QuestFriendz, a new children’s publisher focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), is launching in the UK in May.
It has been founded by computer scientist Dr Thomas Bernard and children’s author Lisa Moss and aims to produce “expertly designed and inclusive books that will inspire and equip the next generation to pursue STEM education and careers” as well as targeting the STEM skills shortage and increasing female representation and ethnic diversity in STEM.
Books will be interactive and feature educational challenges, or “quests”, embedded within engaging adventure stories, to encourage children to use their critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills to problem solve.
Bernard said: “The UK has a growing STEM skills gap estimated to be costing the economy £1.5bn per year which is why we’re on a mission to create the next generation of scientists and engineers. “Read, Quest, Learn!’ is our motto. Our books will embolden all children to become super problem-solvers and curious creators through STEM adventures.
“The UK remains one of the worst regions in Europe when it comes to encouraging women into STEM roles. Currently, only 24% of UK STEM roles are held by women with some specific STEM disciplines even lower (engineering at 10% and tech at 17%). And one third of parents and teachers inaccurately perceive STEM discipline as more closely fitting boys’ brains, personalities and hobbies. We want to inspire ALL children to help build their own wooden dollhouses, not just play with them and to create technology, not just consume it.”
The launch series SuperQuesters is for children aged four to eight, and is designed for use within the home, either independently or shared with a parent, sibling or friend, or within an education setting, either in the classroom or an after-school club.
First title, SuperQuesters: The Case of the Stolen Sun by Bernard and Moss, illustrated by Amy Willcox, will be published on 3rd May 2022. In it children are invited to solve expertly-pitched STEM quests in Questland with aspirational superhero characters Lillicorn, Bea Bumble and Leo Zoom. The book features more than 100 reusable stickers and a reward chart to celebrate success. STEM skills including coding, sequencing and algorithms are developed as children complete each interactive quest, linking with the UK computing, maths and science national curriculum.
Moss said: “Our SuperQuesters launch series has been carefully conceived to inspire a love of STEM learning and to help change children’s perceptions about science and engineering with aspirational superhero characters key to this. Ninety per cent of children love superheroes and 90% want to solve world problems, so superheroes who are scientists and engineers also act as inspirational role models, showing children that STEM is for everyone! The books are also a great screen-free way to help young children develop basic coding skills.” (Bookseller)