Best Science Books for Kids Who Love Experiments (2026): 5 Picks

Choosing the best science books for kids who love experiments starts with a child who wants to mix and build. This list compares books for young experimenters by experiments, guidance, page count and listed reading age and grade level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Super-Cool Experiments by Spangler	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Stay Curious: Next Level by Calandrelli	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Big Book of Science Experiments by TIME	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Stay Curious by Calandrelli	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Science Cookbook by Highlights	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Super-Cool Experiments by Spangler

Steve Spangler·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child who loves experiments at home, less suited to a reader wanting edible experiments alone.

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Pros

• 50 experiments with step-by-step instructions
• Full color photos for projects
• Projects from simple to advanced

Cons

• Suits older children, not younger readers
• Some projects need household materials
• Grade level 3 - 4 only

2

Stay Curious: Next Level by Calandrelli

Emily Calandrelli·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child ready for bigger experiments after Stay Curious, less suited to a reader new to the series.

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Pros

• 50 bigger experiments for readers
• Science and technology biographies
• 176 pages covering STEAM concepts

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers
• Suits readers who know the series
• Grade level broad, Kindergarten and up

3

Big Book of Science Experiments by TIME

The Editors of TIME for Kids·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child who loves varied experiments, less suited to a reader wanting edible experiments alone.

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Pros

• 100 experiments for kids 8 to 12
• Covers physical, life and earth science
• Step-by-step directions with background facts

Cons

• Description says 8 to 12, listing 7 - 11 years
• Published December 6, 2011, an older edition
• Grade level broad, 3 and up

4

Stay Curious by Calandrelli

Emily Calandrelli·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a whole family starting science experiments together, less suited to a child wanting edible experiments alone.

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Pros

• 50 experiments for the whole family
• Prompts for thinking like a scientist
• 168 pages with illustrations throughout

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers
• Grade level is not stated
• Experiments need grocery items

5

Science Cookbook by Highlights

Highlights·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a young chef who loves food and science, less suited to a reader wanting non-food experiments alone.

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Pros

• Over 75 edible experiments
• Science connections to each recipe
• 160 pages with food photographs

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers
• Suits food experiments only
• Grade level 2 - 3 only

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More picks to compare

• Science Experiments by Gold StarsFor young learners, with fun projects using kitchen and household itemsCheck on Amazon
• Science Experiments by FuntimeFor children learning science with visual steps and everyday itemsCheck on Amazon
• Try This!For the mad scientist in you, with fun experimentsCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where given. 5 of the picks list a reading age, and 4 list a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best science books for kids who love experiments

Match reading age and grade to the reader

Steve Spangler’s book lists grade level 3 – 4 and a reading age of 8 – 12 years, while the cookbook lists grade level 2 – 3 and a reading age of 6 – 10 years, marked as from customers. Check both figures against the reader. For more science reading, see Best Science Encyclopedia for Kids.

Choose experiments that fit the reader

The cookbook lists over 75 edible experiments, while Steve Spangler’s book lists 50 experiments using materials found at home. Calandrelli’s first book lists grocery items, so check what each book needs. For structured practice, see Best Science Workbook.

Check page count and edition before buying

Big Book lists 192 pages, Next Level lists 176 pages, and the cookbook lists 160 pages. Big Book was published December 6, 2011, while the cookbook was published February 25, 2025, so confirm the edition.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date and edition on the listing.
• For a series, read Stay Curious before Next Level.
• Compare the listed reading age and grade level with the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a child start with Stay Curious?

Start with Stay Curious and Keep Exploring, the book Next Level follows.

What reading age do these books list?

Spangler lists 8 – 12 years, the cookbook lists 6 – 10 years, marked as from customers, and Big Book lists 7 – 11 years, marked as from customers.

Which book is about edible experiments?

The cookbook lists over 75 edible experiments, with science connections to each recipe.

Still deciding? Our top pickSuper-Cool Experiments by Spangler

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Related lists

See every Kids and Teens list.

More lists: Best Science Encyclopedia for Kids, Best Science Workbook, Best Lego Books for Kids Who Love Building.