Elements of the Day

By Samantha Lewis, Illustrated by Hao Hao

The amazing stories and fascinating facts behind the elements that make every moment of the day possible.

The Times Children’s Book of the Week

“What a magnificent book!” Dr Chris van Tulleken

“A delightful pick-and-mix bag of so many fun and fascinating facts” Professor Jim Al-Khalili

Why is breakfast cereal magnetic? Could you turn wee into gold? How does sand help us see?

The answers have one thing in common – ELEMENTS! Elements are the building blocks that make up EVERYTHING we see, touch and taste. You’ll be amazed at how many there are to explore from the moment you wake up to the second you drift off to sleep (no matter how long past your bedtime it is!).

Inside everything from cereal, cars and cakes to toilet paper, pencils and torches – come and meet the extraordinary elements that make YOUR day!

Beautiful colour illustrations throughout by Hao Hao.

Format: Hardcover
Ageband: 7 to 10
Release Date: 02 Sep 2025
Pages: 48
ISBN: 978-0-00-871259-4
After her master’s degree in chemistry, Samantha Lewis briefly worked as a science teacher but since then has been a documentary maker, where she has worked on both the production and development of a wide range of science films, including Einstein and The Bomb on Netflix, and science inserts for The One Show. She is currently developing a series of short popular science films. Samantha is based in London.Based in Beijing, Hao Hao majored in stage design at the city’s Central Academy of Drama, but her passion for painting has led to a highly successful career in illustration.

“What a magnificent book! It’s fizzing with ideas and knowledge. I loved it and so did my daughter Lyra. It’s a perfect foundation for all other science books, starting with the building blocks of everything.” Chris van Tulleken – doctor, scientist and broadcaster -

“A delightful pick-and-mix bag of so many fun and fascinating facts about the role of the chemical elements in our everyday lives.” Jim Al-Khalili CBE – physicist, author and broadcaster -

“How to make chemistry fun for kids … Elements of the Day makes the periodic table rock” – The Times -

"My kids and I are gripped, their attachment is like iron.” – Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster -

"What a glorious book! It’s beautiful and engaging, and full of unusual facts. My three girls absolutely love it!” – Francesca Segal, Author -