This book teaches the reader about the periodic table, how the elements were discovered and categorized, and how each element behaves. We learn about the scientists throughout history who studied and discovered new elements, and how scientists today are still searching for new super-heavy elements.

I especially liked the parts that explain how we use various elements in our everyday lives. There is fluoride in our toothpaste, neon in bright signs, helium in balloons, chlorine in our stomach acid, and iodine in our salt. Bromine is used in flame retardants, boron is in bulletproof vests, and bismuth in makeup and hair spray. We have chromium coating on our cutlery, and our pipes are made of copper. Indium makes our smartphone screens touch-sensitive.

I also liked the explanations of how the different elements got their names. They are named after cities, famous scientists, Greek gods, and planets. There is an entire chapter all about the Nobel prize, and the most famous Nobel winners who also have elements named after them. It was so interesting to learn all the history behind the periodic table!

The artwork is so colorful and attractive. The design of each page is beautifully organized with factoids and bits of information in separate boxes on the page. It makes it easy to read, and it catches your attention.

One thing that I appreciated about this book is that when they are talking about a scientific theory, they make it clear that it is a theory, not proven fact. The writing is careful to be accurate about how they word things, so as not to give the impression that things are facts, when it's really just a theory. I love scientific books that have integrity like that!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.