Top 5 books about female scientists

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara describes herself as an “author, writer and creative director with a really long name”. 

Her idea Little People, BIG DREAMS – which later turned into a book series and highlights stars, scientists and artists – hopes to give children the strength and the courage to believe in themselves and dream big.

The latest in the series is on Mary Anning, the English fossil hunter whose findings contributed to changes in scientific thinking about prehistoric life. 

To mark the release, Vegara gives us her top five books about female scientists. 

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Work It, Girl: Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison  by Caroline Moss, illustrated by Sinem Erkas

Her mum always said, “everything is connected to science”, and soon Mae Jemison went from a little girl watching the Apollo moon landings to becoming the first African-American woman in space.

Brilliant Ideas from Wonderful Women by Aitziber Lopez, illustrated by Luciano Lozano

You know that Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb and Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, but do you know who invented the car heater? Or the medical syringe? This book will show you many marvellous things, all invented by women!

Audrey the Inventor by Rachel Valentine, illustrated by Katie Weymouth

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Audrey: like many children, she’s full of questions. Her inventions lead to a few mishaps (as cat owners may predict, the ‘cat washer’ is a bit of a disaster). However, she never gives up, even when times get tough.

Look Up! by Nathan Byron, illustrated by Dapo Adeola

This book follows a little girl – and wannabe astronaut – called Rocket, who manages to convince her brother to stop looking down at his phone and instead look up at the night sky. Science isn’t just what you do at school, it’s about daring to dream. 

Women in Science by Rachel Ignotofsky

This collection of biographies reclaims the rightful place in scientific history for women like Katherine Johnson (Nasa scientist), Edith Clarke (electrical engineer) and Grace Hopper (one of the first computer programmers).

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara is the author of the Little People, Big Dreams series. The latest, about fossil hunter Mary Anning, is out now (Frances Lincoln, £9.99)