The Power of Science Storybooks: Nurturing Curiosity Through Storytelling

Join Bronwyn, from The Hobart Bookshop, for this week’s post on the power of storytelling to convey scientific information. There is such a wonderful range of narrative non-fiction available as this genre is flourishing with many recent publications.

The art of teaching through gentle storytelling has long been a cherished approach to introducing new ideas to young children. When it comes to complex subjects like science, storybooks offer an especially valuable tool. They provide an imaginative and accessible gateway into topics that might otherwise feel abstract or overwhelming. In recent years, science storybooks have flourished in both quality and quantity, offering a powerful way to nurture children’s natural curiosity about the world around them.

Science storybooks combine factual content with narrative storytelling to help children engage emotionally as well as intellectually. Rather than presenting information in a dry or didactic way, these books weave scientific ideas into captivating stories—inviting young readers to explore, wonder, and ask questions. By doing so, they help to lay the foundation for critical thinking, observation, and a lifelong love of learning.

At the heart of these books are authors who skilfully transform rigorous research and scientific detail into vivid, memorable tales. These storytellers act as interpreters between the world of science and the imaginations of children, distilling complex ideas into stories that are not only informative but also deeply engaging.

One of our favourite authors in this genre is Claire Saxby, a master of combining lyrical language with rich scientific detail. Passionate about fostering curiosity and wonder, Saxby’s books are a celebration of the natural world. Her titles—including Wedge-tailed Eagle, Tree, and Tasmanian Devil—bring Australian ecosystems to life with sensitivity and precision. Her newest title, Volcano illustrated by Jess Racklyeft and published by Allen & Unwin), reveals the surprising fact that more volcanoes erupt beneath the ocean’s surface than on land. It’s a brilliant example of how narrative can make lesser-known scientific facts both accessible and fascinating.

Another beautiful addition to the genre is Hatch (published by CSIRO) by Heidi Cooper Smith, a book that explores the hidden lives of egg-laying animals. With vibrant illustrations and a clear, inviting narrative, Hatch introduces children to the diversity of life and the intricacies of various animal habitats. Cooper Smith’s deep love for animals shines through every page, encouraging young readers to observe, appreciate, and protect the creatures they share the world with.

Lucky’s Star (published by CSIRO), the newest book by award-winning author Mark Greenwood, offers a wonderful blend of science and history. It tells the true story of the Murchison meteorite, which fell from the sky over Victoria in 1969, scattering fragments of space rock across the landscape. This story invites young minds to look up to the stars and wonder what mysteries the universe holds—while grounding the wonder in real, tangible evidence from right here on Earth.

We’re lucky in Tasmania to have our own rich pool of talented science storytellers. Authors such as Christina Booth, Anne Morgan, Fiona Levings, and Johanna Bell (who now calls Tasmania home) continue to explore the connections between our natural environment and the stories we tell about it. Bell’s most recent book, Searching for Treasure (illustrated by Emma Long and published by Allen & Unwin), is a gentle meditation on discovery and delight—celebrating the magic of beachcombing and the hidden treasures left by the tide. It's a perfect example of how everyday experiences can be a doorway to scientific exploration.

Tasmanian authors and illustrators excel in this genre.
These are recent additions from Christina Booth, Fiona Levings and Anne Morgan.

Science storybooks don’t just teach facts—they build a sense of wonder. They help children see that science is not confined to laboratories or textbooks but is all around them. By blending storytelling with scientific exploration, these books empower children to see themselves as part of a living, dynamic world—and to ask, always, what else there is to discover.

 

Bronwyn Chalke 

The Hobart Bookshop 

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