About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking the endless questions of how the world works, such as why their ball rolls away or why it is so much harder to push a heavy box than a light one. It is a perfect choice for parents looking to channel a child's natural physical energy into scientific curiosity. By explaining the invisible rules of physics through relatable daily activities, the book turns the playground and the playroom into a living laboratory. Through simple explanations and humorous illustrations, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley introduces the concepts of push, pull, friction, and gravity. The tone is light and encouraging, fostering a sense of pride as children begin to name the forces they interact with every day. It is ideal for preschool and early elementary children, providing a foundational vocabulary that makes science feel accessible rather than intimidating.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is entirely secular and focuses on physical science through a practical, everyday lens.
Ideal Reader
A high-energy 5 or 6-year-old who is constantly in motion. This child likely loves building blocks, racing cars, or playing sports and is beginning to transition from purely physical play to wanting to understand the 'why' behind their environment.
Parent Prep
This book is excellent for reading cold. However, parents might want to have a few household items handy (like a toy car and a piece of sandpaper) to demonstrate the friction concepts described in the text in real-time. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child struggle with a physical task, like being frustrated that a bike is hard to petal on uphill grass, or when a child asks why a ball doesn't just keep rolling forever.
