Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Experiments by Barry Hutchinson

Ill. by Quentin Blake. Penguin Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780141375946
Once upon a time George Kranky decided it was time to get his gruesome, grouchy grandma who had a mouth pinched in like a do's bottom into a better mood by making her some special medicine. But being neither doctor nor scientist, George just combines and cooks things he has on hand - and the results are not as he expects.
Building on from this favourite Dahl tale of George's Marvellous Medicine is this collection of science experiments that might not have the results that George's concoctions had but which will be equally spectacular, just as much fun and importantly, they are all tested and safe (although some adult supervision might be needed.) With chapter titles such as Marvellously Messy, Excellent Eruptions and Vivacious Vehicles and full-colour illustrations by Quentin Blake, this is a science book like no other that is going to appeal to all those who like to explore what-happens-if and spark an interest in things scientific in those who are yet to discover the magic and fun. Experience has shown me that kids are entranced by the 'magic" of chemistry and having seen a result are keen to find out the how and the why so it's a superb one to add to the teacher toolbox too.
And if you're not sure yourself and are not confident following the easy-to-read instructions (which in themselves could serve as a model), start with these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRksqzQtLY
Too cool for school. And put George's Marvellous Medicine at the top of you class read-aloud list for 2018!
Barbara Braxton