11 Must-Have STEM Picture Books

For those of you who don’t know already, STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. These STEM picture books are the perfect way to introduce the concept of STEM to toddlers and preschoolers!

STEM is a hot topic in our household, and probably for many of you as well. I try to incorporate as many STEM activities into our lesson plans as I’m able to, and these picture books are a huge help with that.

All of these books are perfect for your younger kids, and will inspire them to take an interest in STEM activities!

11 Must-Have STEM Picture Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Toddlers and preschoolers are naturally curious. They will love reading about these inventors who challenge boundaries, engage in creative thinking, and don’t mind making a mess!

When kids are small, it’s the perfect time to share these STEM picture books that celebrate the creativity and boldness that goes into becoming an inventor or designer. Your kids will be inspired to make their very own STEM projects after reading through these books.

STEM Picture Books to Read with Kids

Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building is a fascinating look at how designs that children commonly make with blocks are represented and used by adult architects and designers. Children will be inspired to think even bigger after reading this book. 

Rosie Revere, Engineer is a fun made-up story about the great-great niece of Rosie Revere. This little girl is determined to make the best invention ever, and even when her inventions fail, she refuses to give up. 

If your kids love designing and creating, they will love Iggy Peck, Architect. This book is about a boy determined to build things, even when the materials he uses are a bit unconventional. 

Awesome Dawson is a superhero-like book where Dawson is determined to save the world by making things out of recycled materials. 

Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon is a charming story about a little girl who learns that when her grandmother was little, she didn’t have any toys. Determined to be like her grandmother, Molly learns that with a little imagination, you can make your own toys!

More STEM Picture Books Kids Will Love

If your kids love solving problems, they will love Monkey with a Toolbelt and a Noisy Problem. Monkey must learn how to identify and fix his noise problem before he goes crazy!

Not all science experiments work. 11 Experiments that Failed show kids in a humorous way that it’s OK for experiments to fail. These 11 ridiculous experiments will inspire your kids to try their own crazy inventions. 

The Most Magnificent Thing is a story about a girl who has a wonderful idea. But, when it comes to making it, she has a little trouble. This story is a wonderful book to read to kids who are easily frustrated and shows that patience and practice are the best ways to succeed. 

If I Built a Car is a fun book that will inspire kids to think big when it comes to invention. 

If I Built a House is written by the same author as If I Build a Car, only this time, Jack is designing a house. 

Integrating More STEAM in Preschool

Carl Sagan said, “Every child is a natural-born scientist.” And I believe that is true.

Here are some things to keep in mind when integrating more STEAM into your preschool day.

• Science includes extending ideas and exploring natural impulses.
• Technology isn’t limited to electronic devices but can include the exploration of tools.
• Engineering should expand beyond the block center and should include constructing in both large and small scales.
• Art does not equal crafts, it equals creativity and open-mindedness.
• Math is more than simply learning to count and can take just about any form.

How do you integrate STEAM activities into your classroom or home?

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