Every Day, Chemistry

PreS-Gr 3–Sooy’s picture book follows a pale-skinned mother and daughter through a seemingly typical day brimming with chemistry simmering beneath the surface. Breakfast pops from an almost magical toaster where asterisks, lightning bolts, and sparkles swirl around, signaling to readers that scientific reactions are occurring inside. Next, the two drive to a park where plants grow, a diverse cast of characters run, rapidly respirating, while others calmly cloud-watch or beat the heat in the shade. The daughter glides down a rusty slide and stomachs digest picnic lunches. Back at home, bath time is a soapy chemical reaction washing away grimy particles. Eagerly, the daughter observes dough rising and baking in the oven, yielding a delicious pizza dinner. Snuggled beneath the covers, a flashlight illuminates the pages of a bedtime story. Even the sharing of love as the mother kisses her daughter goodnight: it’s all everyday chemistry. Pang’s vibrantly colored, digital artwork emanates a warm energy. The formula for Sooy’s story is light on factual information, leaning into the naturalistic treatment of what’s happening and why. Back matter provides supplemental information on chemical reactions for those wanting to explore further.