Learning Resources
Drawing with Children
Brookes breaks drawing into five “visual alphabet” shapes, proving to kids (and adults) that realism is teachable, not magic. Incremental lessons build from simple animals to full scenes, so progress is visible and motivating. Parent/teacher notes explain how to give feedback that boosts confidence. A go-to manual for homeschool art or rainy-day skill building.
Big Plans
A pint-sized dreamer marches around town declaring he’ll build the tallest, boldest skyscraper ever—captured in bold, cartoon art that radiates humor. The repeated refrain “I’ve got big plans, I say!” empowers preschoolers to voice their own grand ideas. Introduces the notion that architects start with imagination and confidence, not just rulers and math. Fun, fast, and perfect for story-time pep talks.
A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen
This inspiring picture book shows how food can change the world, introducing kids to Chef José Andrés and his mission to feed people in need after disasters. It teaches compassion, teamwork, and the power of using your skills to help others—showing that cooking isn’t just about making meals, but about making a difference.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath
This inspiring picture book introduces kids to Dr. Patricia Bath, a groundbreaking scientist who refused to let barriers stand in her way. It shows how curiosity, perseverance, and a love of helping others can lead to life-changing discoveries, encouraging young readers to dream big in science, medicine, and beyond.
Something About the Sky
This poetic story introduces children to Rachel Carson’s deep love for nature and her lifelong curiosity about the world around her. It encourages young readers to notice beauty in the everyday and to care for the planet with wonder and respect.
Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers
With more than 40 things to invent, draw, and make, featuring art from the beloved New York Times bestselling picture book Rosie Revere, Engineer, this activity book contains kid-friendly projects of all kinds and is the perfect gift for curious young readers!
Izzy Gizmo
Izzy’s gadgets flop, clatter, and crash—until teamwork and persistence help her finally get a flying invention aloft. Rhyming text and bright, gear-packed illustrations celebrate the trial-and-error cycle behind every breakthrough. Shows young makers that asking for help is part of the journey. Perfect for story time before a family tinkering session.
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
Vibrant and inspiring, this picture book celebrates Grace Hopper—the brilliant mathematician and inventor who taught computers to speak our language. With bold illustrations and lively storytelling, it shows how her creativity, humor, and persistence turned complex code into something the world could use. It’s an empowering story about curiosity, courage, and the joy of problem-solving.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Lyrical text repeats “Fry bread is…” to explore food as history, art, nation, and love—grounding culinary curiosity in Native culture. Warm illustrations of a bustling, multi-generational kitchen celebrate community and inclusivity. A recipe at the back invites families to cook together and taste living tradition. Great for broadening palates and perspectives at once.
The Bear and the Piano
Litchfield’s luminous art shows a forest bear discovering a piano, practicing in secret, and bravely sharing his music with the world. Themes of perseverance, stage fright, and staying true to your roots resonate with young dreamers. A gentle nudge that talent plus hard work can take you far—but friendship matters most. Great for discussing practice habits and confidence.
The Water Princess
Based on model Georgie Badiel’s childhood, the lyrical story follows young Gie Gie on her long walk to fetch water, highlighting both determination and inequality. Radiant art contrasts dusty roads with the shimmering blue she dreams of. An author’s note links fiction to real clean-water projects, empowering kids to fundraise or conserve at home. A moving entry point to global citizenship.
Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building
Each spread pairs a child’s block play or sand-castle scene with the real building it inspired—from adobe pueblos to Gaudí’s Sagrada Família—showing that professional architecture begins with play. Bright collage art keeps younger readers engaged, while poetic text introduces basic design vocabulary. A perfect read-aloud that validates kids’ homemade creations and invites them to “dream up” their own structures.
Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven's Symphony No. 5
This interactive book invites children to step inside the orchestra and experience the magic of classical music through Beethoven’s unforgettable Symphony No. 5. With sound buttons and playful explanations, it transforms a masterpiece into a hands-on adventure, helping kids recognize instruments, patterns, and the emotions that music can express. It’s a joyful first step into the world of symphony and sound.
The Story of the Incredible Orchestra
Beginning with ancient horns and ending with the modern concert hall, this picture book turns 400 years of music history into a lively tour. Labeled diagrams show how each instrument family grew, while witty asides (“bassoons once scared Napoleon’s horses”) keep kids giggling. Ideal for young readers who’ve just started music lessons and want to see how their instrument fits into the bigger sound. A built-in timeline helps parents extend the lesson.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
Celebrating creativity, courage, and neurodiversity, this inspiring picture book shows how thinking differently can change the world. Through rhythmic storytelling and colorful illustrations, readers learn how Temple Grandin transformed her unique way of seeing into groundbreaking innovations that improved the lives of animals everywhere. It’s a heartening reminder that every mind has something extraordinary to offer.
Katie and the Starry Night
A museum painting literally pulls Katie into Van Gogh’s swirling skies, introducing fine art through storybook adventure. Friendly reproductions of five famous canvases spark recognition the next time kids see a sun-flower or café scene. Gentle humor keeps the plot lively while slipping in facts about texture and brushwork. Great for family field-trip prep or bedtime arm-chair travel.
Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique
Nancy adores everything “fancy,” from frilly socks to French words, sparking creativity in wardrobe and vocabulary alike. Her DIY makeover of a plain family dinner shows kids that style comes from imagination, not price tags. Warm humor and gentle family dynamics balance sparkle with substance. Perfect for budding designers who love accessorizing—and learning new adjectives!
Homes in Many Cultures
Simple sentences and bright photos introduce young children to igloos, stilt houses, yurts, and more, showing that “home” can look many different ways. The compare-and-contrast format builds early geography and social-studies skills while planting the seed that architecture responds to climate and culture. Discussion questions at the end prompt parents to connect the book to their child’s own living space. A gentle, age-appropriate gateway to thinking like an architect.
Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do
Each spread shows shirts, hats, and accessories flapping on a line; kids guess the job before turning the page to meet the worker. Bright, crisp art encourages color and pattern recognition while introducing design tools like measuring tapes and sketch pads. Fashion designer appears alongside baker, firefighter, and more, broadening career horizons. An interactive read-aloud that invites dress-up play afterward.
Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe
Full of color and creativity, this story celebrates Ann Cole Lowe’s talent and determination as she stitched her dreams into reality. Her journey inspires young readers to follow their passions, work hard, and let imagination guide them toward greatness—no matter the challenges they face.
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Rhythmic text and alphabet antics follow Miss Bindergarten as she transforms her classroom overnight. Young readers see a caring, organized teacher behind the first-day magic. The parade of diverse animal students eases school jitters while reinforcing letters. A joyful primer on what teachers really do before the bell rings.
Clifford the Firehouse Dog
Clifford’s colossal size becomes an asset as he tests the fire pole, rides the truck, and learns safety tips. Familiar characters ease toddlers into the sights and sounds of a station. The book ends with a kid-friendly checklist for fire drills at home. Comforting, recognizable fun for first encounters with “stop, drop, and roll.”
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
This beautifully illustrated picture book shows children how perseverance and self-belief can turn obstacles into triumphs. Simone’s story reminds readers that hard work, courage, and joy in what you do are what make champions. For kids who love sports, dance, or simply dreaming big, this book celebrates confidence, resilience, and the power of never giving up.
Mix It Up!
This touch-and-tilt romp turns the printed page into a paint palette—kids tap, shake, and smoosh imaginary blobs to see colors blend before their eyes. No mess, no cleanup, just pure cause-and-effect magic that teaches color theory instinctively. Perfect for wiggly preschoolers who learn best with movement. Encourages experimentation long before they handle real paint.