Books in Smithsonian Readers series

Learn how crayons are made with this fun and informative STEAM book! Perfect for kindergarteners, this title makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is ideal for makerspaces and introduces grade K students to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for children ages 4-6.

Soil, plants, rain, and sunlight. These are all things that make a garden grow. Introduce life science and STEAM topics to your youngest learners with this STEAM book for kindergarteners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book makes it easy for parents and teachers to teach STEAM to beginning readers and uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. Ignite a curiosity for STEAM in grade K students and children ages 4-6.

Landsat satellites orbit the earth to get images. Learn how these images are made using heat. Then, find out how these cutting-edge satellites are helping save the planet! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that guides students through every step of the engineering design process and is perfect for makerspace activities. It makes STEAM career connections by providing a glimpse into the lives of real-life Smithsonian employees currently working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with this book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

In the vast realm of outer space, accidents happen all the time. Things bump into each other. Stars blow up. Space rocks smash into planets. Black holes gobble up everything in their path. The sun is burning out. A comet swarm is bearing down. Any of this could change—or even eliminate—life on a planet like Earth. Countdown to cosmic catastrophes! From asteroid hit to alien invasion, astronomer David Aguilar builds the scientific case for seven extreme events that could impact Earth. (Though not as we know it: most of these catastrophes are way down the cosmic line . . . we hope!) He tells an exciting nonfiction story about how and why these space catastrophes could happen and then creates beautiful, original art to show just how devastatingly spectacular it will be when any one of these seven “big ones” hit! The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1846, it includes nineteen museum and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. Its vast collections house 138 million artifacts, specimens, and works of art, which represent our nation’s rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.

What does an astronaut wear to work? Find out in this space-age Penguin-Smithsonian reader!If you're going to orbit the Earth, moonwalk, or float in space, you need the right outfit. From helmet to space boots, every part of an astronaut's spacesuit is designed for survival. This reader, developed with Smithsonian's popular Air and Space Museum, provides a close look at the suits, boots, helmets, gloves, and other gear astronauts have worn into space, from the early days of space exploration to the present-day.