Idan Ben-Barak

Idan is an award-winning children’s author who writes thought- (and laughter-) provoking science books. So far, he has written about germs, brains, minds, hands, senses, immunity; he’s even written a picture book about his PhD thesis topic, the origin of life. He’s keen to find out what happens next.  

How Do I Know If I’m Upside Down?

Your Brain is a Lump of Goo 

The Very Hard Book 

We Go Way Back

Argh! There’s a Skeleton Inside You! 

Do Not Lick This Book

Why Aren’t We Dead Yet? The Survivor’s Guide to the Immune System 

Small Wonders: How Microbes Rule Our World 

What other jobs have you had?

I started out as a scientist, veered into history of science, and then gradually drifted into writing and research support. 

What themes are recurring in your work?

I love finding an aspect of the world that we don’t think about much, or take for granted, such as our own hands, and holding it up to reveal the wonders it holds for us. 

What have been the highlights of your career?

A friend once sent his mother a box of books, including one of mine, and when it arrived there were a few grandkids around, who opened the box with no grownups present. He sent me a photo of the open box with all the other books still in it, and all the kids gathered around reading my book together. The photo remains one of my most treasured possessions. 

Winning the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s non-fiction book award in 2018

Where have your works been published?

All over the world! Mongolia! Italy! Brazil! Germany! Korea! The US! India! Türkiye! Vietnam! Indonesia! The good thing about writing science is that it’s equally relevant everywhere and to everyone. 

What are you passionate about?

Critical thinking and silly jokes. And I have a tattoo on my left shoulder to prove it. 

Haven’t I seen you before?

You have. I’m the short guy riding his bike who passed you one day on the street. I get around a lot. 

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Yes! Invite me to your school and you will hear the rest of it.