Jump into the world of color and light with this month’s book list!
The Illuminating World of Light with Max Axiom, Super Scientist (Graphic Science) written by Emily Sohn
This engaging graphic science resource brings complex concepts about light and energy to life through an exciting superhero format. Clear explanations, vibrant illustrations, and accessible vocabulary help students build science knowledge while supporting visual learning. A valuable classroom tool for sparking curiosity and encouraging STEM exploration among upper elementary readers.
Before Colors: Where Pigments and Dyes Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel and Madison Safer
This browseable book explores the science and history of color in a BIG way…literally! Its large format makes it stand out on any bookshelf, and for good reason. Safer’s captivating illustrations and Pimentel’s straightforward explanations help to demystify all the amazing pigments that make up our world and to spotlight a diverse group of makers and inventors who have used color in unique ways.
What is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg
If you’ve ever wondered what pigments you can make from cow urine or dead bodies, then this is the book for you! Told in a conversational tone and filled with wacky facts, this illustrated book takes readers on a worldwide journey through the color spectrum, one hue at a time, in a quest to answer the biggest, titular question: what is color? The back matter contains a variety of STEM and art activities that can be done at school or at home.
How to Be a Color Wizard: Forage and Experiment with Natural Art Making by Jason Logan
With this guide in hand, readers can explore the world around them and discover the magic of color. At the intersection of art, ecology, and chemistry, this book instructs young wizards how to create their own confetti, sidewalk chalk, ink, spray paint, and more. Please note that adult supervision/assistance is required for some of the featured projects.
Exploring the Science of Light: 30+ Illuminating Experiments and Colorful Science Activities by The Exploratorium
Through hands-on projects and crafts, this book encourages exploration of sunlight, shadows, and color. Readers can follow step-by-step instructions to make a pinhole camera, cyanotype painting, or even a solar-powered scribbler. Each activity is accompanied by a short explanation of the science that makes it possible.
Explore Light and Optics!: With 25 Great Projects written by Anita Yasuda and illustrated by Bryan Stone
This hands-on science resource encourages young readers to explore the fascinating world of light through engaging experiments and activities. Step-by-step projects, clear explanations, and supportive illustrations make complex concepts accessible and fun. A strong choice for classrooms, makerspaces, and STEM learning environments where students can learn through discovery and investigation.
Over the Rainbow: The Science, Magic, and Meaning of Rainbows written by Rachael Davis and illustrated by Wenjia Tan
This beautifully crafted science resource blends scientific discovery with cultural connections to explore one of nature’s most captivating phenomena. Rich explanations and engaging artwork help young readers understand the science behind rainbows while inspiring wonder and curiosity. A wonderful addition to classrooms exploring light, weather, and the connections between science and the world around us.
Fantastic Optical Illusions by DK
This visually captivating resource invites young readers to explore the fascinating science behind optical illusions and the way our brains interpret the world. Interactive examples and eye-catching designs encourage observation, critical thinking, and curiosity. A great classroom choice for sparking discussions about perception, light, and the science of seeing.
Kaleidoscope: Step into a world of color written by Laura Mucha and illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti
This vibrant exploration of color invites young readers to discover the science, creativity, and wonder behind the colors they see every day. Engaging text and striking illustrations encourage observation, imagination, and curiosity about the natural world. A beautiful addition to classrooms exploring art, light, and the science of color.
Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and Daniel Minter
This gorgeously illustrated picture book explores the cultural, linguistic, and scientific significance of the color blue. It takes readers on a global expedition from lapis lazuli stones in ancient Egypt to sea snails along the Mediterranean to the synthetic “chemical blue” invented by a chemist named Adolf von Baeyer. Along the way, it traces the indigo plant’s role in fueling the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the religious symbolism of the color blue, and why we sing the blues when we’re feeling…well, blue.
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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.
Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. Her first picture book, Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History, will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.
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