Hungry Tomato are a Cornwall based publisher focused on children’s non-fiction books.

They publish books covering a range of high-interest STEAM related topics and really aim to switch children onto reading and inspire them to pick up books and enjoy learning. Their series Big Questions Answered, delves into a wide array of fascinating ‘Ologies’ and introduces readers to elements of STEAM they might not know much about yet.

They have very kindly answered some questions for us about the Big Questions Answered series…

What is it about non-fiction that you value so much?

Non-fiction is compelling because it offers countless fascinating and true stories. Often, reality can be even more intriguing than fiction, presenting incredible tales and discoveries that captivate and educate.

How do you make non-fiction appeal to children – especially those who might not think about it for reading for pleasure?

The world of science offers so many incredible stories that appeal to children, even those who aren’t natural bookworms, as the stories offer real-world connections. We felt that so many of these stories were hidden from view of children, despite being exactly the sort of exciting things that children love to learn about. The Big Questions Answered series weaves these stories into narratives to make them accessible and digestible for children.

What kind of process is involved in going from idea to holding a book in your hand?

The journey from an idea to a finished book is extensive, starting with finding a compelling hook for each field of science that will engage children’s curiosity. Then, we plan each book, create art briefs for illustrators, and begin crafting the narrative. The design team integrates text and illustrations into the final book, which are then passed onto scientific experts and language specialists for final checks. Once the books are completed, the team work with educational consultants to develop the ‘Teachers’ and Parents’ Resources’ and ‘Young Scientists’ Activity Packs’ for each book to enhance the overall experience (which are free to download!).

There are so many Oligies – how do you choose which ones to cover?

With hundreds of ‘ologies’, each holding exciting stories, it’s hard to select topics for each season of books. We chose mycology because of recent fascinating discoveries about fungi’s impact on the natural world, leading to Can Mushrooms Save the World? becoming the first book in season one. In essence, we research each field of science to find something fantastic about it that will engage children, and each book is born from there!

Of the ones you have done so far, which has been the most fascinating? And do you have one in mind that you particularly hope to investigate?

Each book is so unique that it’s hard to choose a favourite! One that stands out to us is Will We Ever Live on the Moon? (the science of selenology), because the future of space exploration is so exciting. We’re also excited about a potential future book on genetics, exploring what makes us who we are. Stay tuned for lots of intriguing topics!

What is something new you have learned while producing the first books in the series and which book does it feature in?

We discovered so many unbelievable things while creating these books. One standout fact can be found in Can Mushrooms Save the World?: deep in the amazon rainforest, there’s a strange type of fungi that takes over the bodies of ants, turning them into real-life zombies!

How are the illustrations created? Is it difficult getting the words and pictures to come together? Which comes first?

The creative team collaborates closely with authors to craft detailed art briefs which illustrators then bring to life. Once the illustrations are finished, the text is aligned with the visuals. It’s hard to say which comes first, as the text and illustrations evolve together, much like the age-old question of the chicken or the egg!

The teacher notes are so thorough, why have you included these in the series?

Creating valuable resources for educators was at the forefront of our minds during the creation of The Big Questions Answered. Each book serves as a gateway to engaging children with science. Knowing how precious teachers’ and parents’ time is, we developed comprehensive resources to facilitate teaching and extend learning beyond each book. Collaborating with educational consultants, we tailored these materials to benefit both educators and children, ensuring they’re both informative and fun.