Horrible Science and Kew Gardens

Rocket Licensing, the licensing agent in the UK and Eire for the wildly popular and award-winning children’s book science brand, Horrible Science, has announced that the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is putting on six weeks of Horrible Science-inspired summertime activities for families during the school holidays.

This summer, from Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September, families are invited to the world-famous scientific and horticultural institution, conservation charity and major visitor attraction to dig into the weird and wonderful world of plants and fungi with Horrible Science. Visitors will experience a brand-new interactive trail based on the bestselling series of books and set within the beautiful landscape of Kew’s arboretum, the unique collection that highlights the beauty and diversity of forests around the globe.

Kids and parents can find out about everything from the mysterious lives of Foul Fungi and the hidden world of Revolting Roots to the vile and vicious habits of Bug-Eating Vegetation as the Kew Gardens Horrible Science trail takes budding adventurers and hopeful scientists on a tour of the many weird, wonderful and sometimes stomach-churning stories from the kingdoms of plants and fungi.

With unique input from Kew’s own scientific and horticultural experts, and inspired by the books of Horrible Science author, Nick Arnold and illustrator, Tony De Saulles, a series of interactive installations across Kew will tell you more than you ever thought you knew about Fiendish Flowers, Greedy Greenery and Vicious Veg.

Horrible Science books will be available at the Kew Gardens shop throughout the six weeks of the Horrible Science trail and – a special bonus for adventurous eaters – Horrible Science-themed food will be served at Kew restaurants and cafes.

Yes, once you’ve worked up an appetite on the Horrible Science interactive trail, why not try a Foul Fungi-Themed Pizza (loaded with all sorts of tasty mushrooms) and Creepy Courgette Cake (moist chocolate muffins with hidden courgette), washed down with a Greedy Green Juice (spinach, kale, green apple, cucumber, lime, and a touch of honey)?

The summer programme is included in the price of admission to the Gardens. More details about the event and the Gardens can be found at https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/horrible-science

Since its inception in 1996, the Horrible Science books have gained a huge global following, publishing in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages and selling over four million copies in the UK. This award-winning book series is now positioned as the definitive children’s book science brand and its combination of jokes, cartoons and horrible facts has fascinated whole generations of kids for nearly three decades, empowering them with discovery and getting them excited about science.

Author, Nick Arnold, and illustrator, Tony De Saulles, have to date produced over 30 titles with themes ranging from Killer Energy and Chemical Chaos to Blood, Bones and Body Bits and Really Rotten Experiments. The books have inspired a number of licensed products including games and puzzles, apparel and, of course, science kits.

This is the second collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Horrible Science. In 2019 Wakehurst,  Kew’s wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex, put on two highly successful weeks of Horrible Science Easter activities.

Kew Gardens dates back to the early 18th century, as a royal palace. Today they are home to a globally renowned scientific institution for plant and fungal research and are a UNESCO World Heritage site that is also one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions. Combined visitor numbers with Wakehurst total over 2.5 million per year.

Gemma Holsgrove, Visitor Programmes Manager, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, says: “The school holidays are a great time to explore our beautiful and world-famous botanic gardens and what better company for your exploring than the UK’s best-loved children’s book science brand? We’re delighted to welcome Horrible Science to this summertime celebration of the weird and wonderful world of plants and fungi.”

Elizabeth Scoggins, Nonfiction, Brands and Licensing Publisher, Scholastic UK, says: “We’ve been publishing the brilliant Horrible Science books for a very long time, but the brand’s popularity is clearly greater than ever – even extending to one of the world’s greatest horticultural institutions. We’re thrilled that this multi-million selling series has inspired a summer-long event at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – it’s sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike.”

Melissa Satterly, Brand Manager, Rocket Licensing, says: “We are delighted to have partnered with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for this exciting summer family activity. The popularity of the funny and ingenious Horrible Science brand and the appeal of a jam-packed, interactive family adventure are sure to make Horrible Science at Kew Gardens the go-to destination for the summer holidays!”