Picture Books about Doctors and Scientists
Next up in my gift recommendations are picture books that focus on science and medicine. The five books below are a mix of fiction and non-fiction; all will inspire and inform young readers.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts (2016)
Ada is a curious person from an early age, which makes her a natural scientist. She is blessed with parents who see her potential and can forgive the messes of her experiments. Told in rhyme with cartoon-inflected illustrations, this story is a delightful way to introduce kids to the ways questions prompt scientific inquiry. Be sure to check out all of the Beaty/Roberts collections, from Rosie Revere, Engineer to Iggy Peck, Architect.
June Almeida, Virus Detective!: The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus by Suzanne Slade and Elisa Paganelli (2021)
The biography tells the story of Almeida who fought sexism to pursue a career as a scientist. She became an expert at using electron microscopes, using them to detect viruses. The illustrations are often layered with photos and artifacts from June’s life. The back matter includes a bio and a timeline of her life and discoveries.
Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor by Kate Messner and Alexandra Bye (2021)
Like many, I became a Dr. Fauci fan during the pandemic, thrilled to get my “Dr. Fauci Ouchie” (vaccine shot) when finally available. This biography tells the story of his life and career, from being a curious kid whose family ran a pharmacy to his role on the national stage in the COVID-19 pandemic. His personal mantra is repeated in the book: “Don’t get discouraged. Think about it carefully. Try to work it out.” Great lesson for all of us!
The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage (2022)
I am completely enchanted by this book. Dr. Morley loves jellyfish and takes a crew of scientists to the Arctic Circle to search for the often-discussed but never seen Arctic jellyfish. The jellyfish eludes the scientists but not the readers of the book, as we can spot it hiding from view on many of the spreads. The illustrations are gorgeous, sweeping, and detailed. I loved the cross sections of the ship and the Northern Lights as seen from the sea.
The Hospital Book by Lisa Brown (2023)
By letting us follow a kid through symptoms, emergency room visit, diagnosis, surgery, and recovery of appendicitis, Brown shows us the experience of one kid in a hospital. The busy illustrations include a lot of surprises for those looking carefully (Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson make an appearance, for example). A perfect choice for kids who want to know the ins and outs of everything and every place.