9 picture books that inspire a love of STEM
Author-illustrator Chloe Savage recommends nine fantastic books
My Hidden Wonders picture book series comes from my belief that STEM and art are deeply connected. The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours hopes to spark curiosity in one of the greatest mysteries of our universe: are we alone?
Knowledge should be beautiful and inspiring; here are some of my favourite books which are both.
Mrs Armitage on Wheels by Quentin Blake
Every budding engineer needs to read all the Mrs Armitage books. Full of ingenuity and imagination for creative problem-solving. Superbly written, infinitely quotable in everyday life, and utterly charming.
One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read
Never has a counting book had such a brilliant ending. Genius.
What If One Day… by Bruce Handy and Ashleigh Corrin
STEM is all about curiosity and questions, and you’ll find this here beautifully worded and visualised. Wonderfully designed, with an immersive feeling.
The History of Information by Chris Haughton
Gorgeous. Wonderfully communicated for the age of information, it provides the balance and wisdom we all need.
Life (As We Know It) by Ziggy Hanaor and Cristobal Schmal
The story of life in our universe, beautifully and cleverly done. A brilliant collaboration of words and pictures, with wonderfully controlled pacing.
Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett
I love this book. A funny and charming reminder that every living thing has a place and a purpose.
Little Tree and the Wood Wide Web by Lucy Brownridge and Hannah Abbo
Trees are incredible, more so than ever thought before. This is a charming story of how trees live in communities and support each other – what a lovely thought.
Invented by Animals by Christiane Dorion and Gosia Herba
A fascinating and beautiful book about how engineers are inspired by nature. Creative problem-solving that connects all parts of STEM, here.
Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins and Emily Hughes
This is a wonderfully inspiring book, full of playfulness and creativity, for imaginative engineers.
The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours by Chloe Savage is out now.
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