Curiosity
When we are curious, we explore, seek and learn new information. Kids high in this strength ask questions and actively grow their own repository of knowledge. Research has shown that curiosity is one of the top strengths linked to life satisfaction, and is associated with happiness, health, positive social relationships, among other healthy psychological outcomes. The books below are listed to prompt, model or explore curiosity across a mix of contexts, subject matter and interest.
Just Because by Mac Barnett
Curious questions and bedtime stalling, a classic mix. While the answers to these great questions don’t match reality, they do inspire wonder and seed more curiosity. A light bedtime read that can also provoke conversation and awareness on when and how to best use our strengths, and strength over-use.
Artist: Mac Barnett (Author) and Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)
The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater
A thoughtful fox follows his curiosity and takes an epic adventure on a ship. He poses existential questions to the adventurers around him and learns a bit about himself, life and friendship. A memorable ode to open-ended questions.
Artist: Dashka Slater
The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitake
Explore what it means to be bored and how to use curiosity to escape from the drudge! The saturated colors coupled with the white space and graphical elements make this so fun to flip through. The little kid’s efforts toward entertainment and inquisitive, curious nature provide ideal and funny example of what to do when bored. This is one of my favorites to give as a gift to curious kids, reluctant readers and those inclined toward art and design—so good!
Artist: Shinsuke Yoshitake
Wild Buildings and Bridges by Etta Kaner
Science, art, nature, and architecture intertwine in this picture book for those curious about the structures around them. This unique picture book is an inspiring, relevant and useful introduction to biomimicry for nature-lovers and budding builders.
Artist: Etta Kaner (Author) and Carl Wiens (Illustrator)
Windows by Julia Denos
Walking around and wondering why. This beautifully illustrated picture books takes you on a peaceful walk around the neighborhood and is full of dreamy wonder at the world between windows.
Artist: Julia Denos (Author) and E. B. Goodale (Illustrator)
Everything and Everywhere
Beautiful coffee table book exploring cities and cultures throughout the world. Colorful maps, animals, people, and markets capture the essence of each place, from Alice Springs to New York City, Cape Town to Ulaahbaatar, to absorbing effect.
Artist: Marc Martin
Companion read: Lots by Marc Martin
Papa’s Mechanical Fish
Papa is an eccentric inventor who follows his curiosities wherever they lead him. Championing curiosity, trial and error, and persistence, this explores the invention of the submarine through the perspective of an eccentric, loving and fun family.
Artist: Candace Fleming (Author) and Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)
The Old Truck by The Pumphrey Brothers
A lyrical look at farm life exploring the passage of time and how we care for ourselves, objects and history through life.
Artists: The Pumphrey Brothers, Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey
Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller
An important and entertaining picture book exploring boundaries, consent and a child’s experience of being poked and prodded.
Artist: Sharee Miller
Everything and Everywhere
Inspiring and uplifting read by Cleo Wade that addresses the uncertainties, anxieties and wrong turns in life. Encourages curiosity, bravery and self-regulation, and following ones’ curiosity and interests where they lead.
Artist: Cleo Wade (Author) and Lucie de Moyencourt
George Washington’s Breakfast
A boy named after George Washington is on a quest to learn absolutely everything about his namesake. George is infectiously curious and kids will learn a lot about the first president and how to go about bringing history to life through this read. A good companion read for this one is Katie’s Sunday Afternoon, featured in Creativity.
Artist: Jean Fritz (Author) and Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)
What is a River? by Monika Vaicenavičienė
A simple question leads to many more in this beautiful story that explores rivers and the interconnectedness of life. Questions are met with active listening and information is shared in a thought-provoking, poetic format. The narrator marvels how the river “has hidden depths beneath its surface. Just like people.” Illustrations captivate and provoke wonder.
Artist: Monika Vaicenavičienė
Before She Was Harriet
A beautiful story about the life of Harriet Tubman, told backward in lyrical poetic writing, from old age to youth. The illustrations are rich and detailed and emotions in the portraits jump off the page. For kids curious about history, America, integrity and a life well made. Could be good to pair with PBS Kids’ Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum episode on Harriet Tubman, available here.
Artist: Lisa Cline-Ransome (Author) and James E. Ransome (Illustrator)
Oliver the Curious Owl
Who? What? When? Where? Why? Oliver the owl likes to ask lots of questions and learn everything about life in the tree. When his friend Bug goes missing, Oliver searches for him, using his trademark curiosity and keen attention to find him and have adventures all the way back home to his loving family.
Artist: Chad Otis
Incredible Jobs You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Fun book with fantastic illustrations showcasing the seemingly limitless variety of professions and life paths to consider. Or create! Light, inspiring, and a comforting reassurance about the future, perhaps especially for older kids.
Artist: Natalie Labarre
This a beautiful and wondrous picture book illustrating seventy questions from Pablo Neruda’s original poem, The Book of Questions. The cosmic literary imagery in the book inspires curiosity and wonder, and it’s fun to flip through together and think about Neruda’s poetic questions. I think this may be especially wonderful for kids interested or learning about poetry or inclined toward philosophical questions. Companion strengths may include perspective and appreciation of beauty and excellence.
Artist: Pablo Neruda and Paloma Valdivia
This is a well-packaged audio board book introducing kids (and grown-ups) to commonly found backyard birds through recorded audio of birdsong, beautiful pictures and simple descriptions. It’s a beautiful book, perfect as a gift for curious kids who love animals or spending time outdoors. For a more extensive collection for older kids, teens and adults, this is also a good one.
