9 STEM Picture Books that Spark Imagination

STEM Books to Read to Young Kids to Spark Imagination

There are so many amazing and inspiring STEM books for kids; I am a little envious that these weren't around when I was a kid! Some of these you have probably heard of but I hopefully there are a few that are new to you that you can check out from your local library or add to your classroom bookshelves. These books were chosen in particular for their ability to stir the imagination in kids aged 3-6 through their vivid illustrations and touching stories.

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Building STEM Picture Books - Just Right for Pre-K and Little Ones

1. Construction by Sally Sutton
There are several books in this series from Sally Sutton, so be sure to check them all out. This is a great book to introduce building concepts to little ones with bright and colorful illustrations and enticing vocabulary.

2. dreaming UP by Christy Hale
Build with blocks and see what they could become as full scale buildings and structures! This is an absolutely wonderful find for your students' first STEM class.

3. Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
This one is all about play, imagination, and of course, FUN! Kids will relate to Molly Lou and may be inspired to create some of their own toys to play with.

Inspiring and Story STEM Picture Books Featuring Girls and Women

4. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett
This is a great book if you are exploring Growth Mindset concepts or if you have kids that struggle with perfection. It's okay to make mistakes, and that is so important to understand when trying out STEM activities.

5. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
This wonderful story has sure gained in popularity since it debuted! One of my favorite stories on this list and sure to be yours, too. It will touch your heart and remind kids that sometimes the best improvement is to scrap what you had and start over.

6. Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan
Though Queen Victoria is not the one designing the machine, kids will love this book for it's quirky rhymes and illustrations, and for its wonderful ideas!

Tinkering STEM Picture Books

7. Coppernickel, the Invention by Wouter van Reek
This story is all about the KISS principle. KISS, or Keep it simple, sweetheart (I prefer sweetheart over stupid), is a very important thing to learn when dealing with STEM activities though often it takes a lot of elaborate failed designs to end up back at something simple. Tungsten the dog, has got this principle down and it is a learning opportunity for Coppernickel.

8. Papa's Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming
Talk about perseverance! Based on inventor Lodner Phillips, this book shares how even with an idea it may take several iterations to get a design just right. If you have any aspiring inventors, this is a book they will want to read again and again.

9. Awesome Dawson by Chris Gall
This is a fun book, akin to Molly Lou Melon, and one boys may better identify with as the title character is also a boy. This is a fantastic read to tie in to the idea of reusing and repurposing and is ideal for little ones.