Kids’ Books That Inspire Learning and Curiosity
Children are naturally curious, which is an essential skill that helps them learn both in and out of the classroom. A 2018 Pediatric Research study found a significant association between curiosity and academic achievement, particularly among children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This is an excellent reason to foster curiosity in your children or those in your classroom.
Thankfully, books are an excellent resource not only for encouraging curiosity but also for answering kids’ many questions. Here are several picture books that will help keep kids curious and eager to learn.
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1
Add to BookshelfA Little Book About Curiosity
by Jonathan Simcoe
This little board book uses bold colors and minimal text to introduce tiny readers to the concept of curiosity. Using a door as a metaphor, it encourages children to ask questions and open themselves up to the magic of discovery.
Add to BookshelfBoard Book
$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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A Seed Grows
by Antoinette Portis
Kids love gardening, and this book helps them understand how plants grow. From the petals to the roots, young readers will discover how sunflowers use sun, rain, and earth to sprout from a seed into a full blossom.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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The Year We Learned to Fly
by Jacqueline Woodson
From the creative team behind The Day You Begin comes another inspiring picture book about imagination, creativity, and curiosity. When a brother and sister face a rainy afternoon, their grandmother shows them how to tap into their imaginations, escape boredom, and fill their lives with color. This beautiful book is a must-read for kids everywhere.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Little Daymond Learns to Earn
by Daymond John
Most kids hatch a money-making scheme at one point or another, whether it’s a lemonade stand or a dog-walking service. In this picture book, Shark Tank star and FUBU founder Daymond John shares a story about four friends who combine their strengths to create a successful business. This story will not only encourage curiosity about entrepreneurship but also introduce kids to concepts such as spending, saving, and budgeting.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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What’s Inside A Bird’s Nest?
by Rachel Ignotofsky
This gorgeously illustrated book offers kiddos a peek into the world of birds. Whether they’re big or small, all birds have nests. From owls who build their nests high in the tree tops to puffins who burrow underground, this fascinating book is about all kinds of birds, their habitats, and their lifecycles.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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What We’ll Build
by Oliver Jeffers
From beloved children’s book creator Oliver Jeffers comes a thought-provoking and inspiring picture book about curiosity and growth. A father and daughter set out to build the life they want together, letting their imaginations and curiosity lead them. They dream big, learn from their mistakes, and hold tight to the love they share. This gently humorous story shows kids that they have the whole world (and beyond) at their fingertips, with limitless possibilities.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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We Can Hear Without Ears
by Lisa Westberg Peters
Plants are endlessly fascinating, and curious kids will love learning about the fascinating things they can do. From communicating with each other to developing defenses against threats, plants can do amazing things! Collage-style illustrations and conversational narration make this book easy to read and understand, while the plant facts will keep kids engaged from beginning to end.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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A Door Is to Open
by Kyo Maclear
Doors create the perfect metaphor for curiosity and learning. In this beautiful picture book, readers are encouraged to see doors as portals to endless possibilities, in which anyone or anything may enter or leave. This thought-provoking book will soon have kids imagining what’s on the other side of every door they see.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Kenya’s Art
by Linda Trice
After visiting the art museum and taking a walk through her neighborhood, Kenya collects enough discarded materials to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art to share with her class. This delightful story about a young girl learning to reuse old and broken items as art supplies will inspire curiosity and creativity in young artists.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Twenty Questions
by Mac Barnett
Inspire kids to think outside the box with this book of twenty questions from two award-winning children’s book creators. Whether they’re picking out a zookeeper’s favorite animal or identifying a bank robber, kids will find this book funny, imaginative, and challenging. It’s the perfect way to spark their curiosity!
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
