
Reach for this book when your child starts asking why things stick to the refrigerator or why two toy trains won't connect. It is a perfect choice for the preschooler or early elementary student who is transitioning from simple play to wanting to understand the 'how' and 'why' of the physical world. By focusing on the invisible forces of attraction and repulsion, it transforms a mysterious concept into a tangible, exciting discovery. The book introduces basic STEM concepts through relatable, everyday examples and hands-on activities. It emphasizes the joy of experimentation and the pride that comes with mastering a new scientific principle. Parents will appreciate the clear, accessible language that builds a child's vocabulary while encouraging a natural sense of wonder about the unseen forces that make the world work.
None. This is a strictly secular, scientific exploration of physical forces.
A 5 to 7 year old child who is a 'tinkerer.' This is for the kid who loves to take things apart, build with blocks, or asks repetitive questions about how machines work.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThis book is best read when a magnet is actually available. I recommend parents have a simple bar or refrigerator magnet handy to test the concepts in real time as they read. No complex setup is required. A parent might notice their child frustrated that two magnets are pushing apart, or perhaps the child has discovered that they can 'move' a paperclip on a table by holding a magnet underneath it.
A 4 year old will treat the illustrations and the 'push and pull' as a magic trick, focusing on the sensory experience. An 8 year old will begin to grasp the more complex vocabulary like 'poles' and 'magnetic field' and may want to attempt the more structured experiments mentioned in the text.
Unlike many dry science texts, Adler uses very active verbs and direct address to keep the child engaged as a participant in the science rather than just a witness to it.
This is a foundational STEM nonfiction book that introduces the concept of magnetism. It covers magnetic fields, north and south poles, attraction and repulsion, and how magnets are used in everyday objects like compasses and motors. It includes simple, safe experiments children can perform with household items.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.