In this house, we love Science Comics. When I worked at a library, I brought in everything in that line that was published at that point. We have a few volumes at home that are falling apart. We recommended them in our last post, but like I said—in this house we love Science Comics, so you’re going to get a more detailed recommendation this time.
As I’m writing this, there are twenty-one Science Comics graphic novels, plus a few Maker Comics books that focus on topics like Making a Costume, Baking and Fixing A Car. Each Science Comics installment delves into a different subject and books range from Flying Machines to Volcanoes, from Dogs to The Digestive System (out in Nov. 2020).
So what makes this series one of our top recommendations?
They’re funny.
They tell a story and readers learn with the characters along the way. The material is not presented as purely non-fiction, but instead with just enough narrative to make it compelling.
They’re written for the age range when children are knowledge sponges. When an eight-year-old is interested in a subject and they talk about it non-stop? That’s the target reader.
Some of D’s favorites:
Plagues. I heard about contagious diseases at mealtime for weeks. Kids looove gross stuff.
The Brain. “Mom, I’m learning about the brain WITH MY BRAIN.”
Dinosaurs. This is actually the little one’s favorite, along with Bats. She loves to read about animals she doesn’t encounter on a daily basis. (Or ever, sorry dinos.)
Polar Bears. D loves to remind me about how I was wrong and polar bears are not white. She showed me the pages in the book where they discuss how polar bear fur is transparent. I’m also now in a position to remind her that the polar ice caps are melting and we need to put on a sweater instead of turning up the heat.
Coral Reefs. For any Finding Nemo/Finding Dory fan.
My kids are particularly interested in animals and the human body, but the books on robots, rockets, and the solar system were very popular at the library.
Soon to come: Crows, The Digestive System, and Rocks and Minerals. I’m sure I’ll be hearing all about stomach acid and scavengers soon!
See D talk about her recent Science Comics read, Cats! (YouTube link)
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Disclosures: We’ve received a couple of these books from First Second for review purposes, but we bought at least ten before that happened. These Amazon links are affiliate links that earn us a few pennies when you purchase through them.