Inspiring STEM Picture Books

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them. Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!), who shows her that the first flop isn’t something to fear—it’s something to celebrate. And you can only truly fail if you quit. Get it here on Amazon.

Iggy Peck Architect also by Andrea Beaty

Iggy Peck Architect also by Andrea Beaty is a hilarious and touching book about a young boy named Iggy, who doesn’t just like to build, he HAS to build. It’s in his bones. Not everyone appreciates his talents but in the end his ability to build and solve problems saves the day. I love the rhyming text that never sacrifices the perfect word for a rhyme, it all just fits. Get it here on Amazon.

Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex

Pluto gets a call from Earth telling him he isn’t a planet anymore, so he sets out on a journey through the solar system to find out why in this funny and fact-filled story. Get it here on Amazon.

Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub

Sure, we all know about Groundhog Day — but have we ever paused to think about where those meteorologically inclined woodchucks learned their skills? At Groundhog Weather School, of course! Readers will join groundhog classmates to learn all about weather patterns, seasons, and so much more. Get it here on Amazon.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

This is a magical book about the story of Ada who is a determined girl with boundless curiosity for science and a love of asking why? Ada asks questions about everything and anything from “Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose?” to“Why are there hairs growing inside your nose?” She embarks on fact-finding adventures and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. The rhyme makes it fun and easy to read and the illustrations are sure to get a giggle. Get it here on Amazon.

Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane by Kirsten W. Larson

This riveting nonfiction picture book biography explores both the failures and successes of self-taught engineer Emma Lilian Todd as she tackles one of the greatest challenges of the early 1900s: designing an airplane. Get it here on Amazon.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing. But after much hard work, the end result is not what the girl had in mind. Frustrated, she quits. Her assistant suggests a long walk, and as they walk, it slowly becomes clear what the girl needs to do to succeed. Get it here on Amazon.

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

If I Built a House is an amazing STEM book with a focus on engineering. (Also, make sure to check out If I Built a Car.) In this book, a boy named Jack designs the house of his dreams, complete with a racetrack, flying room, and gigantic slide. His creativity and infectious enthusiasm immediately inspire young inventors to imagine their own fantastical designs. Get it here on Amazon.

A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon by Suzanne Slade

This is the inspiring true story of Katherine Johnson – a mathematician at NASA during the 1960’s space race. She’s the inspiration behind the movie Hidden Figures. Learn her story in this great STEM book as Katherine counts and computes her way into NASA and helps in the mission to put a man on the moon! Get it here on Amazon.

Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming

Inspired by his daughter’s question about what it would be like to be a fish, inventor Papa decides to invent a mechanical fish — a submarine. The picture book engineering story shows that most of Papa’s inventions don’t work properly, but he still persists. Based on the inventor Lodner Phillips. Get it here on Amazon.

Blast Off: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into Space by Suzanne Slade

The inspirational story of Mary Sherman, the world’s first female rocket scientist, who overcame gender barriers and many failures to succeed. Get it here on Amazon.

The Simple Science Activity Book by Jane Bull

With unique activities that combine both creative and analytical skills, such as studying the states of matter while building an ice sculpture, this book introduces children to the wonders of science through fun craft projects with everyday objects. Get it here on Amazon.

Ask a Scientist by Robert Winston

World-renowned scientist Robert Winston answers 100 science questions from children from around the world. Questions such as: Do dogs cry? Could you jump off the world? Why is the sky blue? Why are there bubbles in boiling water? The questions in the book cover every aspect of science, including chemistry, physics, biology, Earth, space, and natural science. Get it here on Amazon.

The Wonders of Nature by Ben Hoare

With beautiful photographs and illustrations, this book lets children explore 100 items from the natural world, including animals, plants, microscopic life, rocks and minerals. Get it here on Amazon.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space by Will Gater

This exciting space book allows young readers to take an exiting journey of the solar system and learn about more than 100 celestial objects through storybook style text and stunning photography and illustrations. Get it here on Amazon.

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