Elements of the Day

The amazing stories and fascinating facts behind the elements that make every moment of the day possible.

Why is breakfast cereal magnetic? Could you turn wee into gold? How does sand help us see?

The answers have one thing in common – ELEMENTS! Elements are the building blocks that make up EVERYTHING we see, touch and taste. You’ll be amazed at how many there are to explore from the moment you wake up to the second you drift off to sleep (no matter how long past your bedtime it is!).

Inside everything from cereal, cars and cakes to toilet paper, pencils and torches – come and meet the extraordinary elements that make YOUR day!

Beautiful colour illustrations throughout by Hao Hao.

About the Author

After her master's degree in chemistry, Samantha Lewis briefly worked as a science teacher but since then has been a documentary maker, where she has worked on both the production and development of a wide range of science films, including Einstein and The Bomb on Netflix, and science inserts for The One Show. She is currently developing a science series for The History Channel at BBC Studios. Samantha is based in London.

About the Illustrator

Based in Beijing, Hao Hao majored in stage design at the city's Central Academy of Drama, but her passion for painting has led to a highly successful career in illustration.