Element in the Room

You know that moment when your child asks what something is made of, and you confidently say "atoms" and then immediately panic because that's basically all you've got? The Element in the Room finds all 92 elements hiding in your house, your kitchen, your bones and yes, your rubber duck, and turns chemistry into a detective adventure your child will finish knowing things you genuinely don't.

We love it because:

• Sherlock Ohms is the scientific sleuth your child never knew they needed, leading them through investigations that actually make chemistry click.
• It connects the periodic table to real, everyday things, so "what's this made of?" becomes a genuinely exciting question rather than a tricky one.
• The humour is spot-on for curious kids who like to feel clever (and they will feel VERY clever).
• Hands-on experiments are woven in throughout, so it's active and engaging rather than just a read-once reference book.
• Lauren Humphrey's illustrations are bold, funny and gorgeous. The kind of book you leave on the coffee table on purpose.

What's in the box:

• The Element in the Room by Mike Barfield, illustrated by Lauren Humphrey
• Paperback, 64 pages

Great for:

• Ages 9 and up (and honestly, curious adults too)
• Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, end-of-term gifts
• Kids who like science, facts, puzzles or just asking relentless questions
• Building scientific literacy and curiosity in a way that feels completely effortless
• The child who devours non-fiction and needs their next brilliant read

Important to know:

• Recommended age: 9+
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 64
• Dimensions: 29 x 22.5 cm
• Published by Laurence King, October 2025
• Author: Mike Barfield / Illustrator: Lauren Humphrey