STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. With their natural curiosity and great capacity to learn, babies and toddlers are born scientists and mathematicians. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.
Nerdy Babies: Space by Emmy Kastner
This new series of board books and picture books covers cool topics like space and the ocean in language littles can understand. Written by a former teacher, the books cover topics with simple text, engaging questions and cute imagery kids will love. In the space book, your kids will learn all about the sun, solar system, gravity and orbits.
Available at amazon.com, $7.50.
Teach baby the ABCs of space, mathematics, physics and science with these board books. The colorful illustrations complement the STEM concepts for every letter of the alphabet—times four! Written by a father who is also a mathematician and award-winning physicist, we imagine he can calculate the path of the spaghetti before it gets thrown from the high chair.
Available at amazon.com, $39.96.
STEAM for Babies–Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math by Andrea Scalzo Yi
Even the youngest of babies will be enamored by the high-contrast black, white and red pictures and simple text in this image-driven book. In addition to introducing STEM words, it includes the bonus “A” for art concepts.
Available at amazon.com, $7.99.
Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
Counting is one of the earliest math skills babies learn. This visually striking counting book is written and illustrated by the creator of multiple Caldecott Honor Books. The rhyming text and bold art take young ones on a journey of discovery where they learn what a dot, or two or three…up to ten, can make.
Available at amazon.com, $16.99.
HTML for Babies by Sterling Children’s
Get your little techie familiar with the language of coding by using a book from the Code Babies series. Bold fonts and colors present the letters and symbols used for web-based programming, vital to learning in today’s digital world. In addition to HTML, there are books for CSS and JavaScript.
Available at amazon.com, $6.95.
This Little Scientist: A Discovery Primer by Joan Holub
Short rhymes beginning with the phrase “This little scientist…” tell the stories of ten diverse scientists, including Isaac Newton and Jane Goodall. A fact box under the charming illustrations further explores the work of each trailblazer.
Available at amazon.com, $7.99.
Taking a baby-centric approach to abstract scientific ideas, the Baby Loves Science series is thoughtful and fun. Each book shows how a baby might encounter concepts like gravity and thermodynamics in their everyday life. These books will continue to encourage curiosity as baby grows.
Available at amazon.com, $35.96.
My First Math Book: An Introduction to Math Symbols For Babies and Toddlers by Christine Dillard
Picture equations introduce babies to the basic symbols of mathematics. All the math signs—equal, addition, subtraction and more—are big for little eyes to spy, and adorable animal and nature pictures accompany them. Great for learning counting as well.
Available at amazon.com, $9.95.
Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
With the whimsy of a traditional picture book, count down the kisses from one to ten in this sweet bedtime story. In addition to counting, babies will get a lesson in different body parts and likely the comfort of a few kisses!
Available at amazon.com, $7.99.
Architecture for Babies by Jonathan Litton
Learn the building blocks of architecture with this selection from the Baby 101 series. Find out what architects do and learn about the world’s most famous structures, including the Colosseum and Taj Mahal, in the straight-forward text and detailed illustrations.
Available at amazon.com, $8.09.
Hello World! Solar System by Jill McDonald
The sun, the moon, the planets and more come alive in this bright introduction to the solar system. The illustrations are full of basic shapes, and the text features simple science facts with prompts for engaging little explorers, all in a sturdy board-book format.
Available at amazon.com, $7.99.
Little Scientist Board Book Set by Emily Kleinman
Meet the real people behind the world’s greatest scientific discoveries. These four chunky board books are perfect for little hands. They feature scientists from four different disciplines (astronomy, physics, chemistry, and earth & life) with a short description and a bright illustration on each page.
Available at amazon.com, $14.99.
On the Launch Pad Counting Book by Michael Dahl
Combining math and science, this counting book is perfect for all aspiring astronauts or astrophysicists. Your budding voyager will enjoy finding the hidden numbers in the colorful illustrations. Countdown and blast off for fun learning!
Available at amazon.com, $8.95.
Girls Who Code: Baby Code! By Sandra Horning
Although part of the Girls Who Code series, this book is for all babies. Using items your little one is sure to be familiar with, like a phone and a teddy bear, the text and illustrations work together to show how baby performs an action and a computer does a similar task.
Available at amazon.com, $7.99.
Explore four fundamental science concepts with this book set by father, mathematician and physicist Chris Ferrie. The titles include Quantum Physics for Babies, Rocket Science for Babies, General Relativity for Babies and Newtonian Physics for Babies. Grownups might even learn a thing or two!
Available at amazon.com, $39.96.
featured photo: geralt via Pixabay
—Katie L. Carroll
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