Scientists are saving the world! by Saskia Givinn and Ana Albero

Scientists are Saving the World! is a wonderful new graphic style picture book that will provide an excellent introduction for young readers to the world of science and the role scientists play in our lives. Bright and colourful images are complemented by simple accessible text clearly written and well-spaced out.  

Written as a story, the book begins with a young child asking the question, “If all the scientists are saving the world right now…who is working on time travel?” His mother’s response takes the young boy and the reader on a connected journey exploring a variety of different scientists and their discoveries. Mary Anning, palaeontologist is the first one mentioned. She discovered her first dinosaur when she was 12 years old. This is followed by astronauts including Leonid Kadenyuk who was the first Ukrainian citizen to go to space. Perhaps one of the more unusual and unfamiliar scientists are the acoustic biologists who listen to animals and record their sounds. Katy Payne recorded elephants trumpeting and with her husband discovered that hump-back whales sing songs. Many of the scientists mentioned in the book are trying to protect Earth from climate change. Biologist Wangari Maathai grew up in Africa and started a campaign to encourage local women to plant more trees. She was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace prize in 2004.

In the final pages of the book are 24 brief snapshots of the scientists mentioned and could be used as a ‘gateway’ for further investigation and research. Teachers may find this book a valuable resource to share with students when looking at the STEM curriculum.

Themes: Scientists, STEM, Protecting the Planet.

Kathryn Beilby