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Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project
Geraldine is an energetic, spirited second-grader with dreams of becoming an astronaut. She knows that she's clever and inventive, but can she create the winning entry in her class science contest? Armed with nothing but her strong will and the broken parts of her parents' old gadgets and gizmos, she sets out to invent an amazing contraption. Will her invention wow her classmates and transform her from class troublemaker to creative scientist?
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 9, 2020
Right off the bat, I just want to mention that while I was asked by the author, Sol Regwan, to review Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project, my thoughts on the book are completely my own. All things considered, I thought that this was a really cute and fun book that I think a lot of kids would really like this book. Geraldine is a really fun character due to her vivid imagination, and her love of science. That being said, I didn't like the fact that the book opens with Geraldine declaring, "I love being a troublemaker!" The reason why I didn't like the fact that the book starts that way is that it felt very inconsistent with the way Geraldine was portrayed throughout the rest of the book. Despite her saying that, Geraldine ultimately wasn't a troublemaker.
She simply had a vivid imagination, and had a tendency to get wrapped up in her own little world; which is something that I can definitely relate to. I definitely have a tendency to get sucked into my own little world whenever I'm thinking about my writing. Personally, I thought that it was rather unfortunate that Geraldine's classmates appeared to make fun of her, simply because of how imaginative she is. I'm really glad that they ultimately came to appreciate her scientific mind and imagination after her teacher and her classmates all saw the telescope that she had made for her science project. That being said, the whole idea that Geraldine would be capable of building a telescope that people can use to see Mars during the day is definitely rather implausible from a scientific standpoint.
However, I think it's safe to say that it wasn't Regwan's intention for kids who either read this book or have this book read to them to focus too much on how believable the science that's featured in the book is or isn't. Regardless of how believable the science in Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project is, I can definitely see kids who have an interest in either science or inventing things enjoying this book, and being inspired by it. Personally, I think it would be really cool if that ended up being the case for the kids who read Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project. Finally, I thought that Denise Muzzio did a great job on the illustrations for the book.
My rating/score: 4 out of 5 Stars on the Goodreads rating system, and 8 out of 10 on my own personal scoring system.
She simply had a vivid imagination, and had a tendency to get wrapped up in her own little world; which is something that I can definitely relate to. I definitely have a tendency to get sucked into my own little world whenever I'm thinking about my writing. Personally, I thought that it was rather unfortunate that Geraldine's classmates appeared to make fun of her, simply because of how imaginative she is. I'm really glad that they ultimately came to appreciate her scientific mind and imagination after her teacher and her classmates all saw the telescope that she had made for her science project. That being said, the whole idea that Geraldine would be capable of building a telescope that people can use to see Mars during the day is definitely rather implausible from a scientific standpoint.
However, I think it's safe to say that it wasn't Regwan's intention for kids who either read this book or have this book read to them to focus too much on how believable the science that's featured in the book is or isn't. Regardless of how believable the science in Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project is, I can definitely see kids who have an interest in either science or inventing things enjoying this book, and being inspired by it. Personally, I think it would be really cool if that ended up being the case for the kids who read Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project. Finally, I thought that Denise Muzzio did a great job on the illustrations for the book.
My rating/score: 4 out of 5 Stars on the Goodreads rating system, and 8 out of 10 on my own personal scoring system.
October 24, 2019
For the beautiful daydreamers. Geraldine is a daydreamer that loved outer space and wanted to be an astronaut .It gave her inspiration to build something amazing and wi n the science fair. Love this book and it's inspirational message.
October 15, 2019
What My Child Thought:
My daughter loves science projects and so this book was just for her. She loved the little girl's great big ideas and how she took old things and made them new again.
What I Thought:
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main character being female and focusing on science. That's always great to see. I thought it was very pointed to have a flawed character that can succeed at things she is good at. The girl knows what she can do well and when a chance comes along for her to show people, she takes it! Not everyone is great at the same things in school and I like that this book focused on that. Overall, a wonderful book that my daughter and I both enjoyed reading!
What's This Book About Anyway?
Geraldine is always a bit of a funny girl at school. She comes up with funny ideas for people to do, but is seen as a bit of a goof-off because of it. At home, she spends her time taking apart all the old, discarded things from around the house and make new inventions with them.
Her teacher announces a science fair and first place wins a trophy! Geraldine is so excited and she races home to start on her project. It takes her a bit to come up with just the right idea, but she finally does and she works hard to make it her best work. She is so proud to take it to school and show everyone that she's not just a goof-ball, she is great at something too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My daughter loves science projects and so this book was just for her. She loved the little girl's great big ideas and how she took old things and made them new again.
What I Thought:
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main character being female and focusing on science. That's always great to see. I thought it was very pointed to have a flawed character that can succeed at things she is good at. The girl knows what she can do well and when a chance comes along for her to show people, she takes it! Not everyone is great at the same things in school and I like that this book focused on that. Overall, a wonderful book that my daughter and I both enjoyed reading!
What's This Book About Anyway?
Geraldine is always a bit of a funny girl at school. She comes up with funny ideas for people to do, but is seen as a bit of a goof-off because of it. At home, she spends her time taking apart all the old, discarded things from around the house and make new inventions with them.
Her teacher announces a science fair and first place wins a trophy! Geraldine is so excited and she races home to start on her project. It takes her a bit to come up with just the right idea, but she finally does and she works hard to make it her best work. She is so proud to take it to school and show everyone that she's not just a goof-ball, she is great at something too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 28, 2019
*received from netgalley for honest review* pretty cute book, I liked the art style too. Great book for any little one especially one into science!
April 13, 2020
Geraldine is a true dreamer who loves science and wants to be an astronaut someday. However, this little second-grader dreams so much that she has a terrible time paying attention at school. That is until her teacher announces something that immediately catches her attention.
Class,” she announced, “we are going to have a science contest. The winner will receive a first-place trophy and the title of Best Second-Grade Scientist!”
Geraldine stopped drawing a spaceship and listened carefully.
Every year they award a special trophy to the student who creates the most remarkable science project.
Though she is labeled feisty and a troublemaker in her class, she now has a mission. She couldn’t get home quick enough to start her project. She thought by winning she might show her class that she wasn’t a troublemaker.
Because of her love of science, she had collected broken parts of her parents’ old gadgets and gizmos. Surely constructing an amazing contraption would be simple. Or would it?
Geraldine is a true dreamer who loves science and wants to be an astronaut someday.
My Thoughts
It turns out that this book is harder to review than I thought it would be. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around a few things, but rather than go into details here, I’m going to write more than I usually do under the headings below.
(In this case, my true rating is 3.5 but I always round up, giving the author the benefit. Writing and creating is hard work!)
What Concerned Me
1. Is she thought of as a troublemaker because A) she isn’t getting enough science taught in class, or B) she is better with more hands-on projects? I didn’t quite get the correlation between troublemaker and the need to succeed and prove that she wasn’t a troublemaker.
2. Though I can suspend disbelief about her creation, it would have been really good to introduce side notes about binoculars. And in order to make it even more of a science-friendly book, it would have been nice to include information about the other children’s inventions: erupting volcano, remote-controlled solar system, and a miniature ecosystem.
What I Liked Best
This is a great story to introduce imagination, creation, and science. The colors used on the cover and inside pages are eye-catching and should pull little ones into the pages.
If used to introduce the aspect of inventing and creating, and if you examine the various creations that the children make, it can be a very effective teaching tool.
My thanks to Schiffer Publishing for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review.
more reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
Class,” she announced, “we are going to have a science contest. The winner will receive a first-place trophy and the title of Best Second-Grade Scientist!”
Geraldine stopped drawing a spaceship and listened carefully.
Every year they award a special trophy to the student who creates the most remarkable science project.
Though she is labeled feisty and a troublemaker in her class, she now has a mission. She couldn’t get home quick enough to start her project. She thought by winning she might show her class that she wasn’t a troublemaker.
Because of her love of science, she had collected broken parts of her parents’ old gadgets and gizmos. Surely constructing an amazing contraption would be simple. Or would it?
Geraldine is a true dreamer who loves science and wants to be an astronaut someday.
My Thoughts
It turns out that this book is harder to review than I thought it would be. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around a few things, but rather than go into details here, I’m going to write more than I usually do under the headings below.
(In this case, my true rating is 3.5 but I always round up, giving the author the benefit. Writing and creating is hard work!)
What Concerned Me
1. Is she thought of as a troublemaker because A) she isn’t getting enough science taught in class, or B) she is better with more hands-on projects? I didn’t quite get the correlation between troublemaker and the need to succeed and prove that she wasn’t a troublemaker.
2. Though I can suspend disbelief about her creation, it would have been really good to introduce side notes about binoculars. And in order to make it even more of a science-friendly book, it would have been nice to include information about the other children’s inventions: erupting volcano, remote-controlled solar system, and a miniature ecosystem.
What I Liked Best
This is a great story to introduce imagination, creation, and science. The colors used on the cover and inside pages are eye-catching and should pull little ones into the pages.
If used to introduce the aspect of inventing and creating, and if you examine the various creations that the children make, it can be a very effective teaching tool.
My thanks to Schiffer Publishing for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review.
more reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
March 20, 2020
***digital copy provided by Edelweiss+ for review***
I did not love this book. Feels particularly unbelievable and for a book about science, the science should at least try to be accurate. Also very lengthy text for the expected audience. Illustrations were cute, but I will not be adding to my library at this time.
I did not love this book. Feels particularly unbelievable and for a book about science, the science should at least try to be accurate. Also very lengthy text for the expected audience. Illustrations were cute, but I will not be adding to my library at this time.
October 17, 2019
Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project is about a girl that is often accused of being a mischievous daydreamer. Geraldine struggles to pay attention in class and often spends time dreaming about becoming an astronaut and exploring space. At home, Geraldine takes apart objects and saves the pieces to build her own inventions. Geraldine is thrilled to learn that her class is going to participate in a science competition. She spends time designing inventions, but nothing seems quite right. Then she is struck with a brilliant idea related to her passion of space.
I absolutely love that this book offers an alternate insight to a student that appears to be distracted in class. There are often brilliant minds in the classroom that thrive if given the right opportunity. I appreciate that Geraldine's mischievous nature was discussed as well as intrinsic factors that motivated her. I like the way that she tried a few different inventions before discovering the one that was just right for the project. I also appreciate that there was a basic explanation of the science behind her project.
The illustrations in this book will be appealing to young readers. They add to the story without becoming overwhelming or distracting. The illustrations of Geraldine working on her projects provided insight into her character and how much she loved science. I believe that this book is one that young readers will be able to relate to, particularly if they are interested in science or have another passion that distracts them from school.
I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
#GeraldineAndTheMostSpectacularScienceProject #NetGalley
I absolutely love that this book offers an alternate insight to a student that appears to be distracted in class. There are often brilliant minds in the classroom that thrive if given the right opportunity. I appreciate that Geraldine's mischievous nature was discussed as well as intrinsic factors that motivated her. I like the way that she tried a few different inventions before discovering the one that was just right for the project. I also appreciate that there was a basic explanation of the science behind her project.
The illustrations in this book will be appealing to young readers. They add to the story without becoming overwhelming or distracting. The illustrations of Geraldine working on her projects provided insight into her character and how much she loved science. I believe that this book is one that young readers will be able to relate to, particularly if they are interested in science or have another passion that distracts them from school.
I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
#GeraldineAndTheMostSpectacularScienceProject #NetGalley
June 16, 2021
Daydreamer and self-described 'trouble-maker' Geraldine spends her days making makeshift inventions out of her parents' toiletries and wishing she could travel to Mars. A chance science contest might be just what she needs to create her best invention yet and get one-step closer to her favorite planet!
"Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project" is optometrist turned children's book author Sol Regwan's latest entry to his 'Geraldine' series from Schiffer Kids, bringing back this bright, imaginative character in a brand new adventure. Young readers will learn from her the value of focus, persistence, and never letting naysayers get in the way of your dreams. In the beginning of the book, we find Geraldine going about aimless and trying to figure things out. Once her teacher announces the science contest, she begins channeling that energy into her passion. Any parent or educator can surely recognize and appreciate what it's like for a kid to find their own way.
Wonderfully illustrated by Denise Muzzio, this story has many teachable moments with colorful, detailed, and zany artwork that children will really gravitate to. I for one cannot wait for her next adventure, and will be sure to collect each Geraldine saga for my own kid's library!
"Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project" is optometrist turned children's book author Sol Regwan's latest entry to his 'Geraldine' series from Schiffer Kids, bringing back this bright, imaginative character in a brand new adventure. Young readers will learn from her the value of focus, persistence, and never letting naysayers get in the way of your dreams. In the beginning of the book, we find Geraldine going about aimless and trying to figure things out. Once her teacher announces the science contest, she begins channeling that energy into her passion. Any parent or educator can surely recognize and appreciate what it's like for a kid to find their own way.
Wonderfully illustrated by Denise Muzzio, this story has many teachable moments with colorful, detailed, and zany artwork that children will really gravitate to. I for one cannot wait for her next adventure, and will be sure to collect each Geraldine saga for my own kid's library!
December 17, 2019
*I received this book as an eARC from Schiffer Kids via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This is a fun and inspirational picture book. Geraldine is a daydreamer who wants to be an astronaut...or maybe an inventor. Or both. There's a science contest coming up and Geraldine wants to have the best project. The messaging in this book is great. I love seeing science-enthusiastic kids. I did want more science in this book, though. Realistic science. I give this picture book a 4/5.
This is a fun and inspirational picture book. Geraldine is a daydreamer who wants to be an astronaut...or maybe an inventor. Or both. There's a science contest coming up and Geraldine wants to have the best project. The messaging in this book is great. I love seeing science-enthusiastic kids. I did want more science in this book, though. Realistic science. I give this picture book a 4/5.
October 9, 2019
Inspirational story for kids, I suppose, but they aren't going to accomplish to much if all they do is daydream in class! Still, it's a fun book that inspires kids to create in the name of science. I love that Geraldine invented a wearable pair of telescopic glasses to view Mars! It will find it's 2nd-4th grade audience easily. I enjoyed the illustrations, too!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange tor a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange tor a fair review.
October 29, 2019
Read an ARC.
More about inventing than I thought it would be.
More about inventing than I thought it would be.
January 8, 2020
My kiddo liked this book. She said it was really neat that there would be a way to see a planet like that! Now she is talking about making inventions of her own.
February 19, 2020
Cute illustrations that will appeal to kids. Great story about a little girl being inventive and determined.
June 3, 2020
The fun of science shines as this girl tinkers and twists all sorts of gizmos.
Geraldine is not known as a good girl, but rather is loud and doesn't always pay attention at school. At home, she takes apart toasters and all sorts of other household items...which her parents don't always appreciate. But this last part, at least, has a purpose. Geraldine loves to create inventions, and some even work. So, when the teacher announces a science contest at school, Geraldine knows it's her time to shine.
I'm a fan of books, which take the interesting fields of science and engineering, and make them fun. This one does exactly that. Geraldine is not the type of girl usually connected with science...she's not good in school, isn't quiet or shy, and she even gets into trouble. Yet, her personality completely fits with inventing all sorts of things. These pages inspire and invite to dream and create.
The illustrations and text work together nicely to create a lovely read-aloud. The text is a bit heavy for the youngest listeners, but the intended audience will have no problem sitting back and enjoying the tale. The illustrations are bright and let Geraldine's personality come across clearly. While I would have, personally, enjoyed seeing a 'build-your-own' at the end, those are my own thoughts, and without it, the book is a great read. The story inspires kids to think out of the box, shows that science is anything but boring, and, perhaps, will have them wanting to invent something themselves.
Geraldine is not known as a good girl, but rather is loud and doesn't always pay attention at school. At home, she takes apart toasters and all sorts of other household items...which her parents don't always appreciate. But this last part, at least, has a purpose. Geraldine loves to create inventions, and some even work. So, when the teacher announces a science contest at school, Geraldine knows it's her time to shine.
I'm a fan of books, which take the interesting fields of science and engineering, and make them fun. This one does exactly that. Geraldine is not the type of girl usually connected with science...she's not good in school, isn't quiet or shy, and she even gets into trouble. Yet, her personality completely fits with inventing all sorts of things. These pages inspire and invite to dream and create.
The illustrations and text work together nicely to create a lovely read-aloud. The text is a bit heavy for the youngest listeners, but the intended audience will have no problem sitting back and enjoying the tale. The illustrations are bright and let Geraldine's personality come across clearly. While I would have, personally, enjoyed seeing a 'build-your-own' at the end, those are my own thoughts, and without it, the book is a great read. The story inspires kids to think out of the box, shows that science is anything but boring, and, perhaps, will have them wanting to invent something themselves.
October 2, 2020
An amazing book about a great girl with a wild imagination who is full of energy and creativity. Loved how she was given the opportunity to pour all that energy into a project she was interested in doing. Cute illustrations. Job well done with this book! 👍
November 19, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just okay to me. It was a little lengthy for young audiences. The are was cute, but not my favorite style.
This book was just okay to me. It was a little lengthy for young audiences. The are was cute, but not my favorite style.
December 5, 2020
Very cure book, teaching girls that they can be scientist, engineers and explorers too.
We loved it!
We loved it!
March 28, 2021
A nice addition to STEM picture book collections.
July 6, 2024
colourful illustrations but the story was a tad weak and the final project was not any better than the others so not too realistic that she won. bit trite.
Want to Read
February 2, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
January 18, 2020
The story had a lot of potential. I didn't like how Geraldine was dismissed as the "bad kid" or "silly kid" by everyone in the book. While I'm sure there are some who can identify with that, I don't think it is a good idea to focus on that as much as this book did.
November 4, 2019
Geraldine is a second grader who has trouble concentrating at school; at times, her head is literally in the clouds. Geraldine's teacher describes her as feisty while her fellow students find her to be silly.
One day at school, Geraldine perks up. Her teacher has announced the science fair contest. This speaks to all of Geraldine's interests and talents. What will her project be? Will it be well received?
Young readers will enjoy this story of a girl who follows her own path and uses her imagination and talents to show her world the planet Mars. It can be read as a story of finding your own way and not being overly focused on how one is viewed by peers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
One day at school, Geraldine perks up. Her teacher has announced the science fair contest. This speaks to all of Geraldine's interests and talents. What will her project be? Will it be well received?
Young readers will enjoy this story of a girl who follows her own path and uses her imagination and talents to show her world the planet Mars. It can be read as a story of finding your own way and not being overly focused on how one is viewed by peers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
A frankly risible look at a young girl who's thought of as a bit of an impetuous pest, but actually harbours dreams of science, and even Mars travel. I don't like to spoil plots and suchlike, but in this pathetic instance I'm prepared to do so – she wins a school science project by inventing hands-free binoculars, that need no focusing, which she allegedly gives to her classmates to look through, whereupon they proceed to see something that's actually completely invisible in daytime. STEM subjects should not be treated with such inanity.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews