Science of red-bottomed baboons and iridescent peacocks wins Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize

‘Can You Get Rainbows in Space?’ by Dr Sheila Kanani MBE, illustrated by Liz Kay, has been revealed as the winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2024. 

The announcement was made today at a ceremony at the Glasgow Science Centre, where over 150 students from local schools and judging panels gathered to meet the shortlisted authors and crown their winner. 

Image caption: Illustrator Liz Kay (left) and author Dr Sheila Kanani MBE (right), with their Young People's Book Prize 2024 trophies. © Julie Broadfoot

After an expert panel of adult judges whittled down the best children’s science books of 2024 to a shortlist of six, a record-breaking 19,000 young readers across the country hosted their own judging meetings to read, discuss and debate the selection before voting for their favourite. 

The winning book takes readers on an extraordinary journey over the rainbow, with fascinating facts and engaging illustrations exploring the science behind every colour - from why some monkeys have red bottoms, to how peacocks' feathers are an optical illusion. 

Dr Sheila Kanani is a planetary scientist, author and educator. Through her company, Her Place for Space, she is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space scientists and improving the representation of women and girls in physics. 

The winner will receive a £10,000 cash prize, with shortlisted authors receiving £2,500. 

Here’s what the young judges thought of 'Can You Get Rainbows in Space?'

“This book is the best book - it's the one I wanted to come back to the most. We all loved finding out about why some monkeys have red bottoms!” - Tiani, aged 11  

“This book has colourful, enticing pages that make you want to read and learn more; the pages were filled with interesting facts that teach you a lot about things you do not know.” - Maia, aged 10 

“It showed you quite a lot of facts about each colour and I found it really interesting. This book left you thinking about other questions and wondering if you really could get rainbows in space.” - Darcie, aged 11 

“This is the best book ever.” - Lizzie, aged 9.

Here’s what the young judges had to say about the rest of the shortlist:  

'Engineers Making a Difference - Inventors, Technicians, Scientists and Tech Entrepreneurs Changing the World, and How You Can Join Them', by Shini Somara and Manual Šumberac and Adam Allsuch Boardman 

 “This really inspired me. I like technology and would like to do something amazing like the real people in the book.” - Sam, aged 11 

 "This book changed the way I see engineering. It’s not just about machines and buildings—it’s about creativity, teamwork, and making the world better. I liked how it featured diverse engineers from different backgrounds." - Student, St Philomena Catholic High School for girls 

'Mission: Arctic – A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole', by Katharina Weiss-Tuider, illustrated by Christian Schneider, translated by Shelley Tanaka  

 “This book is beautifully presented from start to finish. It is packed full of facts, along with colourful illustrations. You could learn so much about what the Arctic was like before global warming.” - Leo, aged 8 

 “I loved the pages dedicated to facts, as they were clear, well-written and simple. It definitely makes you think about climate change, and will hopefully inspire many to change the world.” - Elliott, aged 12 

 “This was a fun book with lots of information about information and the people who help to collect and share it. It was great to find out about data heroes and read about why data is important. The illustrations and colourful cartoons made it interesting as were some of the amazing facts.” - Lily, aged 11 

“I thought this would be really complicated, but actually this book was so well written, they made data interesting and easy to understand.” - Josh, aged 13 

'Where Are You Really From?' by Adam Rutherford, illustrated by Adam Ming 

“I thought this was very fascinating especially as it included information on culture and science. I loved the illustrations and comical and humorous writing.” - Ilhām, aged 12

“I think I would read more science books if they were written like this one.” - Evie, aged 10 

'All Bodies Are Wonderful' by Beth Cox, illustrated by Samantha Meredith 

 “A book which highlights that we are okay to be who we are - being different is okay.” - Kianna, aged 11

“I found out things I had never realised about myself before! It was really interesting to see things which make us the same and things which make us different.” - Rose, aged 7