- Series: Lucy’s Lab
- Author: Michelle Houts
- Illustrator:Elizabeth Zechel
- Publisher: Sky Pony
- Publication year: 2017
- Age range: 7-9 years
- Number of pages: 112
I truly enjoyed reading “Nuts About Science”, which is the first book in the “Lucy’s Lab” chapter book series by Michelle Houts. The story features an adorable main character and a lot of science related to habitats, specimens, and tree diseases.
Lucy is a curious second-grader with a good eye for observation. She likes bugs, fossils, non-fiction books, lab coats and goggles. So it’s no surprise that Lucy is totally excited to start second grade, where they’ll have a science lab (with a skeleton!) and learn about different types of habitats (woodland, arctic, rainforest, desert, and ocean). She even turns her old playhouse into her own science lab, where she can do research and solve problems.
But there is one thing that doesn’t let Lucy fully enjoy second grade: the old oak tree that grew in front of the school had disappeared, leaving local squirrels homeless. Lucy starts her investigation and soon learns that the tree had to be cut because of oak wilt. Worried about the squirrels that lost their habitat, Lucy has to use all her convincing power and research skills in order to persuade the principal to plant a new oak tree in front of the school.
I really liked Lucy’s passion for learning and her bravery to fight for the cause she believes in. Her fun adventures, combined with cute black & white illustrations, will surely delight all kids who love observing and asking questions.
