Here’s a fun fact about me: I used to work at a library. I started volunteering at the community library when I was thirteen and was hired three years later. One of my main responsibilities was shelving books, the calming, satisfying, and rewarding task of putting away books after they were returned or discarded. I made time to skim each book before returning it to its appropriate place- I needed to be familiar with the inventory to help patrons! But I also liked the stories, the smell of the pages, and the sound of the plastic-wrapped covers.
Even though it has been years since my time in the library, I still have a soft spot for children’s literature. Children are smart and can understand complex ideas, and the best books provide them with challenges to solve, lessons to learn, and entertainment. I will probably never stop reading (and buying) children’s books for research and educational purposes because I have a lot to learn from the way children think and see the world.
For this post, I’ve opted to feature books that are conceptual, instructional, and/or educational. Some are journal-esque or activity based, and others would make useful classroom or therapy tools. Hopefully I’ll be able to purchase a couple copies and write posts about how to use these books in a more formal educational or therapeutic space.
In the meantime, I hope you find something to read by yourself or with the children in your life!
1 | Draw Here: An Activity Book and 2 | Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet
These books are HOT HOT HOT (on the children’s book market). You likely know about this author and these books if you spend time with kids.
3 | Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
This one is a beloved classic and I had to order a used copy for my personal library! In addition to learning about color mixing, children can explore social-emotional themes such as friendship, the value of differences, and unity.
4 | Perfect Square by Michael Hall
A square can be so many things! “Perfect Square is the perfect choice for teaching kids to think outside the box. Young readers will learn days of the week and colors of the rainbow, as well as emotional resilience.” – Overview from thriftbooks.com
5 | My Book of Beautiful Oops!: A Scribble It, Smear It, Fold It, Tear It Journal for Young Artists by Barney Saltzberg
I gave this board book to my partner’s niece for Christmas and wanted to keep it for myself. Children are encouraged to draw, rip, collage, cut, and alter this book in every way they desire. Some pages seem a little too abstract for a young kid to grasp, but I’m sure they don’t mind ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
6 | Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
The Amazon reviews are a little mixed- I guess you either love this book or hate it. Some reviewers claim the concept is too complicated for little kids, while others applaud its simplicity. I haven’t read it, but I’m intrigued.
7 | Think and Make Like an Artist: Art Activities for Creative Kids by Claudia Boldt
This book introduces children to contemporary art by looking at the art work and creative processes of eight artists. Children can participate in creative projects while learning about a variety of artistic techniques and materials. The reader is empowered to take control of the project’s outcome by listening to- and trusting- their creative voice.
8 | Paper Monsters: Make Monster Collages by Oscar Sabini
I saw this book at my favorite bookstore a while ago, took pictures on my phone, and added them to my TBR album. I love any book that makes me want to reach out and touch it. I remember being drawn in by a crinkled ball of tissue paper glued to one of the pages. Consider me SOLD.
9 | Scavenger Art: Creative Challenges for Curious Kids by Lexi Rees
I’m a sucker for anything involving scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts can be an effective tool for trying new things and taking a fresh approach to a familiar environment. Plus, it helps provide direction and focus, which can be helpful for minds that are either busy or bored.
10 | The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
The creative process is all about allowing ourselves to make mistakes and knowing how to adapt and learn. “Told in minimal, playful text, this story shows readers that even the biggest “mistakes” can be the source of the brightest ideas—and that, at the end of the day, we are all works in progress, too.” – from Amazon
11 | Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
A CLASSIC. Harold goes on an adventure with his purple crayon to explore reality and his own imagination. Children can be inspired to exercise their own creative choices and experience magic. Apparently Harold and the Purple Crayon was banned at one point for encouraging vandalism???
12 | Line and Scribble by Debora Vogrig
According to Google Books, you can expect the following from Line and Scribble:
- A friendship story that embraces differences instead of competing
- Emphasis on how imagination, creativity, and art can change how we see the world—and each other
- Promotion of visual literacy, recognition, and learning to make connections