Gr 3–7—This series contains directions for 50 different science experiments, and each title comes with a set of simple equipment. The materials needed for the activities are basic household items or school supplies, such as wooden skewers or modeling clay. Directions walk readers through the labs with step-by-step illustrations and explanations. Each section begins with a discussion of the main concept. The experiments explore the concept further, such as detailing how bones and joints work and then having readers build a robotic hand. Many of the activities will be familiar to science teachers, but it is handy to have them collected in one place. Young science enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed directions. VERDICT A handy reference for science or STEM labs.

Joe Fullman is an author and editor based in London. Over the past 20 odd years, he has written a lot of books on lots of different subjects for both children and adults. He started off in travel—working on guides for Cadogan, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, and Frommer’s, among others—and visiting such far-flung places as Costa Rica, Belize, Turkey, and Great Yarmouth. Of late, he’s specialized mainly in illustrated nonfiction, which has vastly increased his knowledge of dinosaurs, animals, outer space, ancient history, modern history, science, trains, music, and many other subjects. He does love a pub quiz.