Research has shown that reading to kids can enhance their cognition, concentration and language skills. It’s also great bonding time and provides an opportunity to introduce little ones to the things you love.

Here are some best-selling books designed to kick-start a life-long love affair with STEM subjects.

VIDEO: Easy ways to get kids interested in science

(P.S: This article uses Amazon links and references Amazon reviews, but neither We Rep Stem or any of its affiliates received any compensation for this post. In other words: This is not an ad.)

Here’s the list, in no particular order:

1. BABY UNIVERSITY FOUR BOOK SET BY CHRIS FERRIE

The “Baby University” books are a cult favourite in the STEM community. This four-piece board book set contains some of the more popular editions, including Quantum Physics for Babies, Newtonian Physics for Babies, Rocket Science for Babies, and General Relativity for Babies.

Even if you’re up-to-date on classic and modern physics, you might learn something from these books — after all, they’re written by certified expert Chris Ferrie. He holds a Ph.D. in mathematical physics and is currently a faculty member at the Centre for Quantum Software and Information in Syndey, Australia.

At the time of this writing, this set is rated the #1 best-seller in the Quantum Theory Category.

Get the Baby University book set here.

2. HOW A HOUSE IS BUILT BY GAIL GIBBONS

This picture book provides a step-by-step guide on how homes are built, starting with the architect’s plants, all the way through to the move-in day of the new homeowners.

The reader is also introduced to several careers, like carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and landscapers.

“Amazing step by step process, using real vocabulary of house-building,” reads one Amazon review.

“Adults will learn things, too! … Beautiful illustrations!”

Get How a House is Built here.

3. MISTAKES THAT WORKED BY CHARLOTTE FOLTZ JONES, ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN O’BRIEN

Currently rated the #1 best seller in kids’ inventor books, Mistakes That Worked examines the strange ways everyday objects — like Velcro, potato chips, and popsicles — came to be.

It also gets kids comfortable with trying new things and understanding that experiments can lead us to exciting places, even when they don’t turn out the way we’d originally planned.

Get Mistakes That Worked here.

4. PYTHON FOR KIDS BY JASON R. BRIGGS

Monsters, ravens, and secret agents (among other characters) are used to explain how the Python computer programming language works, along with colourful illustrations and puzzles that deepen understanding.

“Not just for kids,” reads an Amazon review.

“…I’ve gone through a few [P]ython books to bolster my scripting skills and this one is great because it actually has examples that have some focus that builds upon itself as opposed to a few dry examples just to get a point across.”

Get Python for Kids here.

5. THIS LITTLE SCIENTIST BY JOAN HOLUB, ILLUSTRATED BY DANIEL ROODE

This Little Scientist is a board book that profiles influential STEM figures, like Isaac Newton Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jane Goodall, among others.

It gives simple explanations of their contributions to science, set against beautiful pictures. If the book is a hit, there are several others in the series, including This Little Trailblazer, This Little President, and This Little Pioneer.

Get This Little Scientist here.