John Devolle Books

This wonderful book is written by an actual scientist and geologist. There are 3 main categories to the book: ‘Stuff – The Basics’, ‘Nature Stuff’ and ‘Stuff Humans Make & Use’. It is incredibly hard to choose a favourite section with sections called: ‘It came from the Big Bang’, ‘Yum…Dirt’ and ‘Here’s to Your Health’.

The information is clear, succinct and accessible for children in KS2 and illustrations are clear, informative and child-friendly with a mix of photographs and images. Every few pages, there is a ‘bonus’ paragraph which shares brilliant facts like: a little more than half the weight of an average adult person is water but this number is even higher in children. There is also a section on how to grow your own mineral crystals.

There is also a glossary and index at the back. Here’s hoping there is a follow-up to this book…the author mentions that there was a lot more ‘stuff’ he wanted to include, such as extremophiles, asteroids and dark matter. We can’t wait!