There’s the Rub: The Hidden World of Friction
This science has traction! A fun, hands-on look at friction in everyday life from brushing teeth to biking, drawing, and more.
A joyful science picture book for ages 4 to 8 revealing that friction is all around us, turning everyday moments into hands-on learning everywhere kids look.
Friction is one of those things you don’t notice until you have too little of it—or too much! But it’s everywhere, and we’d literally be stuck without it.
With style and substance, scientist Ainissa Ramirez playfully explores friction in everyday life, from brushing your teeth to turning a page in a book. Drawing with a crayon is friction showing off!
Marianna Smith's dynamic illustrations feature a girl experiencing friction throughout the day as she bikes to school, plays sports, gets ready for bed, and then dreams of a hovering Maglev train whisking her into the future.
With the right amount of friction, we can all move forward.
By Ainissa Ramirez, Illustrated by Marianna Smith
ISBN: 9781623545895
Publication Date: February 23, 2027
TRADE REVIEWS
★ “Smith’s thick-lined, retro depictions of a lively Black child bring the examples to life. The artist has devised an especially clever way of making this invisible phenomenon feel concrete: A magenta-and-yellow mini-explosion draws the eye to where friction is happening, simultaneously suggesting its level of energy.”
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
