Sphinx Publishing and Translation Agency has announced a new collaboration to acquire the Arabic translation and publishing rights for The Science of Things, a science book for children by Portuguese author Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira.

Originally published in Portuguese under the title A Ciência das Coisas, the book introduces young readers to science through accessible explanations, everyday examples, experiments, and questions that encourage curiosity and discovery.

Through its translation from Portuguese into Arabic, Sphinx aims to make this engaging science experience available to Arabic-speaking children and young readers.

The Science of Things at a Glance

Original title	A Ciência das Coisas
English title	The Science of Things
Original language	Portuguese
Author	Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira
Illustrations	Carlo Giovani
Publication year	2023
Length	92 pages
Target audience	Children and young readers
Subjects	Science, chemistry, physics, and science education
Arabic edition	Published in Arabic by Sphinx

What Is The Science of Things About?

The Science of Things is a children’s science and educational book that explores the world around us through simple questions and practical discovery.

How are the things around us made? What happens to the materials we use every day? Why do substances change and interact with one another?

These questions form the starting point for a journey into the world of science, with a particular focus on chemistry, while also introducing concepts related to physics and scientific observation.

Rather than presenting science as a collection of facts to memorize, the book encourages children to look at familiar objects and everyday experiences from a scientific perspective.

How Does the Book Introduce Science to Children?

One of the key strengths of The Science of Things is its ability to make scientific concepts accessible to young readers.

The book encourages children to ask questions, observe what happens, experiment, and draw conclusions. These activities introduce children to some of the basic practices behind scientific thinking while keeping the learning experience connected to their everyday lives.

This approach makes science feel less like a school subject and more like a process of discovery.

Does The Science of Things Include Experiments?

Yes. The book includes scientific activities and experiments designed to help children explore and understand the concepts presented throughout the book.

The experiments are an important part of the book’s educational approach, allowing young readers to move beyond simply reading about science and engage with ideas through observation and practical exploration.

The book has also been associated with workshops and science activities for students in Portugal, where the book was introduced alongside practical experiments. The author has also highlighted the possibility of adapting these activities for teachers and others involved in science communication.

Why Is The Science of Things Relevant to Young Readers?

Science books for children can play an important role in developing curiosity and encouraging young readers to ask how and why things happen.

The Science of Things uses familiar objects, materials, and everyday phenomena as entry points into scientific questions. This helps children understand that science is not limited to laboratories or classrooms—it is also present in the world they experience every day.

By combining reading, observation, experimentation, and curiosity, the book offers an accessible way for children to explore chemistry and other scientific concepts.

Its practical activities may also make it a useful resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in introducing science to children through hands-on learning.

Who Is Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira?

Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira, the author of The Science of Things, has a scientific and academic background in chemistry.

Born in Coimbra, Portugal, in 1992, Nogueira studied chemistry at the University of Coimbra, where he pursued studies in chemistry and medicinal chemistry. He later completed a PhD in Chemistry in 2022, specializing in molecular spectroscopy.

Alongside his scientific research, Nogueira has participated in activities focused on science communication and making scientific concepts more accessible to students.

His interest in scientific experiments began during childhood and later developed into academic research and science communication—an experience reflected in the educational and exploratory approach of The Science of Things.

Who Illustrated The Science of Things?

The book was illustrated by Carlo Giovani.

The illustrations play an important role in complementing the book’s scientific content and making its concepts more accessible and engaging for younger readers.

For children’s educational books, visual storytelling can provide an additional way of understanding ideas that might otherwise seem abstract or difficult.

Why Is Sphinx Translating the Book into Arabic?

The acquisition of the Arabic translation and publishing rights for The Science of Things is part of Sphinx’s commitment to bringing international books and ideas to Arabic-speaking readers.

Translating the book from Portuguese into Arabic gives young Arabic-speaking readers the opportunity to discover a science book developed within a different cultural and linguistic context while engaging with universal scientific questions.

For Sphinx, the project also represents an opportunity to expand access to children’s books that combine knowledge, curiosity, experimentation, and education.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Science of Things

What is the original title of The Science of Things?

The original Portuguese title is A Ciência das Coisas.

Who wrote The Science of Things?

The book was written by Portuguese author and researcher Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira.

What language was the book originally written in?

The original edition was published in Portuguese.

When was The Science of Things published?

The book was published in 2023.

How many pages does the book have?

The book contains 92 pages.

What subjects does The Science of Things cover?

The book focuses primarily on chemistry, while also introducing concepts related to physics, scientific observation, and experimentation.

Is The Science of Things suitable for children?

Yes. The book is designed for children and young readers, using accessible explanations, illustrations, questions, and practical activities to introduce scientific ideas.

Does the book contain science experiments?

Yes. The book includes activities and experiments designed to help children explore scientific concepts through hands-on discovery.

Who illustrated the book?

The illustrations are by Carlo Giovani.

Who holds the Arabic publishing rights?

Sphinx Publishing and Translation Agency has acquired the translation and publishing rights for the Arabic edition.

Sphinx and the Arabic Translation of International Books

Through its publishing and translation projects, Sphinx works to connect Arabic-speaking readers with books and ideas from different languages and cultures.

The Arabic edition of The Science of Things is part of this broader effort, bringing a science-focused children’s book from Portuguese into Arabic and introducing young readers to a learning experience built around curiosity, observation, and experimentation.