Infused with Helaine Becker’s trademark wit and irrepressible energy, Science on the Loose encourages young readers to release their inner scientist so that they can think, do, and learn in the most entertaining way possible. Whether it’s to test density in fruit, determine dominant genes, or make slimy goo, each experiment follows accepted scientific procedure, is easy to conduct, can be safely performed using ordinary household materials, and makes for a satisfying, surprising adventure in science. Each experiment features a “What’s Going On?” component that explains the science behind the results in a clear and concise way, so even when an experiment just feels like silly fun, children are learning about chemistry, climate change, genes, the senses, photosynthesis, the scientific method — even Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. From fooling our senses to discovering whether Jell-o can have brain waves to creating ice cream by kicking a can, Science on the Loose feeds into children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. A helpful listing outlines all the scientific principles covered in the book — an indispensable tool for teachers and a mark of a serious science book for parents. Claudia Dávila’s amusing illustrations strike the perfect note.

This lively book by an award-winning author brings to life the history of human innovation for young readers. What's the Big Idea? focuses on those inventions that help fulfill people's six basic needs: food, sleep, security, shelter, companionship, and good health. Main spreads feature a specific invention such as the wheel and axle, paper, bicycles, or the Internet. Each one starts with a "What’s the Big Idea?" box that explains the problem the inventors were trying to solve. It answers the pertinent questions: Why this invention and why now? "Fast Facts" and "Big Ideas" sidebars give young readers quick blasts of information reference-style. Twelve special spreads scattered throughout the book highlight either a famous inventor or a specific theme. The "Inventor Biography" spreads profile inventors such as da Vinci, Galileo, and Thomas Edison, and summarize their main inventions. Comic strips deliver an added snippet of information and a humorous punch. Helaine Becker's witty, inventive text and Steve Attoe's wonderfully whimsical art make this a book children can enjoy while they learn.

This lively book by an award-winning author brings to life the history of human innovation for young readers. What's the Big Idea? focuses on those inventions that help fulfill people's six basic needs: food, sleep, security, shelter, companionship, and good health. Main spreads feature a specific invention such as the wheel and axle, paper, bicycles, or the Internet. Each one starts with a "What’s the Big Idea?" box that explains the problem the inventors were trying to solve. It answers the pertinent questions: Why this invention and why now? "Fast Facts" and "Big Ideas" sidebars give young readers quick blasts of information reference-style. Twelve special spreads scattered throughout the book highlight either a famous inventor or a specific theme. The "Inventor Biography" spreads profile inventors such as da Vinci, Galileo, and Thomas Edison, and summarize their main inventions. Comic strips deliver an added snippet of information and a humorous punch. Helaine Becker's witty, inventive text and Steve Attoe's wonderfully whimsical art make this a book children can enjoy while they learn.