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This Book Will Make You a Scientist by Dr Sheila Kanani ill. Ellen Surrey

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 8 Apr 2026

Publisher: Nosy Crow Ltd
ISBN: 9781805132547

“Attractive, colourful illustrations throughout make the book very visually appealing and small pictures are used to support understanding of the experiment instructions. A detailed glossary is included to explain some of the technical terms used and the contents page indicates the name of the scientist and the experiment which can be found on each page, making it easy for children to chose a specific idea or browse at their leisure.” ThroughTheBookshelf
“The step-by-step experiments are a brilliant addition to the book, and any budding young scientists will enjoy having a go at testing out the various scientific theories themselves. The experiments are clear, accessible and would work well as activities in schools.” BookTrust

Read an interview with the author 
 on ReadingZone

Measure the speed of light like Albert Einstein! Train to be an astronaut like Mae Jemison! Communicate with chimpanzees like Jane Goodall! This book will make YOU a scientist as you explore 25 different scientific ideas inspired by ground-breaking scientists through history!

Discover 25 of the world’s most incredible scientists in this fact-filled book full of step-by-step science experiments that are easy to try at home. From making your own volcano and extracting DNA from a strawberry to exploring electricity, evolution and gravity, this imaginative book is jam-packed with ideas for aspiring scientists everywhere!

  • Friendly, accessible text written by planetary physicist, science presenter and school science teacher Dr Sheila Kanani MBE, author of Blue Peter Award-shortlisted How to Be an Astronaut and Can You Get Rainbows in Space?
  • Featuring biographies of 25 fantastic scientists, plus an exciting science-based experiment to try on every spread.
  • Vibrant, full colour illustrations on every page and a stunning cloth-effect cover
  • Created in consultation with experts from the University of Cambridge
  • The fantastic follow-up to This Book Will Make You an Artist (“A great choice for curious and creative kids” – The Independent)

List of scientists featured: Tapputi-Belatekallim, Archimedes, Kamal al-Din al-Farisi, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Caroline Herschel, James Jay, Charles Darwin, Mary Anning, Nikola Tesla, S.P.L Søresnen, Ynés Mexia, Albert Einstein, Alexander Fleming, Alice Ball, Dorothy Hodgkin, Rosalind Franklin, Marie Maynard Daly, Eugene Merle Shoemaker, Jane Goodall, Katia Krafft, Christine Darden, Stephen Hawking, Mae Jemison and Ritu Karidhal.

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Darwin and Hooker: A story of friendship, curiosity and discovery that changed the world by Alexandra Stewart ill. Joe Todd-Stanton

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Nov 2022

Waterstones
Amazon
Bookshop

Superb, illustrated, biographical non-fiction.

Published in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this book will show children how teamwork, curiosity, openness and trust can be the greatest tools a scientist will ever need. Previous books by the illustrator:
The Comet – ACHUKA Book of the Day 9 Mar 2022
Leo And The Gorgon’s Curse – ACHUKA Book of the Day 26 Oct 2020
A Mouse Called Julian – ACHUKA Book of the Day 13 Dec 2019
Macy And The Riddle Of The Sphinx

On 24th November 1859, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was first published, selling out almost immediately. Describing the now well known theory that humans evolved through a process called natural selection, it became an instant classic and cemented Darwin as one of the greatest biologists of all time. However, he couldn’t have done it without the support, encouragement and advice from those who believed in him. None more so than Joseph Hooker, his friend, confidant and fellow collector, who supported and helped Darwin when he didn’t dare ask anyone else. Hooker, too, had his own adventures and made his own discoveries – many of which not only aided Darwin, but went on to change what the world knew about plants. Becoming head of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he came to be one the world’s most influential botanists. Across many years, countless adventures and numerous letters, this captivating and wonderfully illustrated book tells the story of one of greatest friendships to happen to science.

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