Ruth Spiro is the author of the new children's books How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up and One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story. The author of many books, she lives in Chicago.
Q: What inspired you to write How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up?
A: My Baby Loves Science board book series launched in 2016, and a few years ago the team at Charlesbridge asked if I’d be interested in creating picture books for “graduates” of the board books.
That idea also made sense because educators often shared that they found the content helpful and approachable, but the board book format wasn’t a great fit for elementary classrooms.
How to Explain Coding to a Grown-Up was the first in the series, followed by How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up.
I knew I wanted to tackle climate science next, as every day seems to bring news of how the changing climate is affecting our lives. Many kids are even experiencing the effects firsthand through floods, fires and other extreme events, making climate literacy absolutely essential.
Q: How do you think this book ties in with your book One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story?
A: This is a great question! One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story is about the Jewish concept that’s commonly translated as “repair the world” or “make right.” When we see someone who needs help or something that needs repair, in that moment we make a choice about the kind of person we want to be and the kind of world we want to live in.
Naturally, this extends to how we can help take care of our planet. Repairing the entire world sounds overwhelming, especially to a child. But there are small things we can each do, and we can also work together to have a greater impact.
Q: What do you think the illustrators, Teresa Martínez and Victoria Tentler-Krylov respectively, add to the books?
A: When I speak at schools, I always tell students that if I’d given specific directions for the art in my books they would never look as good as they do!
In the How to Explain Science to a Grown-Up series, Teresa Martínez succeeds in creating illustrations that are fun and engaging, but also scientifically accurate. What an enormous, challenging job! Her characters have personality, while communicating a sense of humor and the slightly subversive tone of the books.
Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s art in One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story is breathtaking. Each scene vibrates with detail and gives a sense of motion, perfect for the theme of the book. I love the way she uses birds to represent the “spark” and the action each person takes to create change. This book came out better than I ever imagined and each time I read it I discover a delightful new detail!
Q: What do you hope kids (and adults) take away from these books, particularly given today’s political climate?
A: Honestly, I think these topics should transcend politics. At the very least, shouldn’t we be able to agree on the importance of being a kind person and helping others?
In One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story I don’t mention “tikkun olam” until the end of the book because I want readers to connect with it through their own belief system. Compassion, charity and community service are values held by many religions and cultures, and my hope is that readers will come to see that despite our differences we also have much in common.
As for climate change, it’s real, it’s happening, and its effects are plain to see. We may have differing perspectives or opinions on how to solve the problem, but there’s no question that we all need to understand the causes and be capable of making informed decisions. I hope my book helps young readers become climate literate and feel empowered to take action.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m happy to report there will be a new Baby Loves Science board book and a How to Explain Science to a Grown-Up picture book forthcoming in 2026. I can’t reveal the topics yet, but I’ve just seen the art and it does not disappoint!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: It’s a big year for Baby Loves Science – “25 in ’25!” With the publication of Baby Loves Meteorology there are now 25 titles in the series!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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