Oh my goodness, this book is so much fun. It follows on from other books in the same series such as History FACTopia or Animal FACTopia. All great little hardbacks that will inspire the curious mind.
The subtle of the book is ‘Follow the trail of 400 STEM-tastic facts’. That’s just what we do as each page we turn presents us with something fascinating to learn.
I was amazed to read that ‘Firehawk’ raptors in Australia carry burning branches as they fly, spreading wildfires on purpose to snatch prey fleeing the flames. Did you know it’s possible to work out the air temperature by counting a cricket’s chirps, which get faster as the temperature rises? Or that if you dropped a feather and a bowling ball at the same time on the moon, they would hit the ground simultaneously?
Published by Brittanica, this is another treasure trove of facts. Every page is packed with colour photos and fun illustrations that add to the enjoyment of learning.
From weather balloons that expand as they get higher in the sky to become the size of a bus, to lightning strikes that can cause sap from a tree to boil, and water inside the trunk to turn to steam, which can cause a tree to explode, Science FACTopia is a book that will have young minds zinging and excited to share all they have learned.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 7+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rose Davidson is a writer, editor, and researcher with a focus in children’s nonfiction content. Inspired by her own love of animals and nature, she has penned countless stories about interesting wildlife behaviors, strange science phenomena, historic heroes, and much more!
Currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, Rose works across print and digital platforms to create and shape engaging content for a diverse range of ages and audiences. She is a contributing editor for National Geographic Kids magazine and the author of multiple children’s books. In her free time, Rose enjoys yoga, hiking, birdwatching, and snuggling with her black cat, Binny.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Andy Smith studied illustration at the University of Brighton and the Royal College of Art, London. His work combines illustration and typography to create images that have humour, energy and optimism executed with a handmade, hand-printed, tactile feel. When not producing commercial work for clients Andy can be found in the studio screen printing books and posters. He lives and pretends to work by the sea in Hastings, East Sussex. His favourite colour is blue.
Andy’s work has been exhibited in the UK, USA, France and Australia.
