Review by Zobia Alam
Greystone Books, May 2023
36 pages, Hardcover, $22.95 CAD, 9781771648615
Picture Book, Ages 3-6
Non-fiction, Science/Nature
“How do trees learn to talk to one another through their tangled roots? Do different kinds of trees speak different leafy languages?”
In a world full of discoveries yet to be unveiled, Tanya Llyod Kyi’s What Will I Discover? takes its readers on an exciting scientific journey and celebrates the importance of curiosity. From tiny sea stars and the songs of humpback whales, to the billions of cells in our brains, this picture book is an inspiring collection of fun science facts, tailored for young readers.
A wide-eyed little girl reflects on the role of scientists, and the vast knowledge they possess about the world around us. However, as the story progresses, she questions whether the scientists really know everything. Her uncontainable curiosity and bottomless quest for scientific knowledge drive the story forward. With a magnifying glass and a notepad in hand, the narrator takes on the role of a young scientist herself. She has some unanswered questions of her own about the tiny creatures in Antarctica, the mysteries of distant planets and the games dinosaurs played back in the day. But her biggest question of all is of course: “What Will I Discover?”
In a field where scientific narratives have most often featured male protagonists, the choice to incorporate a brown-skinned girl as the central character in What Will I Discover? is both refreshing and empowering. Growing up, I came across few books about science that featured female characters, let alone those that looked like me. This underrepresentation created a gap in the literary landscape, making it challenging for diverse audiences to find relatable role models that encouraged their passion for scientific discovery. What Will I Discover? promotes gender and cultural inclusivity, paving the path for young readers to identify a place for themselves in the world of science.
The book also introduces fascinating scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. It encourages young readers to observe the world around them, ask questions, and foster their inquisitive minds. With informative yet comprehensible sentences, the text accommodates for both reading aloud and independent reading. The illustrations of human cells, animals, trees, and planets by Rachel Qiuqi beautifully complement the text. What truly elevates the illustrations is the seamless portrayal of macro and micro perspectives in science, such as the human brain followed by the intricacies of a neuron. These visual elements enrich the narrative and contribute to a more immersive reading experience for young audiences.
The book concludes with the narrator snuggled up in bed, bubbling with curiosity and eager to explore the endless of possibilities of scientific discovery. What Will I Discover? by Tanya Llyod Kyi serves as an inspiring and educational introduction to the wonders of science, suitable for both home and classroom settings. It invites young readers to explore science with enthusiasm and unbridled curiosity above all else.
Zobia Alam is an undergraduate student at UBC pursuing psychology and creative writing. Her literary work explores a variety of themes, including culture, mental health, and identity. She is indefinitely inspired by the world around her, and seeks to capture the complexities and nuances of the human experience in her writing.
YOUNG ADULTING 