Check these amazing children’s science and nature picture books for elementary kids. Simple explanations with attractive illustrations make these books beginner-friendly. Watch with joy as your 6-8-years-old pull off the hands-on science experiments with confidence. Earth science, physics, life science, chemistry, computers, and more. The choices are plenty for 5-8 year-old little scientists.
25 Science Picture Books For Curious kids Age 5-8 Years

We use affiliate links and will make a few cents if you buy using these links (at no extra cost to you).
Forces: Physical Science for Kids
A science picture book written for grades 1-3. Kids would be amazed learning about the regular activities and the scientific explanation behind them. A good book introducing children to the concept of gravity, magnetism, pulling, pushing, friction. (5-9 years)
Genetics for Smart Kids by Carlos Pazos (Author)
This book is a part of the science book series Future Geniuses. Dive in with little Doctor Valentina as she explains the science behind genetics to young kids. Understand DNA, nitrogen bases, RNA, chromosomes, mitosis, and more. The fun examples with her puppy model are relatable and make it interesting for small kids. (4-8 years)
Change It!: Solids, Liquids, Gases and You
Understand the different states of matter – gas, liquid, solid and learn the physics behind it. The experiments are simple enough for 4-7 year-olds. It is a whimsically illustrated book with simple scientific explanations for each concept. (4-7 years)
First Big Book of Science by National Geographic Kids
What do scientists study? Let kids learn about the fascinating things scientists wonder about – plants, life, animals, ocean, space, and more. Simple explanations along with 200 beautiful, real pictures make this book an easy beginner read. Also, check out the questions, activities, and tips for parents! (Ages 4-8)
I See Myself
Learn concept of light and reflection in a fun way. Relatable examples help kids understand the science behind them better. Also included are fun hands-on activities. (4-8 years)
Human Anatomy for Kids by Kristie Wagner (Author)
This life science book is a good introduction to the human anatomy system – tissues, organs, muscles, and bones. Kids would learn how they work together perfectly in synch even for a simple move. Simple writing and real pictures help explain the concept easily for early elementary kids. (6-9 years)
Learning science in the early years foster childrens’ curiosity.
Simple Machines!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids
From knife to zipper and seesaws – there are simple machines all around us. Children would learn the mechanism behind how these work. Also, they would get to build their very own simple machines. (7-10 years)
What Is Science?
A good book, explaining the concept of science to early elementary kids. Children would be encouraged to remain curious and seek answers. (5-7 years)
Lakes and Ponds!
Read about water and its ecosystem along with various plants and animals living in it. Kids would learn about how lakes and ponds are formed, and how climate change and pollution affect the ecology. 25 STEM experiments help children use the learning and observe. (7-10 years)
I Use Science Tools by Kelli Hicks
Introduce kids to the commonly used scientific instruments. Read and see the working of scale, magnifying glass, etc. The language is simple enough for beginner readers to read independently. (5-6 years)
Early STEM education help children enjoy exploring the world around them.
Awesome Chemistry Experiments for Kids
40 fun, colorful chemistry experiments for kids to do on their own. The concept behind each experiment is detailed out with simple steps and diagrams. All the experiments are labeled with difficulty, duration, messiness. (5-10 years)
Energy by Andi Diehn (Author)
Running, jumping, and singing – everything is an example of energy. This book explains the fundamental concepts behind energy connecting them with real-life examples. There is also enough explanation provided for curious kids. A fun colorful picture book for K-3. (5-9 years)
Computer Decoder by Andi Diehn
Read about Dorothy Vaughan, one of NASA’s first African American managers. She is also known for her groundbreaking work on the front line of electronic computing. The vocabulary is simple with bright illustrations and a timeline of events. Also added are simple STEAM projects. It is an inspiring book for little kids getting introduced to the concept of science. (5-8 years)
Early science literacy builds conceptual learning.
Clever Creatures: How Animals and Plants Use Science to Survive
How do animals, insects, and plants adapt and survive in different environments? Meet the scientists, engineers, chemists of nature. From spiders that build webs to corpse flowers whose smell attracts insects for pollination – there is science behind everything. Packed with fun images, this book is suitable for a perfect read-aloud. (7-9 years)
How to be a Scientist by Steve Mould
An inspiring book for kids to be curious, question everything, be hands-on, observe, and learn – skills needed for scientists. With fun examples from the world of space, chemistry, nature, earth science – this book teaches how to be a scientist. Colorful images and simple steps make this book popular with kids. (7-9 years)
Science is Magic
A science bestselling author Steve Mould. Learn how to bend water with a balloon, turn water into juice, make a glass beaker disappear in oil, and amaze friends and family. A total of 40 tricks are present.
Kids will learn the science behind the tricks. Step by step guide with pictures helps kids perfect the ‘magic’. Kindergarteners and 1st graders would require little help, while 2nd and 3rd graders can perform the tricks almost independently. (7-9 years)
On an outdoor trail, children connect and learn to appreciate nature more.
The DNA Book by DK
Introduce elementary kids to the science of DNA, genetics, etc. Understand what is DNA, how it affects the living being. Also, read about some of the modern uses and research around genetic engineering. The book is packed with bright illustrations and interesting facts. (7-9 years)
Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors
It has 55 hands-on activities spanning art, science, and more. Several variations of each of these projects are provided, to make them appealing to different age-group and maturity level kids. A highly recommended science picture book, this one can be used for years. Your child is sure to be hooked on it right away.
Why Does My Ice Cream Melt
This Vicki Cobb book teaches kids about different states of water along with the water cycle. It is a beginner-level STEM book with easy explanations and step-by-step experiment instructions. This one would encourage your child to look around and learn. (6-12 years)
Me and My Amazing Body
Teach children about the parts of the human body and the function of each organ. This one is a playful introduction to human anatomy. The language is simple and easy to understand. (3-7 years)
When introduced science early, it creates a helpful starting point before formal school settings.
Quantum Physics
Carlos Pazos wrote this book for K-3 with simple explanations and relatable examples. Children would learn about the working of quantum science with Valentia and her cat, Plank. (4-8 years)
Help Your Kids with Computer Science
A visual study guide teaching the technical aspects of the computer. Children will learn about hardware, software, working of the internet. The language is easy and jargon-free. Elementary kids can understand the concepts with little parental help.
Meteorology Activity Book
Teach kids about the science of weather. Kids would learn the explanation behind different weather, wind types. Simple instruments used in measuring weather status and the basic concept of meteorology are explained with beautiful illustrations. (6-10 years)
Oceans and Seas!
Dive into the underwater world with 25 fun science experiments. And learn about the ocean that covers 70% of the earth. Fun facts, amazing illustrations along-with simple language make this book a good read-aloud. (7-10 years)
Weather: A Look at How Things Work
This book is for elementary kids interested in the working of weather. Understand the fascinating scientific explanation behind every weather change. Use the knowledge to build 30 fun weather projects – making clouds, building barometers, etc. (8-12 years)
More Picture Books For kids
Hand-On Science Learning For Kids
Here is a list of kits for the scientifically inclined young ones. Click on the image for details.