I preordered today’s Perfect Picture Book to share with my grandkids and you. I’m so glad I did!
Title: This is How You Know: How Science Happens
Written By: Kirsten W. Larson
Illustrated By: Cornelia Li
Publisher/Date: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers/2025
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: nonfiction, science, discovery, curiosity, persistence, experimentation, questions, answers, scientific method, pivot
Opening:
You KNOW…
Earth warms up, brushed by Sun’s gentle rays.
Soil cradles tomatoes, which sprout up with water and light.
Brief Synopsis: An explanation of the scientific process
Links to Resources:
· Check out How Science Works in the back matter;
· Try some science experiments at home;
· Explore a Science Museum.
Why I Like this Book:
When I first heard about This is How You Know: How Science Happens and discovered that Larson had written it, I knew I had to purchase a copy for my curious grandson and his science-loving father.
Starting with simple observations that even very young children can understand, Larson next informs readers that science is how you know and understand what’s happening when the sun shines and tomatoes grow. She breaks it down further, step by step, reminding readers that science is “the way you make discoveries.” You start with “natural curiosity.” Next, you need to watch and wonder, then read and experiment a bit. You might pause to think and daydream. Do this “until you uncover a question you can’t answer. Not yet.”
I love how Larson draws readers into the story and how, with two short words, “not yet,” she makes it clear that we will find answers if we follow the scientific method she’s already laid out. From here, she shows readers the many places we can follow the science, including labs, slides or screens, in nature, even in outer space. She warns us that we may need to pivot, a concept that will help kids navigate setbacks in many facets of life. And she celebrates the joy of discovery when all of the hard work and pivots pay off, leading us forward to the next question in need of an answer.
Featuring a diverse cast of characters and many different places, Li’s illustrations will help children see themselves in the story. I especially loved one of the last spreads showing scientists at work around the globe.
In an era when some people question the value and purpose of science and the scientific method, This is How You Know: How Science Happens reaffirms how much science contributes to everyone’s lives. Every home and classroom should have a copy!
A Note about Craft:
Larson tackles a huge topic in This is How You Know: How Science Happens. So how does she make it relatable and understandable for kids? First, she draws readers in by addressing them directly – this is how YOU know. She begins with observable, relatable examples of things you can study using scientific methods: how plants grow and how swings work. From there, she breaks down the scientific method into kid-sized steps. Doing so not only engages kids’ attention but may result in future scientific discoveries and scientists.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 