15th February Galileo Day

One of the most important figures to come out of the awakening world of the Renaissance was Galileo Galelei. Galileo was forever asking questions. Is it possible to measure heat? Can you weigh air? Does the earth stand still or does it move? How fast do objects fall to the earth? These questions, and his answers to them, led to some of the most important discoveries ever in astronomy, physics, mathematics, and the natural world.

Among his many accomplishments Galileo advanced the astronomical telescope and invented the compound microscope. He measured the rotation of the sun, invented the thermometer, a geometrical compass, and the pendulum clock.

Albert Einstein called Galileo “the father of modern science.” 

When my daughter was at school she was fascinated by Galileo and how he proved that the sun was at the centre of the solar system. She was fascinated that people once thought the earth was flat and that you could walk off the edge. She was very happy to read whatever she could about Galileo so I brought books home from the school library.

Galileo for Kids by Richard Panchyk

This book will inspire kids to be stargazers and future astronauts or scientists as they discover Galileo's life and work. Activities allow children to try some of his theories on their own, with experiments that include playing with gravity and motion, making a pendulum, observing the moon, and painting with light and shadow. Along with the scientific aspects of Galileo's life, his passion for music and art are discussed and exemplified by period engravings, maps, and prints. 

I, Galileo  by Bonnie Christiansen

Bonnie Christensen adopts the voice of Galileo and lets him tell his own tale in this outstanding picture book biography. The first person narration gives this book a friendly, personal feel that makes Galileo’s remarkable achievements and ideas completely accessible to young readers. 

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment  by Wendy Mcdonald and Paolo Rui

When the great scientist and professor Galileo meets a bright farm boy, Massimo, the teacher becomes the student. On an ordinary day, Galileo encounters Massimo dropping food from a bridge to his uncle passing below in his boat.

Starry Messenger  by Peter Sis 

In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man--a genius--and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. Galileo kept careful notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the starts down to earth for everyone to see. 

And some more recent books about Galileo and his discoveries:

Galileo Galilei (2023) by Jane Kent and Isabel Munoz

Meet Galileo Galilei and discover the story of his life and work in this engagingly illustrated biography - narrated by the scientist himself. Astronomer, physicist, and philosopher Galileo Galilei was referred to as "The Father of Modern Science," because of his groundbreaking research. Making observations about nature, and using mathematics to back them up, he proved the Copernican Theory true: the Sun, not the Earth, is the centre of the universe.

Galileo Galilei (2024) by Alexandra Badiu and Anna Baker 

Tells the story of 'the father of science' - covering his origins as the son of a musician through his work in astronomy and optics, his troubles with the Church and his enduring legacy today.