Newton and Curie: The Science Squirrels

When a falling apple bonks Newton the squirrel on the noggin, he wonders “Why did that apple fall down and not up?” His curiosity sparked, one question leads to others: Why do swings go back and forth? Why can’t the squirrels get child-size playground equipment to work? Fortunately, a nearby science classroom has the answers. Peeking through the window, Newton learns about gravity, mass, weight, and force, then levers and fulcrums, explaining it all to his sister Curie by making a squirrel-size swing and seesaw. When a robin’s nest falls, the rodents use their new knowledge to save the day. The story frames plainspoken, relatable explanations of core physics concepts and the scientific method. Kirk’s detailed, digitally colored pencil drawings capture the soft texture of fur and the toothy smiles of gendered, wide-eyed squirrels dressed like human children. Includes an explanation of the squirrels’ names and a glossary. Ages 5–9. (Aug.)