LIBBY LOVES SCIENCE

“Science is the best!”

When Libby’s teacher, Mr. Darwin, announces that a new student named Fatima will be joining their class, Libby suggests throwing her a welcome party. Libby’s friends volunteer to make a banner and bring decorations, while Libby will be responsible for the treats. The next day, Libby totes a bag filled with sundae toppings and a carton of ice cream. Fatima arrives and sits beside Libby, and they soon bond over their shared love of science. Mr. Darwin explains the term matter and its three states and offers familiar examples, with lots of eager input from the students. Everyone seems to grasp the concept. Recess begins, and they prepare for the party. But Libby realizes that she forgot to put the ice cream in the freezer, and it’s changed from a solid to a liquid. Luckily, Mr. Darwin supplies hot cocoa, and the children apply their knowledge. The steam coming from the cocoa is a gas, the marshmallows they add to their mugs are solid, and the cocoa is liquid. The welcome party has been a smashing success. The science is clearly explained, and the Popsicle-bright illustrations focus on the big-eyed children, who are all fully engaged and plainly adore all things STEM. Mr. Darwin is light-skinned, Libby presents Black, Fatima is brown-skinned, and the class is diverse.

Science made clear—and fun.