The periodic table is an ordered arrangement of the chemical elements and it explains so much about the world around us. It’s never too early to introduce this concept to children, and these engaging books below do a great job of summarizing the information in kid-friendly ways as well as showing their relevance in everyday life.
A Kids’ Guide to the Periodic Table: Everything You Need to Know about the Elements written by Edward P. Zovinka and Rose A. Clark
This book provides a comprehensive dive into the Periodic Table, from aluminum to zinc. It features the history and science behind each element, and gives an overview for each one. The great thing is that it also shows children how these elements are relevant and make their way into pretty much everything around us.
Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements written and illustrated by Lisa Congdon
This visual encyclopedia includes an entry for each element, detailing its history, special traits, and uses in the world. With gorgeous illustrations and accessible text, Congdon showcases both her background as a science educator and her signature style as an artist.
Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements: Understanding the Building Blocks of Everything written and illustrated by Jon Chad
Graphic novels are a fantastic way to engage children and teach them scientific concepts. SCIENCE COMICS does a great job by creating a fictional narrative that pertains to STEM concepts. A book of fun chemistry experiments has fallen into the wrong hands and the protagonist must use her knowledge of the Periodic Table to save the day.
The Element in the Room: Investigating the Atomic Ingredients that Make Up Your Home written by Mike Barfield & illustrated by Lauren Humphrey
Join super-sleuth Sherlock Ohms on a series of scientific investigations about the atomic foundations of the world. Amid introductions to each of the elements, readers will unlock answers to the case of the smelly feather, the case of the burning Brazil nut, and more. Interspersed throughout the book are a series of comics that introduce famous chemists from history.
Quiz Yourself Clever! Elements by DK
What better way to learn a STEM concept than by quick and fun quizzes? This book includes interesting facts and relevant applications for all the elements in the periodic table, not to mention eye catching images. It also includes hundreds of quick-fire questions for children to test their knowledge.
Animated Science: Periodic Table written by John Farndon & illustrated by Shiho Pate
This comic book aims to demystify the Periodic Table in a way that makes science fun. It rebrands the eight groups of elements with memorable names, like the Fizzies and the Gassies, and personifies each of the elements with eye-catching illustrations. Along the way, readers will learn how the Periodic Table came to be, how it is organized, and how elements combine to form every substance in the universe!
Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook (Big Fat Notebooks) written by Jennifer Swanson
This series developed by Workman Publishing provides comprehensive guides for high school students. This one in particular focuses on chemistry, starting with atoms, elements, compounds, and of course, the periodic table. It also features other chemistry concepts from quantum theory to the pH scale to chemical reactions.
The Disappearing Spoon written by Sam Kean
This book retells the surprising and fascinating history of the Periodic Table and the many scientists whose “elemental” discoveries changed the world of science. Kean connects chemistry concepts to world history (for example, by tracing the development of chemical warfare all the way from ancient Greece to World War I) and captures the personalities, politics, and rivalries of pioneering scientists, from Dmitri Mendeleev and Robert Bunsen to Marie Curie and Linus Pauling.
Women in Chemistry written by Mary Wissinger and illustrated by Danielle Pioli
This book was designed to motivate young girls to learn more about the world of STEM. It provides accessible information about scientific concepts but is structured in an engaging way. The narrative follows a curious young girl who asks questions which are then answered by a narrator. The book also features mini biographies of notable female scientists from Rosalind Franklin to Ada Yonath.
Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments written by Kate Biberdorf
Dr. Kate Biberdorf, aka “Kate the Chemist,” is on a mission to make science fun. Her engaging, hands-on approach shines through each of the 25 experiments featured in this book. Perfect for kids to try at home or for teachers to demonstrate in class, this book includes step-by-step instructions for making slime, writing secret messages, and more – complete with accessible explanations about the chemistry behind each project. Don’t miss the sequel, The Awesome Big Book of Edible Experiments for Kids.
Our World in Pictures The Periodic Table Flash Cards Cards written by DK
Instead of a book, children can read and look through a beautiful deck of flash cards about the periodic table. Each card describes a different element, from its basic information to more in depth details. The deck also includes a glossary and visual aids. It turns learning about the elements into a fun game!
This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023), which is a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. A science enthusiast from a young age, she 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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Jennifer is also the creator and administrator of #STEMTuesday and #STEAMTeam2020