In Exploring the Elements, my periodic table fangirl side entered overdrive. Earth's elements are a regular fascination but this deep dive, sans too-boggling jargon, will cram young heads with wows.
Opening with an introduction to the elements (the building blocks of everything), we learn about atoms, the organisation of elements, the periodic table and how it was created (thank you, Dmitri Mendeleev). It also covers where Earth's elements are found (fascinating!) and, of course, how to use the book (lest one's head explodes).
We start with Hydrogen because it is, quite literally, everywhere. The remainder of the book is then divided into several sections, including Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Transition Metals, Metalloids, Non-Metals – all with colour-coded pages.
Each element is then represented on its own double-page spread, with a designated repeat format that draws the eye around curated pockets of information. Even the text is well-thought, with tall line height that both aids comprehension and doesn't overwhelm.
I love how clever iconography on each of these spreads shows us where the element is found on the periodic table, whether it's deadly (radium!), where it might be found in the human body (hopefully not radium!), key properties, where it's found in nature or space, its forms and uses, and more.
Isabel Thomas has a true knack for extracting science in a way that's not only thorough, but fascinating for kids of all ages. Her dedication to this mind blowing topic is impressive; I can't imagine how long this excavation took – all kudos to her for uncovering such treasure.
Super cool illustrations and bright pops of acid colour by Sara Gillingham give the books a timeless, modern edge, and absolutely aid enjoyment and comprehension. Her quirky, graphic design style will appeal to all ages.
The books in this series are relatively sophisticated in terms of language and content, but a clear voice and excellent editing means kids from as young as 8 would enjoy all of part of them. A glossary and book/website suggestions round out the book, and the reverse of the dust jacket features a full periodic table and other info.
A dream tome for wannabe scientists.
Title: Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table
Author: Isabel Thomas
Illustrator: Sara Gillingham
Publisher: Phaidon Press, $34.95
Publication Date: October 2020
Format: Hardcover, comprehensive dust jacket
ISBN: 9781838661601
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-Fiction
