Oh No They Aren't: Science by Eric Huang

Today's read comes from a collection of Oh No They Aren't books. I haven't had the chance to pick up any of them, yet, and wanted to hit the science one, first. My family is all about science...not sure why, but my husband and each and every one of my children are doing, studying, or planning on having their carriers in some sort of mechanical or science direction.

I studied International Politics and Economics, so I feel a bit left out in the cold. You'd think one of my kids would lean my direction, right?

Anyway, I'm excited to see what this book is all about and hope it's exciting, while teaching some fun facts along the way. 

OH NO THEY AREN'T

SCIENCE

by Eric Huang

Illustrated by Sam Caldwell

words & pictures

Children's Nonfiction

ages 7 to 9

COMING...

AUGUST 25th!!!

Science is all about figuring out how things work. It means asking questions and conducting experiments to discover and test possible answers. Science affects every aspect of life, from what you’re wearing and what you had for breakfast, to the weather outside.

Through science, you can examine the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies—and get to know the universe just a little bit better. But how much do you really know about science?

For example, we all know that . . . 

Moons are smaller than their planetSummer is caused by Earth being closer to the SunWater is an element Tectonic plates don't move that much anymore AND that engineers are people who fix things Do we . . . ? Because . . . OH NO THEY AREN'T!

Misconceptions about our world are everywhere, but none of them are true! In Oh No They Aren' Science myths are busted about science from chemistry to geology, engineering, astronomy and even technology.

In this fresh and funny guide learn about how our world works from atoms and molecules to volcanoes and solar systems, or even artificially intelligent robots. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Aren' Science brings important STEM topics to life for kids, uncovering how our world works and making science FUN accessible for everyone. 

In the Oh No They Aren't . . . series popular misconceptions in science and nature are dispelled. Check out the Oh No They Didn't . . . companion series for hilarious history and popular culture myth-busting. 

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These pages hit a huge span of scientifical fields and topics, exposing the vast array the term 'science' covers while heading through all sorts of general facts along the way.

To start things off, there's a two-page spread explaining what science is and it's importance. The book is, then, divided up into several chapters, each one presenting a different area of science (geology, space, and more). Various topics in each category are addressed to give a solid foundation of what is covered, but it also allows a large amount of basic information from the various fields to flow in. On each page (at least, it seemed it was once per page), a question or statement, which isn't quite right, slides between the other information. The phrase 'Oh no they aren't' then follows (bold and in special font) to quickly disperse the misconception and steer readers in the right direction. So, readers come out knowing more.

This felt like an avalanche of science information. Some topics such as plate tectonics, fossils, the solar system, and more will be familiar to most readers, while other facts will be relatively new. There are a few exact facts and numbers, but many things are described in a more general context—fast and furious. Some of these info onslaughts, also, seemed to be hit upon too lightly, leaving more questions than answers. But maybe that's the point, since it leaves the reader curious to know exactly what is going on, leading them to search for answers later on their own. It's definitely quick-paced and keeps boredom at bay. That also means that this isn't really the type of book to be read in one sitting. Rather, it invites readers to discover one thing after then next as they learn more about the realm of science. The illustrations are bright, add lightness, and keep things upbeat. They also help clarify information, when necessary, and even add humor. 

Science opens up in a general way as the book shows the reader how vast it really is, while erasing some misconceptions about various topics along the way. It's not really about the details and facts, but rather, brings on a more general impression with the more exact tidbits. It's a nice read for science fans or for those, who would like to learn a little more about the field, and that while having some fun along the way.

And here they are...

Eric Huang is a podcaster, writer, start-up mentor and university lecturer. He reads a lot, loves museums, nature, and art history. He worked as an editor and book publisher for 20 years with roles at Disney Publishing, Penguin Australia, Penguin UK, and LEGO Books—then joined digital agency Made in Me and became a children’s media consultant, and now a children's author.

Sam Caldwell is an illustrator who lives in Glasgow with his wife and two cats, Tonks and Luna. He grew up in the north of England and studied painting at the Edinburgh College of Art. He loves inventing characters and creating images packed full of detail, texture, and color. He is passionate about animals and nature and, when not drawing, can often be found exploring the Scottish Highlands.