Full STEAM Ahead! STEAM-Themed Books for Curious Children
By Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional Library
Children are natural explorers. They tinker, build, ask questions, and experiment – often without even realizing they’re doing science, math, or art. That’s the magic of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math): it connects creativity with problem-solving and shows kids how these subjects shape the world around them. Books that highlight STEAM concepts are especially powerful because they make real ideas tangible and exciting.
When children encounter engineering in a fairy tale retelling, or learn how art and science overlap, abstract ideas become concrete. Reading about inventions, experiments, or creative problem-solving can spark curiosity that carries into their everyday lives, whether it’s building with blocks, sketching a design, or asking “why does that work?” STEAM books don’t just share knowledge; they build confidence, encourage questions, and help kids see themselves as inventors, scientists, and artists.
Here are six engaging titles to jumpstart your young reader’s curiosity:
This Makes That by Ivan Brunetti
A playful look at how things are made, showing kids that design and creativity go hand in hand.
The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge by Erin Winick Anthony
Quirky facts and fun experiments remind readers that science can be surprising, strange, and very entertaining.
Future Vision: Stories of Our Brilliant Tomorrow by Cathy Rogers
A collection of imaginative tales that blend science and storytelling, helping children dream about the possibilities of tomorrow.
Penny, the Engineering Tail of the Fourth Little Pig by Kimberly Derting
A clever twist on the classic tale, where Penny’s engineering smarts prove that problem-solving can build stronger solutions than straw or sticks.
42 Works of Art Everyone Should Know by Brad Finger
By pairing art history with visual exploration, this book highlights the “A” in S.T.E.A.M. and shows how creativity inspires innovation.
Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game by Carleigh Wu
Math meets adventure in this accessible guide that makes numbers feel like part of an exciting quest.
If you’d like to explore more STEAM books, check out this book list: Full STEAM. Ahead! You can also find additional books in our TCCL library catalog or visit your local library, we’re happy to assist you!
