Cover image for Solved by Science - How To Save Your Granny From a Runaway Train (Solved by Science) - Swapna Haddow, Illustrated by Jess Bradley

Solved by Science - How To Save Your Granny From a Runaway Train (Solved by Science)

By Swapna Haddow, Illustrated by Jess Bradley
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**WINNER OF THE NON-FICTION 7-11 PRIZE AT THE 2026 ENGLISH 4-11 PICTURE BOOK AWARDS**

Bonkers dilemmas that can be solved with science and a bunch of brilliant physics experiments.

Book of the Week: The Week Junior*

**No grannies were harmed in the making of this book!**

Trick a shark! Lift a jumbo jet! Escape a deserted island! Stop a runaway train!

Explore a bunch of ridiculous (and not-so-ridiculous) dilemmas – with solutions from the astonishing world of physics.

Sounds unbelievable? Test the science for yourself, with easy-to-follow experiments throughout!

What are you waiting for? Let’s save Granny!

Written by bestselling and award-winning author Swapna Haddow, with brilliantly funny colour illustrations from award-winning illustrator Jess Bradley.

COMING SOON: How to Make Diamonds From Your Pencils (chemistry) and How to Stop a T. rex From Eating Your Socks (biology)

Experiments in How to Save Your Granny From a Runaway Train:

• Parachute egg drop • Lever • ‘Pulley’ system • Compass • Friction ramp • See sound • Locating sounds • ‘Megaphone’ • Telephone • Periscope • Bend light • Eggshell bridge • Shadow puppets • Electromagnet

Author: Swapna Haddow
Format: Paperback
Release Date: 31 Jul 2025
ISBN: 978-0-00-871335-5

SWAPNA HADDOW is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 30 books for young readers, including the Dave Pigeon and Bad Panda series. She was the winner of the Fantastic Book Award, Surrey Libraries Children’s Book Award and North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award and been shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards, Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards and The Alligator’s Mouth Awards. She was an official World Book Day author in 2023. With a degree in Medical Sciences and International Health, Swapna is a proud, self-proclaimed science geek. Originally from the UK, Swapna now lives in New Zealand with her husband, son and dog, Archie.

JESS BRADLEY is an award-winning illustrator and writer living in Devon. She has drawn many books and comics about science, superheroes and giant monsters and is also a regular contributor to The Phoenix comic. She works from her home studio, and likes drawing in her sketchbooks, reading, playing video games and watching cartoons with her son.

“fun and accessible” – The Bookseller -

“Funny and full of surprises, this is a perfect book for aspiring scientists and great for keeping boredom at bay.” –The Week Junior -

“Packed with step-by-step experiments and plenty of humour, it sneaks real science into wild adventures […] great for home, school, or anywhere else you fancy blowing children’s minds with a bit of everyday science.” – School Reading List -

“The perfect way to make learning a hands-on adventure […] and to keep holiday boredom at bay.” – Lancashire Evening Post -

“An absolutely genius book.” – Tom Griffiths, Check ‘Em Out Books -

“This is just perfect for the summer holidays […] definitely going to be on my Christmas shopping list for friends’ children this year!” – Kate Heap, Scope for Imagination -

“Clever and fun, it gets children to test science for themselves.” – @thekidsbookstagrammer -

"This book makes learning genuinely joyous and informative. It is an invaluable resource for bringing primary science to life.” – The English Association -

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