My First Science Textbook: Protons and Neutrons

My First Science Textbook #2

by Mary Wissinger, Harriet Kim Anh Rodis (Illustrator), John Coveyou (Editor)

Spark scientific curiosity in kids of all ages! Even a toddler can begin to understand the basics of chemistry as they follow Pete the Proton, Ned the Neutron and Ellie the Electron, who build everything in the universe. And the science is introduced in a way that's highly memorable, highly educational and funny, too! "My First Science Textbook" is a series, of children's science books that teach kids the basics the of chemistry using simple rhyming sentences and vibrantly colorful science pictures that make it easy for young kids to engage and understand. Book 1: Protons and Neutrons - The story of subatomic particles as never told before…meet Pete the Proton and Ned the Neutron! This light-hearted, scientifically accurate book turns Chemistry 101 into a delightful tale of universal friendship.

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2016

Reviews

[Amy Hagberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew chemistry could be so charming? My First Science Textbook: Protons and Neutrons introduces kids to the building blocks of the universe in a fun and engaging way. This award-winning picture book brings science to life through Pete the Proton, Ned the Neutron, and Ellie the Electron, turning complex ideas into a delightful story of friendship.

The book’s rhyming sentences and vibrant illustrations captivated my grandchildren, ages 8 and 10, but they didn’t understand all the concepts, even though the target age range is 2-7. The bilingual English and Spanish format was a brilliant touch, making it accessible to even more young readers.

While my science-teacher husband pointed out a few details that weren’t 100 percent accurate, the book’s heart and humor overshadowed its minor flaws. It’s not a textbook replacement, but it’s a fantastic way to make abstract concepts feel approachable for little ones.

Overall, we rated this 4 stars. It’s a playful, educational story that plants the seeds of scientific curiosity—perfect for budding scientists and parents who want to sneak in some learning disguised as fun!

** Thanks to Science Naturally for the comp. The opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter, who is nine years old, read this book first and then I asked her if she understood it. She said no. So I read it and can definitely see why she was confused. I feel that the atom was not clearly explained therefore the neutrons, protons and electrons were confusing. I get that the author is trying to introduce young children to this part of science but it needed more explanation. I guess this is where moms and dads can help. It's good that the author included two pages worth of glossary terms but is any child really going to read them? My book copy was bilingual which I felt made each page too "busy" with words. Separate books would be more effective. My daughter and I both enjoyed the illustrations.
I received this book for free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute rhyming book to take kids through the nucleus of an atom.

Starts with Pete the Proton who is a subatomic particle who is very happy to meet you. He explains that protons define element's identity: six in Carbon, eight in Oxygen. Next we get Ned the Neutron who is neutral and important. He makes up nearly half of everything's mass, so half of us. That no matter what state of matter (solid, liquid or gas) they are there. They stay in the Nucleus. Explains that Isotopes have extra neutrons but too many neutrons may decay. That they are stuck together and that breaking them apart is called nuclear fission. That protons and electrons have opposite charges. That they are all best of friends and build the universe.

[Alexis Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Wissingers first science textbook on Atoms, and this one goes into specifically about protons and neutrons. It stars Pete, who takes you through beautiful illustrations and not complicated science lessons on what protons and neutrons are. I especially like the page where it talks about splitting protons and neutrons creating something called nuclear fission. These types of lessons are brought down to a easy to learn level for little kids who want to learn more about science. Nice read!

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and serves well as a complementary introduction to the topic, especially for small children, but may be better along with additional books or learning materials. Love that it's bilingual and that it branches into a field not represented well for this age range. Perhaps a coloring book version would be an idea!

[Lisa Greenhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun quick read

This book is cute and quick as an introduction to, or review of, basic subatomic particles for kids. We enjoyed it.

[Jp714 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Chemistry for toddlers and young kids. Loved the illustrations and the way topics were introduced. Would definitively recommend!

[Jaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realize this is supposed to be a “textbook” and I thought the first in the series but now I am unsure. While I love the concept of introducing science to students early, this book isn’t a standalone, and without additional materials or information, is confusing. With no prior knowledge, kids ar stuck to wonder what a proton and neutron do and where they are found.

I like the idea of a bilingual book but felt that it actually took away from the content and illustrations because there were too many words. I think separate language books would be better. The glossary was great, but I doubt kids will read through all that. It would be great if more of those terms and concepts were included in the actual text to give more information.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

Written for both English and Spanish speakers, this science textbook teaches your littles all about Protons and Neutrons.

2nd grade and up, but could be read to younger children for a story time and craft program. Colorful and cute illustrations. Glossaries in the back of book.