New Release: 'The Hand of Magnets!' – A Fun Science Picture Book for Ages 3+ Featuring At-Home Magnet Experiments Launches June 17, 2026

"Science is fun!"

The 'Kagaku Ss' series features easy-to-understand content suitable for children aged 3–4.

The theme of this volume is "the power of magnets."

It clearly explains the invisible "magnetic force" and the properties of magnets using photos and text.

This book is packed with exciting science experiences that inspire children and parents to try experiments at home.

While magnets are formally taught in elementary school Grade 3, this photo picture book makes the concept understandable even for 3- to 4-year-olds.

● Content Overview

Starting with the simple question, "What does a magnet stick to?", children conduct experiments at home.

First, they test magnets on everyday items like batteries and chopsticks, learning that magnets have "favorite" and "unfavorite" materials.

Next, they explore magnet-to-magnet interactions, followed by testing how many paper clips a magnet can hold—demonstrating the range of magnetic force.

Finally, they use magnets to pick up pachinko balls, experiencing magnetic strength firsthand.

Can magnets pull distant objects, grab many items at once, or even repel unwanted ones?

Does a magnet have an invisible "hand"?

Through these hands-on experiments, children intuitively learn the properties of magnets.

The book answers children's natural "Why?" and "How?" questions.

An in-depth explanation is included at the end of the book!

● Publication Details

Title: 'The Hand of Magnets!'

Text: Tetsuhisa Shirasu / Photography: Yoshiaki Okamoto

Publisher: Iwasaki Shoten Co., Ltd.

Price: ¥1,540 (¥1,400 + tax)

Format: B5 modified size, 32 pages

Target Age: Ages 3 to early elementary school

Release Date: June 17, 2026

ISBN: 978-4-265-83156-2

Product Page: https://www.iwasakishoten.co.jp/book/b10168768.html

Promotional Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/69SBlAmrUKk

● Author Profiles

Text: Tetsuhisa Shirasu

Professor at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Department of Elementary Education, Showa Women's University. Leveraging his experience as a former elementary school teacher, he teaches aspiring educators the joys of science education. He is also the director of Galileo Kobo, an NPO dedicated to making science enjoyable for everyone. In this role, he develops experiments, writes books, consults on TV programs, conducts science shows and workshops, and provides teacher training. His major works include 'The Encyclopedia of Wonders' (Shogakukan), 'New Edition: Science Experiments (Gakken Encyclopedia NEO)' (Shogakukan), 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu Academy – Total Concentration Drill (9 volumes)' (Shueisha), 'Let's Do Independent Research (3 volumes)' (Nagao Shoten), and 'The Structure and Formation of Children's Scientific Concepts: Applying Vygotsky's Theory to Science Education' (Fukumura Shuppan). He has also contributed to numerous NHK E-TV programs such as 'Science in 5 Minutes' (16 episodes) and the NHK Special 'The Ocean's Transformation: The Creeping Threat of Acidification'.

Photography: Yoshiaki Okamoto

After working as a photographer's assistant, he became a freelance photographer. He primarily shoots for educational and children's magazines across various genres.

Notable works include:

'Doraemon Learning World: Exciting Science Experiments' (Shogakukan)

'Sylvanian Families 40th Anniversary Box' (Shogakukan)

'Nature Kindergarten Books (Movement, Ice, Shadows, Stones, etc.)' (Furebelekan)

'Exciting and Thrilling Experiment Room' (CMC Publishing)

He finds it challenging yet rewarding to convey concepts clearly through photos—something that might be easier in video. He always strives to make his images as understandable as possible.

● Best-Selling 'Kagaku Ss' Series

What Flower Is This? Vegetables

Text & Composition: Shoko Miyazaki / Photography: Fumie Amino

Float or Sink?

Text: Yasufumi Kawamura / Photography: Hiroshi Endo

What Shape Is Cold Ice?

Photography: Masayo Hosojima / Composition & Text: Hidenobu Ijichi

What Flower Is This? Fruits

Text & Composition: Shoko Miyazaki / Photography: Fumie Amino

The Transformation of Water!

Composition & Text: Yasufumi Kawamura, Naomi Kobayashi / Photography: Hiroshi Endo

*Click on the title to visit the bibliographic information page!