The Periodic Table Book is the best book to start your journey of elements with. Before describing the actual periodic table, the author has dedicated ten pages to explain how and why the elements appear in the periodic table in the first place. There is a big picture of an atom that explains its structure. Each group of elements in the periodic table is covered in each chapter. All the elements of the periodic table are explained clearly with pictures and examples. There are facts and points you may not know yet. Did you know that potassium’s symbol, K, is taken from kalium? Kalium is Latin for ash because potash, potassium, is found in the ashes of plants! Tantalum (Ta) is used for a large variety of things, from artificial joints to electronic capacitors to luxury items like watches. Hafnium (Hf) is a crucial part of electronic devices because of its use in microchips. Ruthenium (Ru) is also named after a Latin word. It was discovered by a Russian chemist, Karl Karlovich Klaus. The Latin word for Russia is Ruthenia. There are much more fun and interesting facts just waiting for you to read them! This book also contains a huge periodic table poster you can stick over your desk. You will find it in a flap at the end of the book.

The writer, Tom Jackson, was born on July 28, 1972. He lives with his wife and three children in Bristol, England. He has studied zoology at Bristol University and has worked at zoos in other cities. As a nonfiction writer, Tom has traveled all over the world. He has written for many international publishers such as Dorling Kindersley (the publisher of this book), National Geographic, Scholastic, Hachette, and many others. You can use this intriguing book as a reference or just read it when you are bored!