10 years | 10 books for young minds
This week we're celebrating science that is written with imagination: we've put together 10 books, with the participation of MARE researchers, that help awaken the scientific gaze of the youngest. From the caves of the Azores to the Tagus estuary, the seabed and the classroom, these stories show that it is possible to learn science with curiosity, humour and creativity. Because educating young minds is also about looking after the future of the planet. 
Discover the journey of Jorgito and Madalena in their search for a solution to restore beauty to the city's lake, in the words of Vanda Brotas.
Manuel Monticola, the mountain lizard, appears as a passionate animal, rescued from the Portuguese biological reality, who offers us a passionate and enchanting story in the words of Luisa Chaves.
The Girl Who Saw the Sea in Many Colours is a children's book that awakens scientific curiosity through fantasy. It follows Madalena, a girl who sees patterns in the sea that are invisible to the ordinary eye - and who reveals how satellites help us understand the ocean. A magical story that unites science, imagination and adventure!
"Nature's revolt in Brimsa" is a children's book written by Vanda Brotas Gonçalves, with illustrations by Rui Sousa. The book addresses the issue of climate change and the importance of preserving the environment, through a narrative that takes place in the fictional city of Brimsa.
Marine Litter. Children's stories for children brings together the six best stories from the national MARLISCO competition, written by students from 3rd to 6th grade and illustrated by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon. It's a fun and educational book that raises awareness of the global problem of marine litter, combining imagination and environmental responsibility. Ideal for awakening ecological awareness from an early age!
‘The Path to Aquaculture’, a comic book launched by IPMA as part of the INTEGRATE and AZA4ICE projects, explains in an accessible way how aquaculture works: the different types, stages of production and challenges facing the sector. With engaging illustrations by Quico Nogueira and writing by Bruno Pinto, this book promotes confidence and knowledge about sustainable fish farming in Portugal, responding directly to environmental and food concerns.
‘My Friends the Triops’, organised by LPN as part of the LIFE Charcos project, introduces youngsters to the extraordinary Triops vicentinus, the ‘fossil crustaceans’ that inhabit temporary ponds on the Costa Vicentina. A fun invitation to discover nature, combining science, conservation and educational activities to raise awareness and delight children about these unique habitats of our biodiversity.
Special Report - Adaptaton to Climate Change in Portugal, with text by Bruno Pinto and illustrations by Penim Loureiro and Quico Nogueira, follows a journalist and a reporter in a graphic report on municipal climate adaptation strategies in Portugal. Rooted in real-life stories and local scenarios, this comic book highlights innovative solutions for dealing with heatwaves, fires and floods in the country.
Zé, the False Scorpion, by Luísa Chaves with illustrations by Tadeu Pereira, introduces youngsters to the curious world of cave-dwelling pseudo-scorpions in the Azores. Through the story of the friendly Zé, a small arachnid who lives in caves, the book teaches science and biodiversity in a fun and accessible way. An underground adventure that awakens respect for nature invisible to our eyes!
The Kingfish in the Tagus tells the adventure of a kingfish threatened by an invasive predator - the siluro (catfish) - in the Tagus river. The story sensitises youngsters to the impacts of invasive species, global warming and the role of dams in conserving aquatic life. Ideal for children aged 6 to 10, this book illustrates real challenges in Portuguese river biodiversity in an accessible and captivating way.