Sarah

Achievement Objectives:

Understanding about science
• Appreciate that scientists ask questions about our world that lead to investigations and that open-mindedness is important because there may be more than one explanation.

Strand: Planet Earth and Beyond

Astronomical systems
• Share ideas and observations about the Sun and the Moon and their physical effects on the heat and light available to Earth.

“As Abigail got ready for bed, she thought of a big question”… a wonderful story that takes us on a journey to discover how the sun came to be, it’s a positive and uplifting story that shows we’re all made of “start dust” and we’re all born to shine. The space science is subtle, but there, so great to introduce or reinforce learning.

Who Says Women Can’t Be Computer Programmers?

#AdaLovelace

Source: Dunedin Public Library

Author: Tanya Lee Stone 
Illustration: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ISBN: 978-1627792998
Publication date: February 20, 2018
Summary: In the early nineteenth century lived Ada Byron: a young girl with a wild and wonderful imagination. The daughter of internationally acclaimed poet Lord Byron, Ada was tutored in science and mathematics from a very early age. But Ada’s imagination was never meant to be tamed and, armed with the fundamentals of math and engineering, she came into her own as a woman of ideas―equal parts mathematician and philosopher.

This is a fantastic story! I hadn’t clicked that Ada Lovelace was the daughter of Lord Byron. It helps explain how computers work, and can provide a great stepping stone for non-screen computer programming.

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Ada Lovelace – Poet of Science

Source: Dunedin Public Library

Author: Diane Stanely
Illustrator: Jessie Hartland
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (October 4, 2016)
Length: 40 pages
ISBN13: 9781481452496

Two hundred years ago, a daughter was born to the famous poet, Lord Byron, and his mathematical wife, Annabella. Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, math, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind. A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx4E1PNWb0U

This focuses on Ada as a person and highlights her vision and intelligence. It mentions her parents, early life, marriage, her children, and her following her dreams of scientific exploration and invention.

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New Zealand Wildlife: an adventure with Tana & Gemma

Source: Massey Library

Author: Monarch Enterprise 
Illustrator: Vicky Walker
ISBN 0473062909
Summary: Tana and Gemma travel to different parts of the country to discover New Zealand’s wildlife in its natural habitat, and see Hooker’s sea lions, tuatara, kakapo, yellow-eyed penguins, and others. Includes factual information and suggestions for activities.
Publisher: Dunedin, N.Z. : Monarch Enterprise, c1999.

Nice to support a joint Dunedin effort! Queens High, Fairfield School, Anderson’s Bay, St Clair, and other Otago primary schools were all involved. Each page has a new area visited, which is marked on the map of NZ, a photograph of a wildlife species found in that area, and some interesting facts. These are in the story as well as a “key points” type box.

Riki: The Royal Albatross Chick

Source: Massey University Library

ISBN: 9780868681009
Published:1988
Publisher: John McIndoe
Author: Jane Thomson
Illustrator: Annie Baird
Summary: “Based on the true story of the early life of Riki, a Royal Albatross chick born in the world’s only mainland colony near Dunedin, New Zealand.”–Cover, p.[4].

A really lovely story about Riki, gently introducing readers to albatross habits and habitat, including how human vets assist in maintaining the health of the young chick.