Families who loved Smash!: Wile E. Coyote Experiments with Simple Machines by Mark Weakland often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child seems frustrated by abstract science concepts or is prone to giving up when a DIY project goes wrong. It is the perfect tool for a child who prefers cartoons to textbooks, as it uses the iconic slapstick humor of Wile E. Coyote to explain the mechanics of simple machines. By framing physics through Wile E.'s persistent (and hilariously failed) attempts to catch the Road Runner, the book demystifies complex ideas like force, work, and mechanical advantage. The book highlights themes of resilience and creative problem-solving. While Wile E. never quite succeeds, his constant tinkering and experimentation provide a safe, humorous space for children to view 'failure' as a necessary part of the engineering process. It is ideally suited for children ages 7 to 10 who are starting to explore STEM subjects but need a high-engagement, visual format to keep their interest peaked.
