The Greatest Stuff on Earth: The amazing science of sunlight, smartphones, microphones, mushrooms & everything in-between

There is certainly plenty of stuff in this world to challenge the curiosity of the preadolescent. Both the author, scientist Steve Tomecek, and the illustrator, John Devolle, have broached this wide-ranging subject about things found all around us with deliberate consideration and smashingly colorful portrayals of the diverse topics covered.

It opens by briefly covering the physical basics about matter and energy, followed by short topics regarding nature. The text continues to examine the ground beneath us, and looks at the stuff of life as seen in plant and animal cells. Inspecting the environment, sections cover the basics of food, shelter and clothing and continues on to discuss how paper originated which led to the printing press.

Health concerns regarding the battle against harmful microbes is examined, and of interest to the youthful techie, mics and cell phones are looked at. Problems involving the greenhouse effect, energy resources and the challenge of using fossil fuels are touched on.

The text, photos, and illustrations are printed on intense assortment of bright vivid colors on stock stiff paper which add to the attraction and excitement of reading this introductory science book about stuff in this world. While the short descriptions will provoke further questions that demand further clarification, the book is a good start into science for the young learner.