Six summer science books for kids

Summer vacation is around the corner, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep learning! Here are six science-filled books to keep kids engaged and learning all summer long. Remember to check your local library to see if they have copies!

1. Quantum Physics for Babies, by Chris Ferrie

It’s never too early to start learning about quantum physics! Canadian physicist Chris Ferrie introduces atoms, the concept of quantized energy, and more in this short board book. We make no apologies if your child’s first word is ‘electron’.

2. Bella the Black Hole, by Ghazal Geshnizjani. Illustrated by Nasim Abaeian.

Perimeter’s own teaching faculty member Ghazal Geshnizjani wrote this children’s picture book about a star’s journey to become a black hole. In a 2025 interview, she said that her reason for writing a children’s book was a desire to share the wonders of her research with her young son, who had taken an interest in all things astronomical. But the process of writing – of distilling incredibly complex concepts into emotionally resonant ideas for kids – became a reward in itself.

“In academia, you learn things when you teach them to someone else,” she said. “That’s when you learn the best. You say, ‘OK, I managed to carry the torch, now I gave it to someone else.’ And that’s a good feeling. I love that part of the process.”

3. Why Don’t Cars Run on Apple Juice? Real Science Questions from Real Kids, by Kira Vermond. Illustrated by Suharu Ogawa.

Are your kids going through the ‘why’ phase? Indulge their insatiable curiosity with a book that gets to the bottom of important questions like, “why do people need sleep?”, “why are planets round?”, and “why do you always have to go to the bathroom?”

Author Kira Vermond and illustrator Suhar Ogawa, both Canadian, tackle 50 questions posed by real kids at the Ontario Science Centre. No matter how strange the question, Vermond uses the scientific process and input from Ontario Science Centre experts to ensure no question goes unanswered.

4. The Way Things Work: Newly Revised Edition, by David Macauley

In 1988, David Macauley published the first edition of The Way Things Work, an illustrated guide to fundamental forces and simple machines, taught by an endearing woolly mammoth. In the 2016 version, the mammoth is back, but this time, he’s taking on the machines of the future. The book still covers the basics but now includes modern technology like WI-FI and 3D printers. 

5. The Kids Book of the Night Sky, by Ann Love and Jane Drake. Illustrated by Heather Collins.

This book, from two authors and an illustrator based in Toronto, offers tons of inspiration for fun summer activities. It keeps kids active and curious about the night sky: it provides games, star maps, and more. Whether you’re stargazing at a summer cottage or learning about the constellations from your Toronto high-rise, this book has the perfect fun (and educational) activity to guide your way. 

6. Alice and Bob’s Quantum Adventure, by Marina Maciel Ansanelli and Yìlè Yīng. Illustrated by Nic Skelhorn.

Last, but definitely not least, comes a picture book authored by two of Perimeter’s resident PhD students, Marina Maciel Ansanelli and Yìlè Yīng, and illustrated by graphic designer Nik Skelhorn. The story walks children through a playful version of Bell’s theorem – one of the most important foundational results in modern physics.

In this 2026 interview, Maciel Ansanelli said, "When I was a child, I was fascinated by media that showed science in a playful way, such as books, TV shows, and science museums. This ultimately led me to want to be a scientist when I grew up. Now, doing science communication helps me with my own research by reminding me why I love science, and why my childhood self was so curious and inquisitive. Sharing this experience with my co-author Yìlè was super fun, and it's very exciting to think that another child's curiosity can be sparked by this book!"

Yīng agreed, stating that "creating a book together with your best friend to share your common passion for science with other kids is one of the best things in this world!"

This book is available free to download on the Perimeter’s Stellar Matter Shop! We hope you enjoy reading it and discovering the wonders of quantum teleportation.