- Picture Books
- Ages 5–8
- Science
Mysterious Things
Book 2 in Invisible ThingsView the full series
From the creators of the bestselling Invisible Things, a mind-tickling exploration of the world's mysteries, lost things, forgotten things, dreams, dark matter and the things we don't even know we don't know. A STEM-friendly invitation to stay curious.
- Best for5–8
- FormatPicture
- Length52 pp
- Read aloud~10 min
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The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
- Lyrical
Tone
- Whimsical
- Thought provoking
- Warm
- Inspirational
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
The universe is absolutely stuffed with Mysterious Things. There are lost things and forgotten things, things we haven't figured out yet, and, strangest of all, things we don't even know we don't know. From the New York Times bestselling team behind Invisible Things, Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller return with another warm, witty and wonder-filled picture book that turns the unknown into an irresistible playground. Through a cast of charming, personified curiosities and Sophie Miller's bright, characterful art, young readers are invited to peer into the shadowy corners of the world, dreams and memories, dark matter and deep questions, and to discover that not knowing is not something to fear but the very beginning of learning. Gently philosophical and quietly STEM-minded, it champions curiosity, imagination and a growth mindset, encouraging children to ask big questions and to feel excited rather than daunted by everything still left to explore. Funny, reassuring and beautiful to pore over, Mysterious Things is a conversation-starter that rewards rereading and delights grown-ups just as much as the children they share it with.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
A gently philosophical, STEM-leaning picture book for curious 5-8s, wonderful read aloud and browsable by early independent readers. There is nothing frightening in it; its appeal is to inquisitive children (and grown-ups) who love big questions and the thrill of not-yet-knowing.
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- Best fit · 5–8
- Read aloud · 4–8
- Independent · 6–8
Prose load
Light
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Workable
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
- Reading together
- Gift-buying
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
5 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Curious kids
- Stem
- Big questions
- Read aloud
Avoid if
- Wants simple plot
- Prefers action
Particularly good for children who are…
- Interested in science
- Interested in art and creativity
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
Thinking about lost things, forgotten things and even things we don't know we don't know is oddly thrilling, and the funny, personified mysteries make big ideas feel friendly. It turns 'I don't know' into the most exciting part of learning, and there is loads to spot on every page.
- Secret world
Why parents love it
The Invisible Things team again make a genuinely thoughtful, STEM-friendly picture book that sparks real conversation about dreams, science and the unknown. Sophie Miller's art is a delight, the growth-mindset message lands without preaching, and adults enjoy pondering the questions as much as children do.
- Conversation starter
- Beautiful illustrations
- Educational for adult too
In the series
Invisible Things.
2 books · open the series →
About the creators
About the creators.
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