"The “Kid Scientist” series of picture books from Albert Whitman puts children in the roles of real scientists to show young readers what STEM professionals do. The latest book in the series is Kid Scientist: Astronauts on the Space Station by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Mia Powell, ISBN 9780807541548. In this book, José is an astronaut. He and his crew are traveling to the International Space Station to research how outer space affects the human body and plant growth. When space debris damages the station's solar panels, José's crew discovers they must be ready for anything while living in space—and they learn that by working together, they can solve big problems. Other Kid Scientist books put children in the roles of archaeologists on a dig and marine biologists on a dive. —School Library Journal article, Seeding an Interest in STEM by Dennis Pierce 

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“The Kid Scientist series uses fictional stories to introduce how scientists employ the scientific method in their fields. While the scientists are actually racially diverse children, depicted in cheery, colorful scenes, their settings and work are realistic. A combination of dialogue and explanatory text makes up the story and describes key concepts. In Astronauts on the Space Station, commander Jose and his crew dock at the International Space station to conduct experiments on growing lettuce in space. The book depicts both lab scenes with aeroponic plants and engaging descriptions of life on the ISS. Tension occurs when debris hits the ISS and the crew makes a spacewalk repair. In Insect Experts in the Rain Forest, Simone and her team of entomologists land in Costa Rica to investigate army ants that appear to have two abdomens. After collecting and observing ant samples, they notice that the second abdomen is really a new species of beetle. An author's note relates that the story is loosely based on true findings. Extensive back matter includes an explanation of how to become a scientist like the one featured as well as the scientific method and how characters incorporated it in the story. While these books put forth the idea of one scientific method rather than scientific methodologies, they remain entertaining ways of showing these practices in action.”  —Booklist

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“This series imagines children exploring science careers. Illustrations include boys and girls from diverse backgrounds searching for insects in the rain forest or carrying out experiments aboard the International Space Station. Back matter includes an explanation of the career featured in the story, as well as advice on how to prepare for that career. A review of the scientific method includes examples of how it was used by the characters. And a list of suggested reading concludes each book. The Insect Experts title is loosely based on a real event from 2014. VERDICT This series could be read aloud to introduce students to STEM careers or explored by readers who already have an interest in science.” —School Library Journal

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"The instructive text is educational and entertaining, and young readers will thrill in seeing the diverse group of kids take the reins of scientific discovery...Playful illustrations capture the cool, endless depths of the ocean...and discussion of the scientific method and ways to pursue an interest in marine biology round out the back matter. A charming introduction to marine biology and scientific inquiry from the Kid Scientists series (2 titles).” —Booklist

 

“What do marine biologists do? Fliess focuses on fieldwork...Maggie, a Black marine biologist, and her racially diverse team dive into the ocean to swim with humpback whales. They each have a different task... straightforward text offers...the importance of a hypothesis, part of the scientific method...There’s also a quick review of how Maggie and her group’s actions correspond to the scientific method. A highly simplified but inviting overview of marine biology.” —Kirkus Reviews

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“The Kid Scientist series uses fictional stories to introduce how scientists employ the scientific method in their fields. While the scientists are actually racially diverse children, depicted in cheery, colorful scenes, their settings and work are realistic. Astronauts on the Space Station depicts both lab scenes with aeroponic plants and engaging descriptions of life on the ISS. In Insect Experts in the Rain Forest, Simone and her team of entomologists land in Costa Rica to investigate army ants that appear to have two abdomens. Extensive back matter includes an explanation of how to become a scientist like the one featured as well as the scientific method and how characters incorporated it in the story…entertaining ways of showing these practices in action.” —Booklist

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