Mr Shaha's Recipes for Wonder: adventures in science round the kitchen table

Several collections of kid-friendly experiments have been published recently, but Mr Shaha's Recipes for Wonder knocks most into a cocked hat. From a catapult constructed from a Pringles tube to the chemistry of a microwave cupcake, Alom Shaha first dangles an enticing activity, then meticulously - and thrillingly - details the scientific principles behind its operation. Emily Robertson's glorious illustrations add to the book's bursting, irresistible sense of excitement.

`Alom Shaha is gentle and persuasive, the type of teacher you would have loved to have had educate you.'

`An ideal gift for children who love to experiment or learn how to understand how things work, this book will be very handy for keeping kids and adults busy on a rainy day.'

`[F]illed with beautifully illustrated experiments that adults can lead youngsters through.'

`Full of wonder and delight - this is the perfect recipe for families looking for fun ways to find out more about the universe. Bound to inspire any budding young scientists.'

`Useful, inspiring and beautifully written.'

`Brilliant kitchen table science experiments.'

`Shaha's book provides a wide range of easy but intriguing science experiments and demonstrations to entertain and engage any child, rendered in charming images and using items found in any typical home. Plus it also provides a valid excuse to buy Pringles. What's not to like?'

`I love this book. The experiments are fantastic (and so are the pictures), but they'll also make you think. You'll want to ask questions, and to try to find out the answers. Which is pretty much all that real scientists do too.'

`A charming, accessible way to introduce children to the wonders of scientific research. Every experiment is simple, yet there's no skimming over the hard facts. I wish I'd had a book like this when I was growing up. I'll certainly be working my way through it with my son.'

`Full of fun, easy ideas for young scientists to do at home.'

`Some of us were lucky enough to have that one great teacher who opened their eyes to the fun and beauty of science (thank you, Mr Moss!). But Alom Shaha, and this book, can play that role even for the children who don't have that stroke of good fortune. It's fun, clear, and colourful. When my own brats are old enough, I look forward to making a crisp-tin catapult with them.'

`Packed with perfect holiday activities.'

'This is not a book just for children, it's a book for all grown-ups who want to enthuse and inspire young people. Every child and every parent can be a scientist with the help of Mr Shaha's Recipes for Wonder.'

'If you've got young kids and you'd like to introduce them to science but don't know where to start, the excellent [Alom Shaha] has just written the perfect book for you.'

`[T]he perfect diversion for curious minds.'

`Easy experiments to transform the contents of your recycling bin into engineering equipment. Who wouldn't want to turn an empty crisps tube into a catapult or a spectroscope?'

`Whether you're a science star or just starting out, it will help you inspire young people to learn.'

`This is a science book with a difference - the gorgeous watercolour illustrations bring the experiments to life, and readers will enjoy poring over the information in the book as much as they are thrilled by following each of the `recipes'.

`As a fan of Shaha's science videos, I knew we'd like this DIY science book before we got it, but we really, really like it. We'll be conducting these experiments all summer, and are making it our go-to birthday gift for friends this year.'