Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Topic: Science, Maths and Computing

A Million Dots

Non-fiction, Picturebook

Double the numbers to go from 1 to 1,000,000 in 40 pages. A stunning visualization of numbers big and small.

We start with a single tree; 1. As we turn the page, we are presented with a sum doubling the number on the page before it: 1+1 = 2; 2+2 = 4; 4+4 = 8. In this way, we reach a million (actually 1,048,576) within 44 pages.

Each sum is brought to life with a simple graphic illustration in the distinctive style of Sven Völker. The dots form the back of a ladybird, the bubbles in a cup of soda and the water in a swimming pool. On each page, a single neon dot illustrates what one means in the context of the sum.

Gloriously simple in its concept and execution, this is a book that will bring mathematics alive to parents as well as children and will also make a stunning gift book.

Steve Jobs (Little People, Big Dreams)

Aura Lewis & Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Non-fiction

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Steve Jobs, the visionary whose ideas still shape the world.

Steve Jobs grew up surrounded by inventors, in sunny Silicon Valley, California. He and his friend Stephen Wozniak channelled their love of computers into their own inventions, building a successful company from Steve’s garage. Steve thought that computers were the future, and his big ideas would transform the world and the way people use technology. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant businessman’s life.

The History of the Computer

Rachel Ignotofsky

Non-fiction

This non-fiction children’s book about computing is full of intertwining facts and illustrations and is a dip-in book that will keep readers entertained for hours.

The author summarises the long and complex history of computing, not starting with the obvious first machines of the twentieth century, but with ancient civilisations when maths and symbols were developed to enable people to calculate. Important inventions and influential people on the journey to modern computers are explained – the impact of WW2 and the race to develop technology, such as the radar or Turing’s code-breaking machine, brings us to computing in its more modern guise. The internet, social media, gaming, retailing and AI are all described and then predictions for the future are explored.

The book is divided into clear chapters, each with timelines, inventions, people and computing stories but for those who are not sure of the basic terms and functions, the introduction covers that also. Overall, this will keep older children and adults busy while thinking, ‘I didn’t know that!’ or, ‘I remember that!’ as they flick through an extremely well-researched and appealing book.

Shark in the Park on a Windy Day!

Nick Sharratt

Picturebook

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the park . . .

Timothy Pope is blown this way and that way in the windy park — but among the whistling wind and blustering brollies could that be a shark he spies through his telescope. Peep through the die-cut hole in the pages of the book to find out.

A third book in the bestselling Shark in the Park series — it’s fin-tastic fun!

The Squirrels’ Busy Year: A Science Storybook about the Seasons

Martin Jenkins & Richard Jones

Non-fiction, Picturebook

The perfect introduction to seasons and weather for young children.

It’s winter. It’s cold! The squirrels are digging up acorns to eat. But what will they eat in the spring when the acorns are gone? This beautiful picture book is the perfect introduction to the seasons and how the weather changes throughout the year. The second book in the new Science Storybook series from Walker Books, illustrated by up-and-coming talent Richard Jones and written by the award-winning author Martin Jenkins.

Seasons

Clover Robin & Hannah Pang

Non-fiction, Picturebook

Nature is like a magical picture that changes with the seasons.

Watch six breathtaking landscapes transform in front of your eyes in this beautifully illustrated book. Interactive split pages create an immersive experience that allows readers to take a visual journey across the globe, from the Arctic tundra to the African plains. With simple facts and stunning, collaged artwork, this is the perfect book for nature lovers, young and old.

Step through a magical year in nature.

A Walk in the Woods

Flora Martyn & Hannah Tolson

Picturebook

Join Lucy and Oscar and their dog Jasper as they explore spring, summer, autumn and winter on a woodland walk. What amazing things can you see? Come rain or shine, Oscar and Lucy walk Jasper the dog every day.

On a spring morning, the world is waking up, animals peek out from their burrows and the birds sing happy songs. On summer afternoons it is HOT HOT HOT and picnics are a joy to have. On autumn evenings, the sky turns black and minibeasts find their perfect hiding spots. Winter mornings are frosty and cold. Spot all the nature elements that make woodland walks so special!

Each spread uncovers an exciting new scene, at a certain time of the day and the year. Spot all the animals, minibeasts, leaves, trees and flowers. The wood is full of treasures.

Published in collaboration with The Woodland Trust, the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK, and with delightful artwork from Hannah Tolson, A Walk in the Woods will delight kids who love to explore.

Rain

Sam Usher

Picturebook

Sam wants to go out but it’s pouring with rain, so he and Grandpa decide to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Grandpa gets on with his important paperwork. Grandpa seems to have a VERY important letter to write. Then that very important letter has to be posted, despite the rain and floods. As they finally go outside, Sam and Grandpa have a magical adventure. Rain is the follow-up to the acclaimed Snow; and is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather.

Cyril the Lonely Cloud

Tim Hopgood

Picturebook

It is sad but true that no one is ever pleased to see Cyril the cloud. He’s always being blamed for ruining everyone’s fun: casting shadows over everywhere he goes, and making things look dull and miserable. So, one day, Cyril drifts far, far away in search of a friendly face: over farmland, towns, and an ocean . . . Eventually he arrives in a new land whose ground is baking hot. Here everyone welcomes the shade Cyril gives. This makes Cyril so happy that he cries big glorious tears of joy. And his tears soak the land and everything seems to smile. And that is all Cyril ever wanted – to look down on the world and see a happy smile. A beautiful story that taps right into what Tim Hopgood’s books are all about: celebrating the natural world and promoting a positive outlook on life.

Puddling!

Claire Alexander & Emma Perry

Picturebook

Clouds gather, skies darken, rain drops, puddles appear… Let’s go puddling!

Pull on your wellies and button up your coats for this playful, interactive story all about children delighting in the joy of splish-splash-sploshing in muddy puddles with their friends, and cherishing snuggles on the sofa afterwards. Emma Perry’s debut on the Walker list encapsulates the joy of being outside whatever the weather, and is paired perfectly with Claire Alexander’s watercolour artwork to recreate splashing puddles and raindrops!