Science Explained to Children in Three Languages: A Chat with Erika Riva
Discovering unique stories is the best part of our job, and Erika Riva, creator of the La Mangouste Curieuse series, stands as a shining example.
We had the pleasure of meeting her during the latest edition of the Turin International Book Fair. Her project immediately struck us because of its deep alignment with our vision, particularly its focus on multilingualism as a tool for inclusion and growth.
Below is our conversation with Erika, who shared how a child’s simple question about pizza evolved into an exceptional publishing adventure.
1. Erika, your story stems from a PhD and a very simple question about pizza from your son. How was the transition from research laboratories to the world of independent publishing?
It was a process that matured over time. I have always had a great passion for books and children’s education, but I had never had the opportunity to dedicate the time it deserved. Then, during a particular period in my professional life, I felt the time had come to pursue this passion and create something that truly represents me.
The initial spark came from my son, without him even realizing it. One day, he asked me what yeast was. I told him it was a cell, and naturally, the next question was: “What is a cell?” I tried to explain it to him using the simplest language possible, suitable for a three-year-old. Talking it over with my husband afterward, we realized there were no books capable of explaining concepts about the world around us to children in a simple, accessible, yet rigorous way.
From that reflection, AmaMundi Editore and our series La Mangouste Curieuse were born. At first, we simply wanted to create the books we wished we had to answer our son’s questions. Then we noticed that many other families shared that same need, and the project began to grow.
2. Explaining science to young children requires a balance between rigor and simplicity. What is the secret or “recipe” that allows you to transform complex concepts into the books of La Mangouste Curieuse?
Alongside creating the series, we developed an actual editorial method, born from our conviction that children are capable of understanding complex concepts if they are explained using the right tool and approach.
We use short sentences and direct language to respect children’s learning pace, keep their attention engaged, and facilitate understanding. We avoid metaphors and comparisons because we want to explain concepts for what they are, making them accessible to children without altering their meaning. For the same reason, we use straightforward language without beating around the bush, encouraging clear comprehension.
The hardest part is choosing the right words. Every single word is there for a precise reason. We spend a lot of time finding the most suitable terms, those that allow us to be scientifically rigorous while remaining understandable to a child. It is probably the aspect we work on the most.
Form plays a fundamental role too. The layouts follow inclusive readability criteria, using highly readable fonts and wide line spacing to make reading smoother and foster letter recognition. The illustrations are essential and minimalist. They accompany the text, guide comprehension, and help the child focus on the concept without overloading their attention.
3. Your books are published in Italian, English, and French. What added value does the multilingual approach bring to young readers when talking about science?
Living in Switzerland, multilingualism is part of our daily lives. That is why publishing each book in three languages felt natural. Italian is our native language, French is the language of the region where we live, and English is the international language and that of the scientific community.
However, this choice goes beyond simple translation. In Switzerland, many families are bilingual or multilingual, or they speak a language at home that differs from the one used at school. Offering the same book in multiple languages allows parents to read to their children in their mother tongue, the language through which they often share emotions, stories, and reading moments. At the same time, they can use the book in the local language, helping the children become familiar with the vocabulary they encounter every day at school.
For older children, the books can also serve as a tool to approach a second or third language. Finding concepts they already know expressed in another language makes reading easier and more natural, expanding their vocabulary without the feeling of having to “study”.
There is another aspect close to our hearts: science is a universal language. The laws of nature are the same everywhere in the world, and being able to read the same concepts in different languages helps children build connections between words, scientific concepts, and different cultures. Ultimately, our goal is not just to make science accessible, but to make it accessible to as many children as possible, regardless of the language they speak at home or at school.
4. What were the biggest challenges and most rewarding moments in launching an editorial project from scratch in this sector?
The biggest challenge was building everything from the ground up. When we started, it was not just about writing books; we had to learn every single aspect of the industry. From writing to layout, illustrations to graphic design, production to marketing, building the website to managing orders, logistics, and relationships with bookstores and distributors. It was a journey of continuous learning, mistakes, trials, and improvements. But that is precisely what makes every milestone so special. Knowing we built it all through our own efforts and watching the project grow step by step brings enormous satisfaction. And we continue to learn something new every day.
The greatest rewards, however, come from interacting with families. At book fairs, we often talk to parents who share their children’s enthusiasm, or we receive messages saying one of our books helped a child read more fluently or sparked their curiosity about a scientific topic. Knowing that we have stimulated a child’s curiosity, brought them closer to reading, or helped a family answer one of their child’s “whys” makes all the effort, difficulties, and moments of frustration completely worth it. It is the reason we keep doing what we do.
5. What does the future hold for La Mangouste Curieuse? Which children’s “why” would you like to turn into your next book?
Our goal is to keep enriching the series with new books that delve deeper into other scientific themes and the world around us. We have a new volume coming out very soon, and others are already being written. There is no shortage of ideas, and children’s “whys” are practically infinite.
Rather than answering a single question, we want to build a collection that accompanies children in discovering the world, one topic at a time. Each book adds a piece to the previous ones and helps build a broader understanding of reality.
However, our objective goes beyond introducing children to science. To us, science is the means, not the end. We use it as a tool to help children develop critical thinking: learning to observe, ask questions, seek answers, distinguish facts from opinions, and build their own way of reasoning. If, after reading one of our books, a child has not only learned something new but looks at their surroundings with greater curiosity, keener observation, and a deeper desire to learn, then we feel we have achieved our goal.