Talking Science

by Mary Wissinger, Lilia Miceli (Illustrator)

A cozy hug is one meter wide, a good night's sleep is 41,400 seconds long, and an African elephant weighs almost 5,500 kilograms. No matter where you are in the world, scientists use these same units of measurement to communicate with one another.
Talking Science brings science vocabulary to life for even the youngest children. Written by award-winning children's book author Mary Wissinger, with inviting and fun illustrations by Lilia Miceli, this innovative children's book uses kid-friendly examples to show readers how big ideas can be shared―and how science connects us all.
The International System of Units is a group of seven measurements―seconds, meters, kilograms, amperes, kelvins, moles, and candelas―that allow scientists anywhere in the world to understand each other. With this system, people from different places, who speak different languages, can describe and solve the same problems.
In the past, scientists measured things in all kinds of different ways. But it's difficult to share science across the globe when one person uses their arm and another person uses their foot to measure the same thing! Now, using the universal language of science, we can work together to make discoveries.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si era un libro para niños muy pequeños, tenía un lenguaje muy avanzado. Si era para niños más grandes, las ilustraciones eran muy infantiles.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Focusing on units of measurement in Science, Wissinger’s picture book illustrates the need for uniform measurements simply and then uses each full page spread to name a unit of measurement, give a real life example of what that unit looks like, i.e. a kilogram is one kilogram, and an example of using that unit to measure an object in our world, such as an elephant weighing 6,000 kilograms. Using such relatable objects will help young learners clearly visualize each base unit from the International System of measurement. Text is kept brief and simple with the exception of the measurement terms and Lilia Miceli’s illustrations are colorful and realistic, with children representing different skin tones and body types; some wearing glasses or using adaptive technology. Excellent addition to any school library’s 500 Dewey section.

Thanks for providing a finished copy for review, Science Naturally.

[˗ˏˋ charley ˎˊ˗ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really do like the concept, but I'm uncertain about who's the target audience. The vibrant visuals suggest a younger target audience, yet the complex language feels more suited to adults. Additionally, the presentation seems focused on listing information rather than telling a cohesive story, which is truly a shame as kids really do love a good story.

Moreover, while I agree with the global use of metrics such as kilograms, it's essential to recognize that some measurement systems are different in the United States, emphasizing the need to consider local preferences when creating content.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking Science introduces young students to the concepts and terms of the International System of Units that allows scientists and others from around the world to communicate within their disciplines. The charming illustrations include many cultures, skin tones, and abilities. The text gives mostly understandable descriptions of the measurements. For example, a meter is described as about the size of a cozy hug. Recommended for K-4th.