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21 Good Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

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Read mentor text picture books to teach problem and solution text structure. Understanding the problem and solution story structures improves comprehension and helps readers make informed predictions. (As well as helping children see the creative possibilities in problem-solving!)

Of course, almost all stories have a problem and a solution –with the exception of a concept book. So really, you can search out problem and solution examples in any book, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction.

problem and solution books

When children learn what to expect in a problem and solution story, not only will they be able to predict solutions, but they will also be better able to write their own problem-solution stories. I started teaching this early to my young kids, well before they were school-age because we want our children to become problem solvers. That is an important life skill!

While many picture books model the narrative story structure of problem and solution, these are my favorites to use with kids both at home and in the classroom.

PRINTABLE LIST

problem and solution picture books mentor texts

Mentor Text Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

problem solving in children's books

Problem Solved! by Jan Thomas When Rabbit sees his messy room, he learns that he has HIS OWN PROBLEM SOLVING PORCUPINE! Which seems good at first. But, it turns into a disaster. Because to clean up the blocks, the porcupine flushes them down the toilet. And to clean up his shirts, he feeds them to the goldfish. How can Rabbit get rid of his not-very-helpful problem-solving porcupine?

problem solving in children's books

A House in the Woods  by Inga Moore Little Pig’s den becomes filled with friends, but once Moose arrives, the den collapses. Oh, no! Problem. What will they do to find a solution? Together, the animals build a new house in the woods big enough to fit all the friends.

problem solving in children's books

Enigma  by Graeme Base Bertie needs to find the missing magic show props that have disappeared from his grandpa’s retirement home. Each performer tells him what’s missing. Readers help find the items in the illustrations so that Bertie can find the culprit. Like all his books, Base excels in his detailed illustrations.

problem solving in children's books

7 Ate 9: The Untold Story  by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald 6 bangs on Private I’s door for help! Because there’s a rumor that 7 is eating other numbers because apparently, 7 ate 9. YIKES! But did 7 really eat 9? Pitch perfect tongue-in-cheek number and word humor will crack you up throughout this suspenseful, funny problem and solution story. (Also on:  Best Picture Book Mysteries .)

problem solving in children's books

The Brownstone  by Paula Scher, illustrated by Stan Mack The Bear family is ready for hibernation but first, they need to figure out what to do about the noise problem. Their solution? All the animals work together to shift apartments so that everyone finds the best apartment for their specific needs. You’ll love the message and illustrations.

problem solving in children's books

Pigeon P.I.  by Meg McLaren What a unique and delightful mystery story! A little canary asks Pigeon P.I. (private investigator) to help her find her missing friends. Then the canary goes missing, too. It’s up to Pigeon to solve the missing bird mystery. The author writes in the style of the old detective shows– punchy with short sentences. The illustrator captures the details, giving kids clues to notice as they read.

problem solving in children's books

One Word from Sophia  by Jim Averbeck, illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail This picture book is a great way to teach kids summarizing and word choice as well as a problem-solution text structure! Sophia really wants a pet giraffe for her birthday. As a result, she sets out to convince her family, starting with her mother, a judge. However, Mother says that Sophia’s argument is too verbose. As a result, Sophie tries fewer words with Father. But he says her presentation is too effusive. Sophia continues with each family member until she reaches her last-ditch attempt and says the one word that works: PLEASE.

problem solving in children's books

No Boring Stories!  by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Charles Santoso When a cute little bunny tries to join a group of animal storytellers (mole, weevil, crab, and babirusa), the group doesn’t want to add her to their brainstorming group. As the animals continue their story plans with relatable characters, an inciting incident, rising action, climax, and…. Only the group gets stuck with the ending. That’s when bunny reveals that she likes making up weird (not boring) stories. The group realizes that the bunny has the perfect ending idea. Reluctantly, they agree that she can be part of the group. At least until a “ bunch of adorable frogs and puppies show up next week… ” This book shows plotting as well as the creative strengths of writers working together.

problem solving in children's books

That Fruit Is Mine!  by Anuska Allepuz This is a charming problem and solution story about learning to share and the power of working together. You’ll crack up watching the elephants’ many failed attempts to get delicious-looking fruit off a tree while simultaneously watching a tiny group of mice work together to get the yummy fruit, too. The problem is getting the fruit but only one animal group succeeds in a solution. Who do you think it will be? Great for prediction! (Also on:  Picture Books That Teach Cooperation .)

problem solution picture book

Great, Now We’ve Got Barbarians!   by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by Mark Fearing Mom says that if the boy doesn’t clean his room, he’ll get pests . . . which the boy thinks aren’t all that bad, right? However, things go downhill when barbarian “pests” start arriving. Because they eat everything, use his toys to clean out their ears, and steal blankets and pillows. So there is only one thing to do — CLEAN up his room. It’s a predictable but funny solution with the perfect forgot-to-clean-up twist at the end.

problem solving picture books

Walrus in the Bathtub  by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Matt Hunt The worst thing about this family’s new home is the walrus in the bathtub. And walrus songs are very, very loud. It’s a big problem. The family tries lots of clever things to get the walrus to leave the bathtub but with no success. So they decide to move. Again. That’s when the walrus shows them his list — “ How to Make Your New Family Feel Welcome ” — which, surprisingly, includes all the things that annoy the family. It turns out the walrus was just trying to be nice. As a result, the family stays with a few *new* rules. This story will make you want your own walrus in a bathtub.

problem solving in children's books

The Thingity-Jig by Kathleen Doherty, illustrated by Kristyna Litten Wordplay, problem-solving, and persistence! One day Bear finds a Thingity-Jig (aka. a couch), which he thinks is wonderful as a sit-on-it, jump-on-it thing.  He asks his friends to help him carry it home but they’re too fast asleep, so Bear figures out some ideas to do it himself. He makes a Rolly-Rumpity! Which is a pack-it-up, heap-it-up, load-it-up thing. That isn’t enough to move the Thingit-Jig so Bear makes something else — a Lifty-Uppity. And then, a Pushy-Poppity. And at daybreak, he arrives back at home where his friends are waking up, with his special Thingity-Jig. Bingity…Bing…Boing…Bear falls asleep.

problem solving in children's books

Someday is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins  by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich Clara advocated for justice and equality during a time when Black people weren’t permitted the same rights as white people. As a teacher, she inspired her students to believe that change was possible. Clara and her students went to the Katz drugstore and asked to be served — even though the store didn’t serve black people. She and her students returned day after day despite people yelling and throwing food. Eventually, the Katz store relented and started to serve people of all races. Clara and her students finally could enjoy a Coke and a burger without trouble.

problem solving in children's books

Wangari’s Trees of Peace  by Jeannette Winter Based on the true story of Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, read how Wangari helped her country of Kenya whose forests were all but destroyed. She started planting trees which started a movement motivating other people to plant trees as well. This is an example of how narrative nonfiction book can also teach the plot structure of problem and solution .

problem solving in children's books

Battle Bunny   by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett, illustrated by Matt Myers When Alex gets a silly, sappy picture book called Birthday Bunny, he picks up a pencil and turns it into something he’d like to read: Battle Bunny. An adorable rabbit’s journey through the forest becomes a secret mission to unleash an evil plan–a plan that only Alex can stop. Not only does this mentor text model problem and solution, but also voice and revision.

problem solving in children's books

When Pigs Fly  by James Burke One day, an exuberant pig declares that he will fly. His sister observes with disbelief and horror as one attempt after another fails. The brother pig is so disappointed that he decides to give up. That’s when his sister comes up with an idea — something he hasn’t tried before that will help her brother fly — a pretend airplane. The pigs’ expressive illustrations are absolutely perfect as is the message of persistence despite failure.

problem solving in children's books

Piper and Purpa Forever!  by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Olivia Feng Most stories have a  problem and a solution  but this story is a great example showing a little girl’s ability to creatively  problem solve  with a beautiful solution to her problem. Piper loves her beloved purple sweater, Purpa, and is so sad when she grows out of it. Will she be able to keep her sweater somehow?

problem and solution picture books

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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My grandson loves cars, RC cars, sports cars but I don’t find any books about cars, racing, car features, etc. It would be a ‘hook’ to get him to read more. Any suggestions appreciated.

Here is a list of vehicle books. https://imaginationsoup.net/picture-books-vehicle-loving-kids/ . My recommendation for car books is Professor Wooford McPaw’s History of Cars by Elliot Kruszynski.

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problem solving in children's books

11 Books That Help Empower Little Kids to Solve Big Problems

by Meghan Fitzgerald

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Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

Mindset: There are problems to solve all around us.

The only thing better than Beatty’s masterful rhymes are her marvelous characters. In Ada Twist, Scientist , she nails the curiosity and inquiry that drives a true problem seeker and solver. Our kids love this one, and we hope it inspires them to take on the mindset that there are problems to solve all around us. As parents, we love how this book both acknowledges some of the lumpier parts that come along with supporting genuine problem solving in our kids and reminds us that it’s so worth it in the end.

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Stuck by Oliver Jeffers, 

Mindset: Problem solving can be fun (or at least quite silly).

Although we would never advocate throwing objects into trees, we cannot help but love this book. This whimsical tale shows a young boy, Floyd, as he attempts to solve an all too familiar problem—his kite is stuck in a tree! Floyd’s approach makes kids of all ages smirk and squeal with delight. When we read this, we enjoy acting amazed as the situation grows more and more outrageous. The book gets our kids talking, too. Even our youngest has ideas about why Floyd’s plan is not ideal and can share how she’d go about getting that kite un-stuck. 

problem solving in children's books

What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom

Mindset: I have the resources to solve problems.

Even though our goal is for problem solving to be joyful , sometimes real problems are daunting, especially to kids who may not yet realize that they have the capacity to solve them. This beautiful follow up to Yamada and Besom's What Do You Do with an Idea helps kids see a child really wrestle with a problem and gives everyone a way to talk about the opportunity available in every problem, even the ones that seem hard.

problem solving in children's books

Cat and Bunny by Mary Lundquist 

Mindset: Sometimes the key to solving a problem is teamwork and inclusion.

When a new friend asks to join Cat and Bunny’s tight-knit two-friend circle, Bunny says yes, but Cat’s not so sure. The changing dynamics of friendship can be tough for kids to navigate, and flexibility solves a lot of tricky issues. 

problem solving in children's books

Going Places by Paul A. Reynolds, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Mindset: Every problem has many different solutions.

Talk about thinking outside the box: Some kids love to follow directions. Others prefer to let their imaginations take them from challenge to solution. This book about a go-cart race that takes flight celebrates both sets of strategies.

problem solving in children's books

Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Mindset: Creative thinking is at the heart of problem solving.

We love that this fanciful story about a dad inspired by his child’s question (“have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fish?”) to invent the submarine is based on a real-life inventor! This story gets school-aged kids’ imaginations whirring. 

problem solving in children's books

The Boy and the Airplane by Mark Pett

Mindset: Problem solving is joyful.

A little boy’s beloved toy airplane gets stuck on a roof. Through the beautiful illustrations in this wordless book, kids can work through the problem with the protagonist, and wonder how they’d go about solving it themselves. 

problem solving in children's books

To the Sea by Cale Atkinson

Mindset: I have the capacity to solve any problem.

“I see you” are the magic words that kick off an epic adventure. When Tim meets a big blue whale no one else can see (no one else can see Tim, it seems to him sometimes), he’s tasked with helping his new friend find his way back to the sea. Kids will love discovering Tim’s process as he methodically sketches solutions for this massive problem. The winning strategy is a sweet surprise.

problem solving in children's books

Solutions for Cold Feet (and Other Little Problems) by Carrie Sookocheff

Mindset: There are problems to solve everywhere.

Solutions abound for many of life’s little problems, as illustrated by a little girl and her dog. What if you’re caught in the rain? Faced with a boring day? Eating a fast-melting ice cream cone? Strategies range from clear to creative.

problem solving in children's books

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg  

Mindset: I have experience that I can use to solve new problems.

Kids’ problem-solving comes with lots and lots of mistakes along the way, which is the most wonderful thing about the process. This interactive book celebrates mistakes as an opportunity for new discoveries. Read it together and then make “Beautiful Oops” a family catch-phrase for turning problems into launching pads for progress.

problem solving in children's books

Journey by Aaron Becker  

A girl yearning for adventure in this Caldecott Honor book makes it herself with a swipe of her red crayon. That single tool takes her on a magical trip and it’s what she uses to draw her way out of each dilemma. 

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Meghan Fitzgerald

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30 New and Notable Children’s Books About Problem Solving

  • October 3, 2021

Looking for the best children’s books about problem solving? These children’s books on problem solving for elementary students are engaging for primary and upper elementary kids. Books with lesson plans and activities linked. Picture books about problem solving with strategies, fiction, nonfiction, STEM and more for your kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth or fifth grade students. Your students will delight in these classic and brand new books!

If you’re a member of the  Picture Book Brain Trust Community , you already have access to EVERY lesson plan and activity for these books! Just click on the Lesson Plans button in the menu!

Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson

Emmanuel's Dream

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah’s inspiring true story—which was turned into a film,  Emmanuel’s Gift,  narrated by Oprah Winfrey—is nothing short of remarkable.

Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Emmanuel’s Dream HERE

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So Few Of Me by Peter H. Reynolds

So Few of Me

Leo’s list of things to do keeps growing, until one day he wishes, “If only there were two of me.” Just as the words are out of his mouth, poof! Another Leo appears! Two Leos become three, three become four, and four become more . . . but Leo can’t help but notice that he has even more to do than before. As he struggles to deal with his overcomplicated life, Leo realizes that there may be a simpler solution to his overscheduling woes.

Get the lesson plan and activities for So Few Of Me HERE

Looking for the best children's books about problem solving? These children's books on problem solving for elementary students are engaging for primary and upper elementary kids. Books with lesson plans and activities linked. Picture books about problem solving with strategies, fiction, nonfiction, STEM and more for your kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth or fifth grade students. Your students will delight in these classic and brand new books!

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot

Her teacher smiled. “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw – she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. “There!” she says. A book that teaches that sometimes to solve a problem, you just need to start.

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Dot HERE

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

The Most Magnificent Thing

The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look, and she knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Most Magnificent Thing HERE

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Stuck

When Floyd’s kite gets stuck in a tree, he’s determined to get it out. But how? Well, by knocking it down with his shoe, of course. But strangely enough, it too gets stuck. And the only logical course of action . . . is to throw his other shoe. Only now it’s stuck! Surely there must be something he can use to get his kite unstuck. An orangutan? A boat? His front door? Yes, yes, and yes. And that’s only the beginning.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Stuck HERE

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can't Dance

Giraffes Can’t Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Giraffes Can’t Dance HERE

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Ada Twist, Scientist

Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie—stars of their own  New York Times  bestselling picture books  Iggy Peck, Architect  and  Rosie Revere, Engineer —Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Ada Twist Scientist HERE

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty

Iggy Peck, Architect

Some kids sculpt sand castles. Others make mud pies. Some construct great block towers. But none are better at building than Iggy Peck, who once erected a life-size replica of the Great Sphinx on his front lawn! It’s too bad that few people appreciate Iggy’s talent—certainly not his second-grade teacher, Miss Lila Greer. It looks as if Iggy will have to trade in his T square for a box of crayons . . . until a fateful field trip proves just how useful a mast builder can be.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Iggy Peck Architect HERE

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them.

Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!), who shows her that the first flop isn’t something to fear—it’s something to celebrate. And you can only truly fail, if you quit.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Rosie Revere Engineer HERE

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty

Sofia Valdez Future Prez

Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Sofia Valdez Future Prez HERE

Journey by Aaron Becker

Journey by Aaron Becker

A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? An amazing wordless picture book !

Get the lesson plan and activities for Journey HERE

What Do You Do With A Problem? by Kobi Yamada

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From the same author and illustrator as the #1 nationally best-selling  What Do You Do With an Idea?  comes a new book to encourage you to look closely at problems and discover the possibilities they can hold.

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.

Get the lesson plan and activities for What Do You Do With A Problem? HERE

Flight School by Lita Judge

Flight School

A persevering penguin is determined to fly in this adorably inspiring picture book from the creator of  Red Hat  and  Red Sled .

Although little Penguin has the soul of an eagle, his body wasn’t built to soar. But Penguin has an irrepressible spirit, and he adamantly follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly! Even if he needs a little help with the technical parts, this penguin is ready to live on the wind.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Flight School HERE

Jack’s Worry by Mark Zuppardi

Jack's Worry

Jack loves playing the trumpet, and for weeks he’s been looking forward to taking part in his first concert. But on the morning of the big day, Jack finds he has a Worry. And his Worry starts to grow. Even when Jack’s mother calls him for a special breakfast, even when he hides under the bed or runs around the yard, his Worry follows him. Suddenly, when it’s almost time to leave for the concert, Jack finds it’s all too much. For anyone who’s ever been afraid of failing at something new, this book offers just what’s needed to shrink a Worry down to size.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Jack’s Worry HERE

The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

The Great Kapok Tree

Lynne Cherry journeyed deep into the rain forests of Brazil to write and illustrate this gorgeous picture book about a man who exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree. While he sleeps, the forest’s residents, including a child from the Yanomamo tribe, whisper in his ear about the importance of trees and how “all living things depend on one another” . . . and it works.

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Great Kapok Tree HERE

Teach Us Your Name by Huda Essa

Teach Us Your Name

A girl is frustrated with her name and accepts people saying it incorrectly. A visit to her grandmother helps her think of how to solve her problem. Embracing the diversity of our names is one of the first steps we can take to show our appreciation of diversity and inclusion. Everyone has a name and every name has a story. Teach Us Your Name focuses on the many stories and ways we can all connect by helping children take pride in their many identities and to utilize the opportunity to learn from others. This book lends itself to countless invaluable discussions about cultural norms, languages, unconscious bias, and much more.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Teach Us Your Name HERE

Boxes For Katje by Candace Fleming

Boxes for Katje

After World War II there is little left in Katje’s town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom “thick and bright,” Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje’s street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America!

Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What’s inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same. Sometimes to solve a problem, we need help from our neighbors, even if they’re across an ocean. An amazing historical fiction picture book !

Get the lesson plan and activities for Boxes For Katje HERE

Click Clack Moo by Doreen Cronin

Click Clack Moo

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears click, clack,  MOO. Click, clack,  MOO. Clickety, clack,  MOO. But Farmer Brown’s problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes….

Get the lesson plan and activities for Click Clack Moo HERE

City Green by Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan

City Green

Right in the middle of Marcy’s city block is a vacant lot, littered and forlorn. Sometimes just looking at it makes Marcy feel sad. Then one spring, Marcy has a wonderful idea: Instead of a useless lot, why not a green and growing space for everyone to enjoy?

Get the lesson plan and activities for City Green HERE

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Lilly loves all sorts of things. She loves school, she loves dressing up, she even grows to love her stinky baby brother, Julius. In fact, Lilly loves everything! But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse to school and can’t wait until sharing time to show off the purse and her movie star sunglasses, her teacher, Mr. Slinger, has to take away her prized possessions.

Lilly’s fury leads her to draw a mean picture of her favorite teacher. It isn’t until Mr. Slinger gives her belongings back to her with a kind note and snacks that Lilly realizes she owes Mr. Slinger an apology.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse HERE

Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna

Mr. Peabody's Apples

Tommy Tittlebottom sees Mr Peabody taking an apple from Mr Funkadeli’s fruit market and is very surprised that he doesn’t pay. Then Tommy sees it happen again and decides that Mr. Peabody is a thief. Word spreads quickly around the town. When Mr Peabody arrives at the baseball ground, ready for the usual Saturday game, only Billy Little turns up and he soon explains what has happened. It is then up to Mr. Peabody to teach Tommy about the importance of truth and the power of words.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Mr. Peabody’s Apples HERE

The Three Questions by Jon Muth

The Three Questions

Young Nikolai is searching for the answers to his three questions: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? But it is his own response to a stranger’s cry for help that leads him directly to the answers he is looking for. This profound and inspiring book is about compassion and being engaged in each moment. With his stunning watercolors — and text that resounds with universal truths, Jon J Muth has transformed a story by Leo Tolstoy into a timeless fable for readers of every age!

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Three Questions HERE

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba’s Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone’s crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind HERE

The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay–he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Cat Man of Aleppo HERE

I Dissent by Debbie Levy

I Dissent

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.

Get the lesson plan and activities for I Dissent HERE

Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley

Mary wears what she wants

Once upon a time (but not  that  long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants. Until one day, a young girl named Mary had an idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!

Get the lesson plan and activities for Mary Wears What She Wants HERE

Biblioburro by Jeanette Winter

Biblioburro

Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Biblioburro HERE

Energy Island by Allan Drummond

Energy Island

At a time when most countries are producing ever-increasing amounts of CO2, the rather ordinary citizens of Samsø have accomplished something extraordinary―in just ten years they have reduced their carbon emissions by 140% and become almost completely energy independent. A narrative tale and a science book in one, this inspiring true story proves that with a little hard work and a big idea, anyone can make a huge step toward energy conservation.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Energy Island HERE

Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming

Papa's Mechanical Fish

Clink! Clankety-bang! Thump-whirr!  That’s the sound of Papa at work. Although he is an inventor, he has never made anything that works perfectly, and that’s because he hasn’t yet found a truly fantastic idea. But when he takes his family fishing on Lake Michigan, his daughter Virena asks, “Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a fish?”―and Papa is off to his workshop. With a lot of persistence and a little bit of help, Papa―who is based on the real-life inventor Lodner Phillips―creates a submarine that can take his family for a trip to the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Get the lesson plan and activities for Papa’s Mechanical Fish HERE

The Boy Who Grew a Forest by Sophia Gholz

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India’s Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees. What began as a small thicket of bamboo, grew over the years into 1,300 acre forest filled with native plants and animals. The Boy Who Grew a Forest tells the inspiring true story of Payeng–and reminds us all of the difference a single person with a big idea can make. Sometimes to solve a problem, it takes a little bit of effort over a long period of time.

Get the lesson plan and activities for The Boy Who Grew a Forest HERE

Best Children’s Books About Problem Solving

What are some of your favorite children’s books about problem solving Are there any must read books about problem solving that I left out? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll add it!

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Looking for the best children's books about problem solving? These children's books on problem solving for elementary students are engaging for primary and upper elementary kids. Books with lesson plans and activities linked. Picture books about problem solving with strategies, fiction, nonfiction, STEM and more for your kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth or fifth grade students. Your students will delight in these classic and brand new books!

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This Reading Mama

Books with a Clear Problem and Solution

By thisreadingmama 5 Comments

When teaching kids how to comprehend and/or write fiction text, often times it’s good to start with books and stories that have a clear problem and solution text structure .

This means that the story line introduces characters and a problem at the beginning –> the character(s) try to solve the problem in the middle, which rises to a climax –> and at the end, the problem is solved, with the “good” guy winning.

The  determining importance post , from our Reading Comprehension Series , has a great visual to SHOW this progression in fiction text. We also have lots of free, graphic organizers for fiction text structure here .

Books that Have a Clear Problem and Solution Text Structure - This Reading Mama

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Books with a Clear Problem and Solution Structure

Today, I’m sharing 16 of our favorite books that feature a clear problem and solution structure to help kids see how fiction texts are often composed. By the way, these texts aren’t just great for comprehension, but can also be used to help kids WRITE their own fiction stories as well, an extra bonus!

Ira Sleeps Over  by Bernard Waber is about boy named Ira, who becomes anxious quite about what his friend, Reggie, will think of him if he brings his teddy bear over to spend the night. This is a GREAT book for teaching text-to-self connections as well as the problem and solution text structure.

Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey is a pun-filled book about a family pet, Hally Tosis, who has incredibly bad breath. The Tosis family tries to help Hally get rid of the bad breath to no avail. But dog breath may actually be a good thing, especially when two thieves visit the Tosis family!

Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola is about a little boy named Oliver who is clearly different than all the other boys at school. He’d rather paint, tap dance, and read instead of playing sports like all the other boys, which earns him the name, “Sissy.” But once he shows his dancing skills at the school talent show, he receives a new name – “Star.”

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion features a cute little family puppy who despises his baths. So much so, that he hides his bath brush and runs away. As he is away, he gets very dirty, from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots. As hunger strikes, he heads home only to find that the family doesn’t recognize him.

The Little Engine by Watty Piper is a classic book that features a clear problem and solution structure as the little engine helps the broken down engine climb over the mountain to deliver toys to all the boys and girls on the other side of the mountain.

Caps for Sale  by Esphyr Slobodkina is such a fun and interactive book about a peddler who gets his caps stolen by a bunch of monkeys. He tries, in anger, to get his caps back, only to be mocked by the monkeys. What will he do to get all those caps back? Such a simple solution that kids may be able to predict as they read along.

Any of Kevin Henkes’ books are great for teaching the problem and solution text structure with fiction. One of my daughter’s favorites is Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse . Lily loves her purple plastic purse so much she brings it to school to share, but Mr. Slinger, her teacher, takes it from her. To get revenge, she draws a mean picture of her teacher only to have him see it. She begins to feel great remorse for her actions and wants to make amends. Will Mrs. Slinger forgive her?

Mo Willems is one of my kids’ favorite authors. Knuffle Bunny was probably the first book they were introduced to by him. Trixie and Daddy take a trip to the laudromat. On the way home, Trixie realizes Knuffle Bunny has been left behind. Follow the journey of Trixie and Daddy as they try to get Knuffle Bunny back. There are more Knuffle Bunny adventures including Knuffle Bunny Too , but I warn you to keep a tissue box handy when you read Knuffle Bunny Free .

Jamaica’s Find by Juanita Havill features a little girl, Jamaica, who finds a stuffed dog and hat at the park. She takes the hat to the lost and found, but decides to keep the stuffed dog for herself. She finds herself wondering if she’s done the right thing by keeping the dog. She finally decides to take it back to the lost and found and finds a friend along the way. This book is a great one to show that characters don’t always face external problems; sometimes characters have internal struggles and problems.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble  by William Steig is about a donkey named Sylvester who finds a magic pebble. Just then, a lion comes to attack him and he wishes to be a rock. Sylvester is changed into a rock, but he can no longer hold the magic pebble to wish himself back into his usual form. His family looks high and low for him and is eventually returned to his family. William Steig has such a  way with words  and his books can fit into multiple comprehension strategies, such as asking questions .

Enemy Pie  by Derek Muson is such a fantastic book for many comprehension strategies. It’s been one of my favorites for a long time and I LOVE reading it to kids who have never heard the story. When a bully (Jeremy Ross) moves into the neighborhood, the young boy’s summer is ruined. That is until the young boy’s father says he can help get rid of the bully (enemy) by making him some enemy pie. The boy wonders: What is “enemy pie” and how does it work? Will it get rid of enemies? What does it taste like? Will “enemy pie” solve all his problems?

Camilla worries about what others think of her so much that on the first day of school, she wakes up with a bad case of the stripes…and much more! Her body adds on the ailments of every fear she has until a kind, old lady helps her to learn that it’s okay to just be herself. A Bad Case of the Stripes  by David Shannon has an explicit external conflict, but kids have to read “in between the lines” to get the internal problem Camilla faces and eventually conquers.

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont is one of the books we used an example for our determining importance post with fiction . A family goes for a nice picnic away from the city only to meet a cute, stray dog. They leave the park without the dog, but think about him all week. The next weekend, the family returns to the park, hoping that the stray dog will show up again. He does, but now they have another obstacle to overcome. Such a cute book and one that requires kids to pay attention to the story that the pictures also tell.

If I had a dollar for every Elephant & Piggie book we’ve read {and re-read} this school year, I’d be rich! 🙂 All of his books contain a clear problem and solution format, but in such a fun and playful way that kids WANT to read these. While the words are written for the 1st grade level, older kids will enjoy them, too. Waiting is Not Easy! is one of Mo Willems’ newest Elephant & Piggie books and was also featured in our determining importance post with fiction  from our Reading Comprehension Series .

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is another classic book that features a clear problem and solution structure. Max is banished to his room without supper because of his behavior and falls asleep only to “wake up” in a world of wild things. Max begins to long for home again and wakes up to find that his mother has left his supper in his room to eat. I love how Sendak asks kids to read between the lines a bit to figure out how his supper got there and why. So adorable and such a classic!

More Book Lists You May Enjoy:

50+ Texts for Modeling Comprehension Strategies compiled This Reading Mama

  • 50+ Books for Modeling Comprehension Strategies
  • Books to Help you Teach Comprehension
  • Letter of the Week Book Lists & Letter Packs

Books that Have a Clear Problem and Solution Text Structure complied by This Reading Mama

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April 25, 2016 at 6:38 pm

This was helpful. Thanks, I have most of these books.

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November 4, 2016 at 11:22 am

Is this list available somewhere in document form?

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November 4, 2016 at 11:47 pm

I don’t believe so, but that’s a GREAT idea!

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December 7, 2020 at 7:51 pm

Loved the tips and advice in your article. You explained it well and I guess I am going to apply these in my future writing project. You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children. Come and visit my blog on Tips on How to Write a Story That’s Perfect for Children Hope this will help.

Thanks Attilio

January 8, 2021 at 9:19 pm

This is useful information that helps me in my future writing. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It is also to train your mind to imagination to think big. Keep it up!

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problem solving in children's books

problem solving in children's books

10 of the Best Children’s Books That Promote Critical Thinking

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Mikkaka Overstreet

Mikkaka Overstreet is from Louisville, Kentucky by way of Saginaw “Sagnasty”, Michigan. She has been an educator since 2006 and earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in 2015. By day she is a mild-mannered literacy specialist. By night she sleeps. In between, she daydreams, writes fiction, and reads books. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and cats.

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If you’re reading a post about children’s books that promote critical thinking, I assume you see the value in raising strong thinkers. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or potential employer, you want society’s children to develop complex reasoning and problem solving skills. These qualities benefit us all. 

Unfortunately, there are people and groups more interested in an industrious than a thoughtful population. The general public doesn’t agree on the purpose of public education . Neither, it seems, do education stakeholders. During recent remarks, North Carolina state Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt declared 2022 “the year of the workforce.”

Truitt explained, “We have got to redefine what the purpose of K–12 education is. Some would say it’s to produce critical thinkers, but my team and I believe that the purpose of a public K–12 education is to prepare students for the postsecondary plans of their choice so that they can be a functioning member of the workforce.”

While that statement makes my skin crawl, it’s more than unsettling: it’s contradictory. Employers regularly cite problem-solving and critical thinking skills as ideal qualities they seek in employees. According to a study from the Association of American Colleges and Universities , 95% of employers view critical thinking specifically as “very important” or “somewhat important.” Thus, preparing kids to think critically is preparing them for the workforce — and beyond.

Undoubtedly, our society needs more critical thinkers . We have lots of problems, both old and new, that will require innovative solutions. The following books will help encourage the next generation of big thinkers.

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10 Children’s Books That Promote Critical Thinking

Cover of The Year We Learned to Fly

The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López

The incomparable Jacqueline Woodson has done it again. In this newly released children’s book, readers journey into the vivid imaginations of the central characters. Woodson tells the story of children stuck inside because of bad weather. Rather than succumb to boredom, the children use their imaginations to escape the confines of their apartment. Surely, this will inspire children to dream big.

cover of What do you do with an idea?

What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom

This inspiring picture book centers on a child with an idea. We get to follow the child as they nurture the idea and watch it grow. Undoubtedly, this simple story will resonate with anyone who has ever been afraid to share their big dreams with the world.

cover of Shadow by Suzy Lee

Shadow by Suzy Lee

This gorgeous wordless picture book is a guaranteed hit. The young protagonist uses her imagination and her shadow to create a fantasy world. Mirrored illustrations show both the true objects and the magical world the girl has built.

cover of going places

Going Places by Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds

I’m a big fan of Peter H. Reynolds’s work. He has a whimsical style and encourages creativity and self-love in his several excellent picture books. In this story, written with his twin brother, Reynolds introduces us to another uniquely wonderful protagonist. Maya enters a go-cart competition and must create a winning vehicle out of one of the identical kits given to all contestants. Of course, Maya doesn’t think inside the box she’s given. This is another fun story with a great lesson.

cover of mistakes are how I learn

Mistakes Are How I Learn by Kiara Wilson

As we all know, mistakes are a part of the learning process. In this encouraging book, Wilson reminds kids to give themselves grace and space to make mistakes. Similar to The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes , this book is a good reminder for little perfectionists.

cover of duck rabbit

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

This picture book takes the well-known duck or rabbit puzzle and tells a story. Obviously, readers will feel compelled to see both sides of this argument. This is a humorous introduction to considering varying viewpoints.

cover of seven blind mice

Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young

In this Caldecott Honor winner, seven blind mice try to determine the identity of an unfamiliar object. In Young’s take on the classic Indian tale, each mouse only gathers partial information. Of course, it takes the wisdom of the seventh mouse to put the pieces together and solve the puzzle.

cover of what to do with a box

What To Do With A Box by Jane Yolen and Chris Sheban

You can probably guess what’s going to happen in this book, right? Clearly, there’s a metaphor here. Enjoy all the things a child can imagine with outside-of-the-box thinking in this rhythmic tale.

cover of they all saw a cat

They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

This book brilliantly executes a creative concept. Using strange and gorgeous illustrations, Wenzel depicts how differently individuals can perceive the same object. Consequently, readers are pushed to consider multiple viewpoints and how our perceptions color what we see.

solutions for cold feet and other little problems cover

Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems by Carey Sookocheff

Follow one little girl and her dog through the challenges of a normal day in this fun story. The girl asks lots of questions and persists when she encounters problems. This tale will inspire kiddos to see problem-solving as a positive and necessary part of life.

Hopefully, you’ve found something on this list that inspires you to think and dream. If you’d like more content like this, check out 7 Board Books for Woke Babies and 10 Science Books for Curious Kiddos . Read, think, and dream BIG!

problem solving in children's books

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Children Solving Problems

Children Solving Problems

Stephanie Thornton

Harvard University Press books are not shipped directly to India due to regional distribution arrangements. Buy from your local bookstore, Amazon.co.in, or Flipkart.com.

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ISBN 9780674116245

Publication date: 07/14/1998

A one-year-old attempting to build a tower of blocks may bring the pile crashing down, yet her five-year-old sister accomplishes this task with ease. Why do young children have difficulty with problems that present no real challenge to older children? How do problem-solving skills develop? In Children Solving Problems , Stephanie Thornton surveys recent research from a broad range of perspectives in order to explore this important question.

What Thornton finds may come as a surprise: successful problem-solving depends less on how smart we are—or, as the pioneering psychologist Jean Piaget claimed, how advanced our skill in logical reasoning is—and more on the factual knowledge we acquire as we learn and interpret cues from the world around us.

Problem-solving skills evolve through experience and dynamic interaction with a problem. But equally important—as the Russian psychologist L. S. Vygotsky proposed—is social interaction. Successful problem-solving is a social process. Sharing problem-solving tasks—with skilled adults and with other children—is vital to a child’s growth in expertise and confidence. In problem-solving, confidence can be more important than skill.

In a real sense, problem-solving lies at the heart of what we mean by intelligence. The ability to identify a goal, to work out how to achieve it, and to carry out that plan is the essence of every intelligent activity. Could it be, Thornton suggests, that problem-solving processes provide the fundamental machinery for cognitive development? In Children Solving Problems she synthesizes the dramatic insights and findings of post-Piagetian research and sets the agenda for the next stage in understanding the varied phenomena of children’s problem-solving.

[There is] much of value about Thornton’s book. In particular, not only does it meet the aim of providing an accessible outline of a major strand of contemporary thinking, but it does so in a manner likely to inspire considerable enthusiasm and interest in its readers. —A. Tolmie, British Journal of Developmental Psychology
In this short, clearly written book, Thornton synthesizes literature in post-Piagetian research to consider the development of children’s problem solving capacities. She suggests that there are multiple variables that contribute to the ease with which children solve problems and the sophistication of the strategies they employ. —Harvard Educational Review
The synopsis of research since the 1970s provided here constitutes a valid challenge to Piaget’s theory that the development of logical skills is fundamental to the ability to solve problems. —Readings
This small, thoughtful volume takes its place with others of similarly high quality in the Developing Child series. —Science Books & Films
  • Stephanie Thornton is Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex.

Book Details

  • 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches
  • Harvard University Press

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Religion as Make-Believe

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Learning to Imagine

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The Four Realms of Existence

       

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Top 10 Problem Solving Middle Grade Books

The Templeton Twins Have An Idea

Whenever my son encounters a problem—be it building block pieces that won't fit together the way he wants them to, a door he can't open, or a bucket on the playground his friend won't share—my mom heart immediately leaps to help him. I want to solve his problems for him, to help him be happy and make life easy . . . but the truth I know deep down is that if I always help him, I'm not helping him at all. By allowing him opportunities to problem solve himself when a problem of appropriate difficulty arises, while it may be painful for both of us at the moment, I know he's developing crucial problem-solving skills, and problem-solving is one of those essential skills that, once developed, will serve children their entire lifetime. To help showcase different techniques for problem-solving, and hone metacognition for kids, we've collected here on this list the very best books for teaching problem solving through children's literature! Reading these problem-solving books with your child provides an unparalleled opportunity to have shared references to help you as a team through a learning moment when it arises, plus you'll get to enjoy the bonding moment of reading together! Some books are absolute classics, such as "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear," that take a more humorous approach to problem-solving; others are popular titles you may be familiar with that take a more direct approach to flexible thinking techniques, such as New York Times Bestseller "What To Do With a Problem"; and some are hidden gems you may be discovering for the first time. There are books that teach social problem solving, highlight out-of-the-box thinking in innovation, speak to the role of teamwork in overcoming obstacles, and address the very real possibility that problem-solving may be needed to cope with failure at many stages of the process. Because problem solving is important in all of life's stages, this list includes board, picture and chapter books. Board books are best for infants and toddlers. Picture books are excellent for toddlers and also include stories for kindergarten and early elementary students (although we think picture books are great for all ages!). Chapter books are great for elementary- and middle school-age readers. If you know your target age group, feel free to filter to a single category, or just browse the entire list. Without further ado, enjoy this problem-solving list, and let us know what titles you would include!

Problem Solving .css-1yu5qo4{display:inline;-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:break-spaces;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:inherit;border-radius:0px;font-weight:500;transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:3rem;font-size:inherit;-webkit-padding-start:var(--chakra-space-6);padding-inline-start:var(--chakra-space-6);-webkit-padding-end:var(--chakra-space-6);padding-inline-end:var(--chakra-space-6);background:none;color:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0.3em;padding-left:0px;border-bottom:2px solid;border-color:hsl(24,100%,62%);min-height:auto;top:-2px;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;text-align:left;}.css-1yu5qo4:focus-visible,.css-1yu5qo4[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-1yu5qo4:disabled,.css-1yu5qo4[disabled],.css-1yu5qo4[aria-disabled=true],.css-1yu5qo4[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-1yu5qo4:active,.css-1yu5qo4[data-active]{box-shadow:inherit;} Middle Grade Books .css-f0fot0{position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;--popper-bg:var(--chakra-colors-white);background:var(--popper-bg);--popper-arrow-bg:var(--popper-bg);--popper-arrow-shadow-color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-200);width:332px;border:1px solid;border-color:inherit;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-sm);z-index:inherit;max-height:calc(100vh - 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Problem Solving Books for Kids

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problem solving in children's books

An important skill I think is vital to teach to kids is problem solving. Life is full of problems that need solving, so the better we can prepare kids for this world, the better off they will be in this world.

I am trying hard to teach my kids to be leaders and problem solvers, people who are not afraid to jump in and help when they see a need and do their part. This is not always an easy skill to teach!

problem solving in children's books

One way I teach problem solving is through the books we read. Books can be such a positive (or negative!) influence on how kids think. Today I have compiled a list of problem solving chapter books for kids. All of these books have themes that have kids solving a problem in creative and ingenious ways. I love having my kids read books like this because it encourages my own kids to think in creatively. Problem solving is a necessary skill for kids to start learning at a young age.  People who know how to solve problems easily and in creative ways will be better leaders now and in the future.

The 39 Clues , a series by various authors tells of 2 kids who travel the world on an adventure hunting clues to that lead to the family fortune.

The Gollywhopper Games  by Jody Feldman

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein is a library adventure lie no other! A group of kid are chosen to stay in the new fantastic library overnight and can only escape by discovering all of the clues.

The Mysterious Benedict Society  by Trenton Lee Stewart

Candy Shop Wars by Brandon Mull – My son says the second one in the series is the best on this topic.

Key to the Treasure by Peggy Parish

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner (read my Review )

Encyclopedia Brown  by Donald J. Sobol

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss is a story about a 12-year-old girl who joins a geocaching style game with books that lead to coded clues around the country.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

The Genius Files  by Dan Gutman

Hatchet by Gary Paulson is about a boy who learns to survive on his own in the wild.

You can find many of these on Audible!

Can you think of more Problem Solving Books for Kids?

Share them in the comments!

What do you do to encourage problem solving with your kids?

Check out more of my book lists:

problem solving in children's books

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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problem solving in children's books

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problem solving in children's books

  • June 1, 2022

Picture Books about Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving

Explore picture books about creative thinking to promote independent and critical thinkers in your classroom. They illustrate problem-solvers who develop creative ideas, make connections and are creative thinkers.

Picture Books for Creative Thinkers & Problem-Solvers

Why Read Picture Books about Creative Thinking?

According to the IB learner profile, effective thinkers “use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. [They] exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.”

Picture books about creative thinking and problem-solving show characters facing a problem and figuring out a solution. They explore the enthusiasm and empowerment of people who effectively figure things out. Book characters and illustrations will spark your students’ imagination, helping them develop and improve their own creative ideas. Benefits of critical thinking skills include:

  • Evaluating information and making reasoned decisions
  • Self-reflecting on strengths and weaknesses
  • Analysing ideas and making connections
  • Asking questions , testing theories, and making changes
  • Developing self-monitoring skills
  • Considering other perspectives
  • Making more analytical decisions
  • Becoming an effective communicator and collaborator

Picture Books about Creative Thinking

These picture books follow characters thinking independently, critically and creatively solving problems. Others show the importance of an open mind and listening to the ideas of others while still drawing their own conclusions. You will see characters who:

  • Use knowledge to solve problems independently
  • Predict outcomes
  • Think things through and make responsible decisions
  • Makes mistakes and try again
  • Recognise breakthroughs and try new strategies
  • Use trial and error to find a solution
  • Try to improve their thinking skills
  • Check thinking for assumptions and misinformation

Some of the book characters are passive thinkers and you will see them:

  • Unwilling to question their thoughts and their implications
  • Dismiss ideas and opinions because they don’t go with their own thoughts
  • Make assumptions and judgements without assessing these thoughts further
  • Not question their decisions, beliefs, and values
  • Being self-centred, narrow-minded, prejudiced and believing in misinformation
  • Not defending their point of view
  • Have low self-esteem and seek approval from others
  • Hesitate when making decisions

Questions to Use with Picture Books about Creative Thinking

  • Describe the different ways the characters were effective thinkers and problem-solvers.
  • Which character was the more creative thinker? Why?
  • How did [character] solve the problem? What strategies did they use?
  • Why do you think [character] was an effective problem solver?
  • Why did [character’s] idea work in the end? Did they think about how their decisions would affect the outcome and other characters?
  • Did [character] make good decisions? Is there anything they could have done differently?
  • Did [character] work independently to solve the problem or did they work collaboratively? Was this the best strategy?
  • Does a thinker have to be brave, a risk-taker….?
  • Did their decision making surprise you? Were they creative in their thinking?
  • How did [character’s] way of thinking impact the outcome of the story?

FREE Thinkers Graphic Organizers

problem solving in children's books

Would you like some FREE Learner Profile graphic organisers?

The resource includes a graphic organizer for each learner profile. Fill in the form below to get access to the FREE  pack.

You can find the FULL THINKERS  resource pack by clicking on the image.

If you already have access to the  free resource library , you will find the freebie in the  Learner Profile  section.

Picture Books about Thinking and Problem-Solving

Ada Twist, Scientist Activities and Comprehension Questions

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Ada Twist's scientific curiosity leads her to question , hypothesise, experiment and figure out how the world works.

Promotes themes of curiosity , inquiry , knowledge and creative thinking .

Anita and the Dragons by Hannah Carmona

Anita and the Dragons by Hannah Carmona

From her home in the Dominican Republic, Anita watches dragons fly high above her. She doesn’t let them scare her, but one day she finds she will have to travel on one of them, an aeroplane, to begin a new life in “a distant land far, far away”.

Promotes immigration , thinkers , self-reflection  and courage .

The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitake

The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitake

A young boy is bored and can’t think of what he wants to do. His mother can’t (or won’t help) so the boy begins to wonder why he is bored in the first place. Translated from Japanese this book promotes asking questions and deep thinking.

The Boy and the Sea by Camille Andros

The Boy and the Sea by Camille Andros

Sat on a beach, a young boy stares out at the sea, thinking and asking questions . As he grows, his questions become more complex, but he still returns to the sea for answers, and to take the time to pause and think.

Use to discuss asking questions, curiosity , perspectives , setting and making connections .

Chalk by Bill Thomson

Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark

Elizebeth Smith Friedman changed code-breaking forever with her intelligence, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. She established code-breaking techniques and strategies that help capture spies and break the most complex of codes during WWI and WWII.

Use this biography in the classroom to explore gender roles and inspiring women in STEM .

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales Activities and Comprehension Questions

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Yuyi Morales recalls her own experiences of migrating from Mexico to America with her young son. They face many cultural challenges, including learning a new language and new customs. Her local library offers an opportunity to learn about this strange, new country and find a new career.

Read to discuss determination , resilience , independence , courage and hope.

Karen Lynn Williams is an author who specializes in writing children's books about recycling. Her book, Galmoto, explores the importance of recycling and teaches young readers valuable lessons about environmental sustainability.

Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams

Kondi's determination helps him make a galimoto (toy vehicle made of wires) despite others laughing at his idea. Set in Malawi, this book reinforces the themes of determination, perseverance , recycling and creative thinking .

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

No one expected Temple Grandin to be able to talk after being diagnosed with autism. But her ability as a visual thinker helped her connect with animals and invent groundbreaking improvements for the farming industry.

This biography promotes women in science , problem-solving, creative thinking and inquiry .

Going Places by Peter H. Reynolds

Going Places by Peter H Reynolds

The Going Places contest involves building a go-kart and racing it, but Maya has a different idea. Her curiosity and open-mind help her find a unique way to cross the finish line.

Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood

Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood

A loving mother saves her seven children (names after the days of the week) from an evil witch. The witch, Heckedy Peg, turns the children into food and takes them to her home, a cave. The mother tricks the witch into giving her the children back.

Promotes discussions on caring , disobedience, creative thinking , and prediction .

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures tells the inspirational story of four black women who worked at NASA in the 1940s. Their intelligence and determination changed the world by putting a man on the moon.

A powerful picture book to promote gender roles , tolerance , inquirers and perseverance .

How the Ladies Stopped the Wind by Bruce McMillan

How the Ladies Stopped the Wind by Bruce McMillan

The wind in Iceland is so strong a group of women decide to fix the problem. They plant trees to limit its effects and overcome any problems through problem-solving, cooperation and persistence.

I am Henry Finch by Alexis Deacon

I am Henry Finch by Alexis Deacon

Henry Finch and his family live in constant fear of a green beast. Confronting the beast Henry is promptly eaten. Inside, Henry hears its thoughts and realises that not everything is always as it seems. Reinforces themes of courage, individuality, perspective and thinkers.

Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones

Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones

Izzy Gizmo is an inventor but her inventions didn’t always work as expected causing Izzy to get cross and quit. But her Grandpa’s advice of not giving up helps her continue her work.

Read to promote a growth mindset , inquiry , perseverance and self-management .

Kate, Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon

Kate, Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon

A wild wind turns everything upside down for a man living on top of a hill. Kate solves his problem by planting trees and protecting the man’s home from the howling winds.

Last: The Story of a White Rhino by Nicola Davies

Last: The Story of a White Rhino by Nicola Davies

Sudan, a white rhino, lives in a gray, city zoo in the Czech Republic. It remembers his life before its captivity, including his mother and the smell of the earth and rain. Sudan believes he is the last white rhino. When he is rescued and released back into the wild, Sudan discovers there are more like him and he is no longer alone.

Read to start discussions on conservation, freedom, extinction and hope.

The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

Love and Roast Chicken: A Trickster Tale from the Andes Mountains by Barbara Knutson

Cuy the Guinea Pig is searching the Andes Mountains for wild spinach, just as Tío Antonio the Fox comes searching for Cuy to eat. The guinea pig outwits the fox with its clever thinking and escapes.

Magic Ramen Story by Momofuku Ando

Magic Ramen Story by Momofuku Ando

Following World War II, Momofuku Ando invents a convenient and tasty ramen noodle soup. This biography shows Ando’s many experiments, persistence and creativity before perfecting the recipe.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn GibbsDavis

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis

This biography is about inventor George Ferris and how he turned his creative vision into the gravity-defying Ferris Wheel at the 1893 World's Fair.

Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

An ordinary stick becomes extraordinary with a bit of creativity. A young pig finds there are unlimited possibilities with the power of his imagination. Promotes open-mindedness and creative thinking .

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne

On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne

A boy with a brilliant mind imagines evolutionary ideas. This boy grows into Albert Einstein who revolutionised our understanding of the universe.

This biography promotes science , creativity, inventions , perseverance , questioning and curiosity .

Our Little Inventor by Sher Rill Ng

Our Little Inventor by Sher Rill Ng

Nell has an ingenious invention to solve the pollution problem in the Big City. She sets off on a journey to the city, far from where she lives. She finds the pollution is much worse than she expected. Nell is dismayed when she is mocked by city leaders. With unexpected help and Nell’s determination, she shows her machine to the city.

Promotes girls in STEM , pollution, determination, perseverance , critical thinking and problem-solving .

Papa's Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming

Papa's Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming

Papa is a persistent inventor , though he has had little success in making anything that works. A family trip to Lake Michigan sparks an idea that ends with him creating a submarine the family can use. Based on a true story.

The vibrant book cover of "The Patchwork Bike" captures the essence of this delightful children's book about recycling.

The Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke

A young girl and her two brothers make a patchwork bike out of discarded materials. They race in and around their village, whooping and laughing. 

Promotes discussions on poverty, creativity, recycling, and creative thinking.

Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin

Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin

Rapunzel, trapped by a witch, lives in a tall tower only accessible by her long hair. Unafraid, she fashions her hair into a ladder and escapes. Once in the forest, she thinks about how she can defeat the witch. When the witch returns she uses the golden flowing locks to leave through the window. Rapunzel quickly cuts off her own hair and the witch falls to her demise.

Running Shoes by Frederick Lipp

Running Shoes by Frederick Lipp

Sophy lives in a poor Cambodian village. Her dream of going to school is realised when she receives a pair of running shoes.

This book reinforces themes of determination, perseverance , following our dreams, poverty and education.

Sarabella's Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner

Sarabella's Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner

Sarabella’s active imagination means she often has a hard time paying attention in class. An understanding teacher sets homework that allows her to express who she is and celebrate her unique learning style and her creative thinking .

The Stone Giant by Anna Höglund

The Stone Giant by Anna Höglund

A young girl is left alone when her father leaves to fight a giant who turns everything to stone. Determined , she sets out to find him armed with a knife, a mirror and a plan. With the help of an elderly lady and an umbrella, she outwits the giant, saving her father and all those who had turned into stone. Translated from Swedish.

Read to discuss independence, courage, creative thinking , problem-solving and strong female lead characters .

That Fruit is Mine! by Anuska Allepuz

That Fruit is Mine! by Anuska Allepuz

Five elephants discover a very tall fruit tree deep in the jungle. They compete with each other to see who can reach the exotic fruit first. Their focus on being the first means they don’t notice a team of mice working together to reach the fruit first. But they soon realise that teamwork and communication is a better way to reach their prize.

The Thingamabob by Il Sung Na

The Thingamabob by Il Sung Na

A curious elephant finds a mysterious red object, but it has no idea what it is. His friends can’t help, so the elephant starts experimenting. When the rain begins to fall he finds a great use for the ‘thingamabob’; as an umbrella.

Read to starts discussions on inference , prediction , problem-solving , curiosity, creative thinkers , asking questions and inquiry .

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas

Three little wolves head out into the world to build new study homes. But these houses are no match for the big bad pig. The wolves have to be innovative to outwit the pig.

Use to compare and contrast with other versions of the Three Little Pigs and discuss creative thinking , bullying , different points of view , and forgiveness .

Tom's Magnificent Machines by Linda Sarah

Tom's Magnificent Machines by Linda Sarah

Tim and his dad love to create inventions together. When his dad loses his job, and the family loses everything in a storm, Tom comes up with a creative plan to help themselves rise above disaster.

Read to discuss overcoming adversity, resilience , teamwork , creative thinking and perseverance .

Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein

Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein

Told in Haiku, Wabi Sabi sets off on a journey to find out the meaning of her name and her identity . She discovers that wabi sabi is a Japanese philosophy of seeing beauty in simplicity.

Read to discuss inquirers , reflection and thinkers .

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers

When a boy finds a mysterious aeroplane he takes it for a ride, which doesn't go quite as planned. He flies upwards until he runs out of petrol and lands on the moon. He meets a marooned alien and they work together to return to their homes.

Read to discuss being caring , cooperation , and creative thinking .

Weirdo by Zadie Smith & Nick Laird

Weirdo by Zadie Smith & Nick Laird

Maud, a judo suit-wearing guinea pig, is given as a surprise birthday present to Kit. Left alone in her new home she meets the other pets, who do not approve of ‘the Surprise’. The guinea pig is lucky enough to meet neighbour, Emily Brookstein, who tells Maud it is great to be different and she should embrace who she is.

Use in the classroom to discuss courage , open-mindedness , individuality, and identity .

What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

Discover how one great idea can grow and spread around the world. Inspire children to have confidence in their ideas as you never know what can happen!

Reinforces themes of brainstorming, confidence , growth mindset , inspiration, self-esteem and creativity.

The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter

The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter

Born in Iraq, Zaha Hadid dreamed of designing great cities. Moving to London, she trained as an architect and started to design buildings. She overcame many difficulties, including the fact she was Muslim and a woman. Her legacy lives on in her buildings, inspired by nature, around the world.

Read to promote discussions on overcoming adversity , racism , STEM , following your dreams, determination and creative thinking .

Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through them, I will get a small referral fee and you will be supporting me and my blog at no extra cost to you, so thank you! You can find more information here .

Do you have any favourite picture books that you use to support critical thinkers and problem-solvers in your classroom? Let me know in the comments below! 

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Picture Books for Creative Thinkers & Problem-Solvers

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Picture Books for Creative Thinkers & Problem-Solvers

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Problem Solving Picture Books for Math

Problem-solving picture books can boost your children’s understanding of how to solve math problems and enhance general problem-solving skills.

Both types of problem-solving involve deep thinking to recognize an issue and think through possible solutions to get to a resolution. We tend to call general problem-solving “logical thinking”. If you’re looking for information about that type of problem-solving, click here .

Mathematical Problem-Solving

In this post, we will focus on mathematical problem-solving. In math, you might need to literally solve a problem (or an equation) and need to figure out how to do that. Or, you might be faced with a mathematical question that isn’t so cut and dry as an equation. Sometimes, these are word problems, and other times they are intellectual challenges similar to the following:

“A farmer has pigs and chickens. In total, he owns 20 animals. If there are 54 legs, how many of each animal live on the farm?” (P.S. The answer is 7 pigs and 13 chickens.)

Luckily, there are some general strategies that tend to work well to get to any math solution before a child has the handy-dandy tool of algebra to help. They include:

  • Examining the question to find key ideas.
  • Choosing an appropriate strategy. (See below.)
  • Doing the math.
  • Rechecking to see if it worked.

There are a variety of wonderful strategies that can help depending on the problem at hand and the preferred learning style of a student. They include:

  • Making a list.
  • Drawing a picture.
  • Acting it out.
  • Making a model.
  • Making a table.
  • Identifying a pattern.
  • Writing a number sequence.
  • Solving a simpler, related problem.
  • Working backward.
  • Guessing and checking.

Picture books are a great way to illustrate problem solving!

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Lucky for us, there are plenty of problem-solving picture books that demonstrate the processes of problem-solving in a variety of ways through engaging stories and real-life examples. They can help a student who struggles with thinking beyond basic math equations to learn a new way of thinking on a deeper level!

Problem-Solving Picture Books

Alice in Pastaland: A Math Adventure (Charlesbridge Math Adventures)

  • Alice in Pastaland by Alexandra Wright
  • The Boy Who Loved Math by Deborah Heiligman
  • Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
  • Counting on Frank by Rod Clement
  • Equal Shmequal by Virginia Kroll
  • Jim and the Beanstalk by Raymond Briggs
  • The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood
  • Math Curse by Jon Scieszka 
  • Once Upon a Dime by Nancy Kelly Allen
  • The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
  • The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
  • Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty 
  • Sold! by Nathan Zimelman 
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs For All! by Marilyn Burns 
  • The Sundae Scoop by Stuart Murphy

The Sir Cumference Series for Problem Solving

The entire Sir Cumference series is excellent for demonstrating how to think outside of the normal equation to reach important mathematical answers!

Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens: A Math Adventure

  • Sir Cumference and All the King’s Tens by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Fraction Faire by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference Gets Decima’s Point by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Isle of Immeter by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Roundabout Battle by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone by Cindy Neuschwander
  • Sir Cumference and the Viking’s Map by Cindy Neuschwander

The Warlord’s Series for Problem Solving

I love the Warlord’s series for the same reason as the Sir Cumference series. In the same way, they are adventurous and engaging, too!

The Warlord's Alarm, A Mathematical Adventure

  • The Warlord’s Alarm by Virginia Pilegard
  • The Warlord’s Beads by Virginia Pilegard
  • The Warlord’s Fish by Virginia Pilegard
  • The Warlord’s Kites by Virginia Pilegard
  • The Warlord’s Messengers by Virginia Pilegard
  • The Warlord’s Puppeteers by Virginia Pilegard
  • The Warlord’s Puzzle by Virginia Pilegard

Any of these books, along with teaching the specific problem-solving strategies listed earlier in the article, can be incredibly helpful to show children how to think mathematically and logically to solve intricate problems. If you have a favorite book to help with the concept of problem-solving, feel free to add it to the comment section!

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problem solving in children's books

10 Problem Solving Picture Books for Elementary Teachers – 2024

Reading aloud children’s books to your elementary students is a great way to introduce and teach problem solving. Below is a list of our favorite picture books to teach this social emotional learning topic. They all lend themselves well to facilitating rich classroom discussions around problem solving. Oona, Stuck, Rosie Revere, Engineer and The Paper Bag Princess are part of our problem solving SEL Unit , which includes interactive read aloud lesson plans among tons of other resources for teaching problem solving. Learn all about these problem solving picture books below and how you can use them to teach problem solving!

10 Problem Solving PIcture Books

Below are 10 quality problem solving children’s books for elementary teachers. Your kids will love these  read alouds ! They are great for teaching problem solving, as well as many other concepts and skills.

1. Oona by Kelly DiPucchio

Oona lived in the ocean with her best friend, Otto. She was brave, creative, and resilient- like most treasure hunters. One day, she saw a crown in the middle of a rift, a hard to get area. She tried various plans to problem solve, but each time a different problem arose. Eventually, she quit. Then one day, as she was playing on a beach, she had an idea. Students will see Oona try many different problem-solving strategies to get the crown. Through patience and resilience, she gets the crown in the end! My Problem Solving SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

2. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree. He throws many different items into the tree trying to get the kite out. Everything he throws gets stuck in the tree and the kite still doesn’t come out. Eventually, Floyd has the idea to throw a saw into the tree. Although the kite came down, the rest of the items remained in the tree! Students will engage with Floyd as he tries many different ways to solve his problem. My Problem Solving SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

3. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

This story is about a young girl named Rosie, who dreamed of becoming an engineer when she grew up. Rosie spends her time creating, but eventually hides them from loved ones because she is embarrassed that they will be failures. One day, her Aunt Rose comes to visit and teaches her that failure is part of success. Rosie learns an important lesson, as readers will, about patience, resilience, and the importance of problem-solving. My Problem Solving SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

4. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Princess Elizabeth lives in a castle, wears expensive princess clothes, and is going to marry Prince Ronald. That is, until a dragon comes and smashes the castle, burns her clothes, and carries Prince Ronald to a cave. In this empowering fairytale, Princess Elizabeth is able to identify her self-worth and connect with character traits that actually have her leave Prince Ronald behind. This story reminds us that we can problem solve and feel empowered by our solutions! My Problem Solving SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

5. What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

He tries to run from his problem and hide from his problem, but he realizes his problem just won’t go away. The boy starts to worry about what the problem is going to do to him. Eventually, he realizes that his worrying is making the problem worse than it is. He sets out to solve his problem, and when he solves it he discovers that problems hold beautiful opportunities. Students will learn about the importance of facing problems, and the great opportunities that can come out of them. Check out these What Do You Do With a Problem? activities !

6. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

In this story is a small mouse who goes for a walk through the forest. During his walk, the mouse runs into several larger animals that want to make a meal of him. The clever mouse tricks each animal by saying he is off to have lunch with a gruffalo, a made up creature that scares each animal off. While reading this story, students will be able to identify the problem and how it was solved by the mouse creatively. They may even think of times this has happened in their own lives! Check out these The Gruffalo activities !

7. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Stantat

Beekle has a problem. Children in the real world have imagined all the other imaginary friends besides him. He is the only one left on Imaginary Friend Island. Instead of waiting for a child to imagine him, Beekle decides to go out to find his friend himself. He does the unimaginable and travels to the real world! This story shows a brave character solving a problem in quite a unique way! Students will enjoy seeing Beekle looking for his real-world friend, and make connections about problem solving along the way. Check out these The Adventures of Beekle activities !

8. Star in the Jar by Sam Hay and Sarah Massini

A little boy loved looking for treasure. He looked high and low, and one day came across an abandoned star. He asked his friends at school, but no one had lost a star. He kept this shiny treasure until the sky sent a message. It was looking for the lost star! This story lends itself to teaching about problem solving with this brother and sister duo as they find ways to get the star back with his family high in the sky. Check out these Star in the Jar activities !

9. On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex

In this book, a boy got gum stuck in his hair and it caused many other problems. There are so many people each with their own idea that the boy is overwhelmed. He shouts and asks everyone to get out. That’s when the wad of gum hops out of the boy’s hair and walks away. He finally found the solution, although the gum thought the boy was rude. This book is sure to keep students laughing as the boy faces problem after problem caused by the gum, leading to a great mentor text for teaching problem solving strategies. Check out these On Account of the Gum activities !

10. Harold and The Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

One night, Harold decided he would go for a walk into the moonlight. However, there wasn’t a moon to give off light, so Harold drew one. He set off on his walk drawing his setting as he went. Students will see that when problems arise, Harold draws solutions! Readers will have fun thinking of their own ways to solve the problems that arise in this charming story. Check out these Harold and The Purple Crayon activities !

Integrated SEL and Literacy Activities

Below are some integrated SEL and literacy resources for elementary teachers.

Our  Problem Solving Unit , which is available individually or as part of a  year-long SEL bundle , includes lessons for the first four books on this list. This unit is packed with lesson plans, teaching resources, games, and activities. Click an image below to either get this  individual problem solving unit  or get ALL  30 SEL units !

SEL Book Companions

As I mentioned earlier, I love  teaching SEL skills using picture books . That’s why I created the  Starts With a Story  Collection. High quality children’s literature supports elementary teachers in delivering meaningful and accessible SEL lessons. All of the read alouds on this list are part of this book companion collection. Check out the book companions below!

In closing, we hope you found this list of problem solving picture books helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

  • How to Integrate SEL into Everyday Instruction
  • SEL Activities Students and Their Families Can Do at Home
  • Back to School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers
  • Read more about: ELEMENTARY TEACHING , SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM

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Mystery Books for Kids: Top Picks for Young Readers

A re you looking for a way to encourage your child to read? Do you want to find a genre that can spark their imagination and critical thinking skills? Look no further than mystery books for kids! Mystery books are not only entertaining but also educational, as they require readers to follow clues, solve puzzles, and think critically. In this article, we will explore the world of mystery books for kids and provide you with a guide to finding the perfect book for your child.

Understanding Mystery Books

Mystery books are a genre of literature that involves a puzzle or crime that needs to be solved. They can range from detective stories to who did it and can be found in many different formats, including picture books, chapter books, free book apps for kids and graphic novels. Mystery books for kids are a great way to introduce your child to the genre, as they are often written in a way that is easy to follow and understand.

Popular Mystery Series for Kids

There are many popular mystery series for kids that are sure to capture your child’s attention. From classics like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to modern series like Geronimo Stilton and The 39 Clues , there is a mystery series out there for every child. Not only are these series entertaining, but they also help to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Mystery books are an exciting genre that has captivated readers of all ages for centuries. They are particularly enjoyable for kids because they foster logical thinking and deductive reasoning, which are essential skills for problem-solving.

Whodunnit is a popular sub-genre of mystery books that has been around for a long time. In whodunnit books, the reader is presented with a crime and a group of suspects, and they must figure out which one of the suspects committed the crime. This type of book is great for kids because it encourages critical thinking and helps them develop their reasoning skills.

You can find cheap mystery books for kids in a variety of formats, including picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels. Each format is tailored to a specific age group, and it is important to choose books that are appropriate for your child’s reading level.

When reading mystery books, it is essential to pay attention to the clues that the author provides. These clues are often subtle and can be easy to miss, so it is important to read carefully and take notes if necessary. Encourage your child to think critically and try to solve the mystery before the end of the book.

In conclusion, mystery books are a fantastic way to encourage critical thinking and deductive reasoning in kids. Whodunnit books are particularly enjoyable because they challenge readers to solve a crime by piecing together clues and evidence. When reading mystery books, it is important to pay attention to the clues provided by the author and encourage your child to think critically and solve the mystery on their own.

If your child loves a good mystery, they’re in luck! There are plenty of popular mystery series for kids to choose from. Here are some of the most well-known and beloved series in the genre:

  • Nancy Drew : Nancy Drew is a classic mystery series that has been entertaining young readers for decades. The books follow the adventures of teenage detective Nancy Drew as she solves crimes and uncovers secrets. With over 175 books in the series, there’s no shortage of mysteries for your child to solve.
  • Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective : Encyclopedia Brown is a series of books about a young boy named Leroy Brown who solves crimes with his incredible intelligence and powers of deduction. Each book contains several short mysteries for readers to solve, with the solutions provided at the end of the book.
  • Basil of Baker Street : Basil of Baker Street is a series of children’s novels written by Eve Titus. The books follow the adventures of Basil, a mouse detective who lives in the basement of Sherlock Holmes’ house at 221B Baker Street. With his keen sense of smell and sharp mind, Basil solves crimes that even the human detectives can’t crack.
  • The Westing Game : The Westing Game is a mystery novel by Ellen Raskin that won the Newbery Medal in 1979. The book follows a group of sixteen people who are invited to live in a luxurious apartment building owned by the mysterious millionaire Samuel W. Westing. When Westing dies, the residents are given a set of clues to solve a puzzle that will determine who will inherit his fortune.
  • T he Mysterious Benedict Society : The Mysterious Benedict Society is a series of children’s novels by Trenton Lee Stewart. The books follow four gifted children who are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on secret missions and solve mysteries.
  • Geronimo Stilton : Geronimo Stilton is a series of children’s books about a mouse journalist who solves mysteries and goes on adventures. The books are known for their colorful illustrations and engaging stories that are perfect for young readers.
  • Mac B : Mac B is a series of children’s books by bestselling author Mac Barnett. The books follow the adventures of a young boy named Mac, a secret agent for the Queen of England. With his quick wit and spy gadgets, Mac solves mysteries and saves the day.
  • The Boxcar Children : The Boxcar Children is a series of books about four orphaned siblings who run away and live in an abandoned boxcar. The children solve mysteries and have adventures while living on their own.
  • A Series of Unfortunate Events : A Series of Unfortunate Events is a series of thirteen novels by Lemony Snicket. The books follow the Baudelaire siblings as they try to uncover the mystery behind their parents’ death and avoid the clutches of their evil guardian, Count Olaf.
  • The Fairy-Tale Detectives : The Fairy-Tale Detectives is the first book in the Sisters Grimm series by Michael Buckley. The books follow the adventures of two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, who are descendants of the Brothers Grimm. The sisters solve mysteries and encounter fairy tale characters in their quest to uncover the truth about their family.
  • Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief : Sammy Keyes is a series of children’s novels by Wendelin Van Draanen. The books follow the adventures of a twelve-year-old girl named Sammy Keyes who solves mysteries and catches criminals. In the first book of the series, Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief, Sammy solves the mystery of a stolen purse while staying in a hotel with her grandmother.

These are just a few of the many popular mystery series for kids. With so many great books to choose from, your child is sure to find a series that they love.

Noteworthy Authors of Kids Mystery Books

When it comes to mystery books for kids, there are several noteworthy authors that have made a significant impact in the genre. Here are some authors that you should definitely check out:

Carolyn Keene

Carolyn Keene is a pseudonym used by a number of authors who wrote the Nancy Drew mystery stories. The Nancy Drew series has been popular with young readers since the 1930s and continues to captivate readers today. The series follows the adventures of Nancy Drew, a teenage detective who solves mysteries in her hometown of River Heights.

Donald J. Sobol

Donald J. Sobol is the author of the Encyclopedia Brown series. The series follows the adventures of Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown, a boy detective who solves mysteries in his hometown of Idaville. What makes this series unique is that each chapter presents a mystery that the reader can solve along with Encyclopedia Brown.

Trenton Lee Stewart

Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the Mysterious Benedict Society series. The series follows the adventures of four gifted children who are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to save the world from a dangerous threat. The series is full of puzzles, codes, and brain teasers that will keep young readers engaged.

Ellen Raskin

Ellen Raskin is the author of The Westing Game , a mystery novel that won the Newbery Medal in 1979. The novel follows the heirs of Sam Westing as they compete to solve the mystery of his death and win his fortune. The Westing Game is a cleverly written mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

E.L. Konigsburg

E.L. Konigsburg is the author of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler , a mystery novel that won the Newbery Medal in 1968. The novel follows Claudia and Jamie Kincaid as they run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While living in the museum, they try to solve the mystery of a statue that may have been sculpted by Michelangelo.

Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket is the pen name of Daniel Handler, the author of the A Series of Unfortunate Events books . The series follows the adventures of the Baudelaire siblings as they try to uncover the mystery of their parents’ death and avoid the clutches of their evil guardian, Count Olaf. The series is full of dark humor and wordplay that will appeal to both kids and adults.

Blue Balliett

Blue Balliett is the author of several mystery novels for kids, including Chasing Vermeer and The Wright 3 . Her novels are full of puzzles, codes, and clues that will keep young readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

These are just a few of the many noteworthy authors of kids mystery books. If you’re looking for a good mystery to read, be sure to check out some of their works.

Benefits of Mystery Books for Kids

Mystery books are a great way to encourage kids to read. They are engaging, fun, and can help children develop important skills. Here are some benefits of mystery books for kids:

Critical Thinking

Reading mystery books can help children develop critical thinking skills. As they read, they learn to analyze clues, make connections, and solve puzzles. This kind of thinking is essential for success in many areas of life, including problem-solving and decision-making.

Mystery books are full of intrigue and suspense, which can spark children’s curiosity. They will want to know what happens next and how the story will end. This curiosity can help them develop a love of reading and learning.

Figurative Language

Mystery books often use figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to create vivid descriptions and enhance the story’s mood. This can help children develop their understanding of language and improve their writing skills.

Mystery books can introduce children to new vocabulary words. This can help them expand their language skills and improve their reading comprehension.

Family Bonding

Reading mystery books together as a family can be a great way to bond. It can create shared experiences and provide opportunities for discussion and reflection.

In conclusion, mystery books for kids are a great way to encourage reading and develop important skills. They can help children develop critical thinking, curiosity, figurative language, vocabulary and strengthen family bonds.

Incorporating Mystery Books in Learning

Mystery books are a great way to engage kids in reading, and they can also be a valuable tool for learning. By incorporating mystery books into your curriculum, you can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and even math skills.

One way to use mystery books in learning is to have students solve the mystery themselves. You can give them clues and have them work together to figure out who committed the crime or solved the puzzle. This can be a great way to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as teamwork.

Another way to use mystery books in learning is to use them as a jumping-off point for other subjects. For example, if you’re teaching math, you can use a mystery book that involves a lot of math problems. You can have students solve the problems in the book and then create their own mystery story that involves math problems.

If you’re teaching poetry, you can use a mystery book that involves a lot of wordplay and have students analyze the language and imagery used in the book. This can be a great way to teach literary analysis skills while also engaging students in reading.

Mystery books can also be used to teach about other subjects, such as space or immigration. For example, you can use a mystery book that takes place on a space station and have students learn about the science behind space travel. Or, you can use a mystery book that involves immigration and have students learn about the history of immigration in the United States.

Incorporating mystery books into your curriculum can be a fun and engaging way to teach a variety of subjects. By using mystery books as a tool for learning, you can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and a love of reading.

Mystery Books for Different Age Groups

Mystery books are a great way to keep children engaged and entertained while also developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are some recommendations for mystery books for different age groups:

Chapter Books (Ages 6-8)

Chapter books are perfect for young readers who are just starting to read on their own. They typically have shorter chapters and simpler vocabulary, making them more accessible to younger readers. Some good mystery chapter books for this age group include:

  • The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler
  • Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series by Carolyn Keene
  • A to Z Mysteries series by Ron Roy

Middle Grade Books (Ages 9-12)

Middle-grade books are geared toward readers who are a bit older and have more advanced reading skills. They often have more complex plots and characters and may deal with more mature themes. Some good mystery middle-grade books for this age group include:

  • The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
  • The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • The Secret Series by Enid Blyton

Young Adult Books (Ages 13+)

Young adult books are geared towards older teens and young adults. They often deal with more mature themes and may contain more graphic content. Some good mystery young adult books for this age group include:

  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  • We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
  • One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Picture Books (Ages 3-5)

Picture books are great for younger children who may not be reading on their own yet. They often have simpler plots and more illustrations, making them more engaging for younger children. Some good mystery picture books for this age group include:

  • The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein
  • Where’s Waldo? by Martin Handford
  • The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
  • The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

No matter what age group your child falls into, there are plenty of great mystery books out there that they are sure to enjoy.

Graphic Novels and Mystery

If your child is a fan of graphic novels, they are in luck because there are many mystery graphic novels available for them to read. These books combine the excitement of a mystery with the engaging visuals of a graphic novel. Here are some of the best graphic novels for kids who love mysteries:

The Secret of Bosco Bay by Carly Anne West

This graphic novel is the first installment in the Hello Neighbor series. In this book, a missing person’s last known whereabouts are traced to Bosco Bay, a local theme park that is about to be demolished. The reclusive former theme park designer Mr. Peterson is once again the subject of suspicion. Will the protagonist be able to unravel the mystery and find the missing person?

The Missing Necklace by J.I. Wagner

This graphic novel is part of the Timmi Tobbson Junior series, which is perfect for kids aged 6-8. In this book, Timmi Tobbson and his friends must solve the mystery of a missing necklace. The book is designed as a “solve-them-yourself” mystery, which means that the reader can try to solve the mystery along with the characters.

Banana Fox and the Secret Sour Society by James Kochalka

This graphic novel is the first book in the Banana Fox series. In this book, Banana Fox, a private detective, must solve the mystery of the Secret Sour Society, a group of criminals who are stealing all of the sour fruit in town. The book is full of action, adventure, and humor.

Agent Moose: Moose on a Mission by Mo O’Hara

This graphic novel is the second book in the Agent Moose series. In this book, Agent Moose must solve the mystery of who stole the golden acorn. The book is full of puns, jokes, and action-packed adventures.

Overall, graphic novels are a great way to get kids interested in reading, and mystery graphic novels are a great way to get them interested in the mystery genre. These books are engaging, exciting, and perfect for kids who love a good mystery.

Where to Find Mystery Books for Kids

Looking for mystery books for kids? There are many places where you can find them. Here are some options to consider:

  • Local library: Your local library is a great place to start your search for mystery books for kids. Most libraries have a children’s section with a wide selection of books, including mystery books. You can ask the librarian for recommendations or search the library catalog for mystery books for kids.
  • Bookstores: Bookstores are another great place to find mystery books for kids. Most bookstores have a children’s section with a variety of books, including mystery books. You can ask the staff for recommendations or browse the shelves for books that catch your eye.
  • Online bookstores: Online bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer a wide selection of mystery books for kids. You can search for books by age range, genre, and other criteria. You can also read reviews from other readers to help you find the right book.
  • Goodreads: Goodreads is a social networking site for book lovers. You can use it to find book recommendations, read reviews, and keep track of the books you’ve read. Goodreads has a section for children’s books, including mystery books for kids. You can search for books by age range, genre, and other criteria.
  • Book recommendation sites: There are many book recommendation sites that can help you find the right mystery book for your child. Some popular sites include Imagination Soup, Book Riot, and Scholastic. These sites offer curated lists of books, reviews, and other resources to help you find the perfect book for your child.

No matter where you look, there are plenty of options for finding mystery books for kids. Whether you prefer to browse the shelves at your local library or search for books online, you’re sure to find a great read for your young reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular children’s mystery book series from the 1990s.

The 1990s was a great time for children’s mystery book series. Some of the most popular ones from that era include The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner, Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol, and Cam Jansen by David A. Adler.

What are some recommended mystery book series for kids featuring kid detectives?

If your child loves reading about kid detectives, there are many great series to choose from. Some of the most recommended ones include A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy, The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon, and Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene.

What are some good mystery books for 8 year olds?

If you’re looking for mystery books for 8-year-olds, there are many great options to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, The Secret Series by Enid Blyton, and The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by Ron Roy.

What are some popular mystery book series for children?

There are many popular mystery book series for children, but some of the most well-known ones include The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner, The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon, and Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene. Other great series include The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton and The Famous Five by Enid Blyton.

What are some of the best mystery books for 10-12 year olds?

If your child is between the ages of 10 and 12 and loves reading mystery books, there are many great options to choose from. Some of the best ones include The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, and The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd.

What is the recommended reading level for Rebekah Girl Detective?

Rebekah Girl Detective by P.J. Ryan is a great mystery book series for children, but it’s important to make sure your child is reading at the appropriate level. The recommended reading level for Rebekah Girl Detective is between the ages of 7 and 12, or grades 2 through 6.

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Mystery Books for Kids: Top Picks for Young Readers

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The Problem-Solving Superhero: A Children’s Growth Mindset Book About Becoming a Problem Solver

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The Problem-Solving Superhero: A Children’s Growth Mindset Book About Becoming a Problem Solver Paperback – October 1, 2021

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The Problem-Solving Superhero is an illustrated rhyming story about a little boy who learns how to accomplish tasks without relying on his parents.

Teach your children independence and the powerful ability to solve problems on their own.

This story is ideal for children ages 4-8 and is a great growth mindset resource for parents and teachers.

Children’s Book Details:

  • Colorful illustrations featuring a young boy and girl at the park
  • Teaches the joy of independence and the value of a growth mindset
  • Ideal for boys and girls, ages 4-8

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No capes or wands are needed for this superhero story; just a desire to learn, grow and try something new!

  • Print length 24 pages
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  • Publication date October 1, 2021
  • Dimensions 8 x 0.06 x 10 inches
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  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HHKNTBD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (October 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 24 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8481452913
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.35 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.06 x 10 inches
  • #515 in Children's Christian Values Fiction
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Hi! I'm Heidi :-) I am a mom of two boys, who were my inspiration for this story. One of my favorite activities as a mom is reading with my children. Ever since they were newborns, I have always wanted to write one of my own and it's been such a fun process! My husband, Eric, and I live in St. Louis, Missouri where we love to try new adventures as a family.

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IMAGES

  1. 30 New and Notable Children's Books About Problem Solving

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  2. Problem-solving in mathematics Book B

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  3. Problem Solving Activities

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  4. Problem-Solving Steps

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  5. Books That Help Teach Kids Problem Solving

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  6. 21st Century Skills

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  3. Nomadic village life, women and children crossing the river without equipment is terrible#family2023

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  5. How to Problem Solve! 💡😃 Songs for Kids

COMMENTS

  1. The 100 Best Problem Solving Kids Books

    The 100 Best Problem Solving Kids Books Top 10 Problem Solving Books 7.0 01 Gus's Garage Written and illustrated by Leo Timmers 7.0 02 The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear Written and illustrated by Audrey Wood and Don Wood 6.4 03 To the Sea Written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson 6.1 Series 04 Rosie Revere, Engineer

  2. 21 Good Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

    Mentor Text Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board. Mostly. His dad tells Jabari that he feels scared too, and sometimes after a deep breath and telling himself he is ready, the thing stops feeling scary and feels like a surprise instead.

  3. Books That Help Teach Kids Problem Solving

    by Meghan Fitzgerald Problem-solving skills are something our children will need to thrive in any setting. One of the most helpful and easy ways to do this is to read, fall in love with and make sense of books that help support problem-solving.

  4. 30 New and Notable Children's Books About Problem Solving

    October 3, 2021 Picture Book Brain Looking for the best children's books about problem solving? These children's books on problem solving for elementary students are engaging for primary and upper elementary kids. Books with lesson plans and activities linked.

  5. Books with a Clear Problem and Solution

    The Little Engine by Watty Piper is a classic book that features a clear problem and solution structure as the little engine helps the broken down engine climb over the mountain to deliver toys to all the boys and girls on the other side of the mountain.

  6. Teaching Problem and Solution with Picture Books

    November 28, 2021 Twitter Teaching Problem and Solution with Picture Books Teaching problem and solution gets a little easier with these picture books. Each book has problem and solution scenarios built into the plot, some more obvious than others. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

  7. 10 of the Best Children's Books That Promote Critical Thinking

    Shadow by Suzy Lee This gorgeous wordless picture book is a guaranteed hit. The young protagonist uses her imagination and her shadow to create a fantasy world.

  8. Kids Problem Solving Books

    The Best Nest (Hardcover) by P.D. Eastman (shelved 1 time as kids-problem-solving) avg rating 4.22 — 14,458 ratings — published 1968 Want to Read Rate this book 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars Home in the Woods (Hardcover) by Eliza Wheeler (Goodreads Author) (shelved 1 time as kids-problem-solving)

  9. The 100 Best Problem Solving Books for 9-12 Year Olds

    To help showcase different techniques for problem-solving, and hone metacognition for kids, we've collected here on this list the very best books for teaching problem solving through children's literature! Reading these problem-solving books with your child provides an unparalleled opportunity to have shared references to help you as a team ...

  10. Children Solving Problems

    Successful problem-solving is a social process. Sharing problem-solving tasks—with skilled adults and with other children—is vital to a child's growth in expertise and confidence. In problem-solving, confidence can be more important than skill. In a real sense, problem-solving lies at the heart of what we mean by intelligence.

  11. Developing thinking and problem-solving skills with children's books

    Describes how teachers can use children's literature to develop their student's thinking and problem-solving skills. Teachers can enhance the effectiveness of their questioning techniques by: (1) taping classroom interactions to assess personal questioning style; (2) acquiring a working knowledge of the microthinking skills; (3) providing time for students to respond to questions; and (4 ...

  12. The 53 Best Problem Solving Middle Grade Books

    To help showcase different techniques for problem-solving, and hone metacognition for kids, we've collected here on this list the very best books for teaching problem solving through children's literature! Reading these problem-solving books with your child provides an unparalleled opportunity to have shared references to help you as a team ...

  13. Problem Solving Books for Kids

    The Genius Files by Dan Gutman Hatchet by Gary Paulson is about a boy who learns to survive on his own in the wild. You can find many of these on Audible! Can you think of more Problem Solving Books for Kids? Share them in the comments! What do you do to encourage problem solving with your kids? Check out more of my book lists:

  14. 15 Picture Books to Teach Problem Solving To Kids

    15 Picture Books to Teach Problem Solving To Kids. The following books are a fun introduction to problem solving for preschoolers. In each of these stories, a character has a specific problem they are trying to solve. Reading about how the characters in stories solve their problems is a great way to help your little one learn how to deal with ...

  15. Books that Inspire Your Child to Become a Problem Solver, a Critical

    Books that Inspire Your Child to Become a Problem Solver, a Critical Thinker, and Change the World By Nurture and Thrive Being able to change one's perspective to solve a problem is a life skill. The life skill of getting unstuck is vastly underrated.

  16. Amazon.com: Problem Solving For Kids: Books

    Problem-Solving Ninja: A STEM Book for Kids About Becoming a Problem Solver (Ninja Life Hacks) Book 61 of 92: Ninja Life Hacks 123 Paperback $1199 FREE delivery Sun, May 28 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Or fastest delivery Wed, May 24 More Buying Choices $7.23 (4 used & new offers) Other formats: Kindle , Audible Audiobook , Hardcover

  17. Picture Books about Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving

    These picture books follow characters thinking independently, critically and creatively solving problems. Others show the importance of an open mind and listening to the ideas of others while still drawing their own conclusions. You will see characters who: Use knowledge to solve problems independently. Predict outcomes.

  18. Problem Solving Picture Books for Math

    Problem-solving picture books can boost your children's understanding of how to solve math problems and enhance general problem-solving skills. Both types of problem-solving involve deep thinking to recognize an issue and think through possible solutions to get to a resolution. We tend to call general problem-solving "logical thinking ...

  19. Teaching Problem Solving Through Children's Literature

    General and special education teachers will find 40 ready-to-use lesson plans that focus on children's literature characters faced with problem-solving situations, empowering students to independently solve problems in their own lives. Students are also taught a problem-solving strategy that can be applied to any situation.

  20. 10 Problem Solving Picture Books for Elementary Teachers

    Below are 10 quality problem solving children's books for elementary teachers. Your kids will love these read alouds! They are great for teaching problem solving, as well as many other concepts and skills. 1. Oona by Kelly DiPucchio. Oona lived in the ocean with her best friend, Otto. She was brave, creative, and resilient- like most treasure ...

  21. MOLLY'S MAGIC Problem Solving Children's Picture Book (Joan's Children

    MOLLY'S MAGIC Problem Solving Children's Picture Book (Joan's Children's eBooks for Emotional and Cognitive Development) - Kindle edition by Paine, Penelope Colville, Maeno, Itoko, Marsh, Joan, Marsh, Joan, Marsh, Joan, Marsh, Joan, Marsh, Joan. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading ...

  22. Mystery Books for Kids: Top Picks for Young Readers

    Mystery books are a great way to keep children engaged and entertained while also developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are some recommendations for mystery books for ...

  23. Problem-Solving Ninja: A STEM Book for Kids About Becoming a Problem

    Problem-Solving Ninja: A STEM Book for Kids About Becoming a Problem Solver (Ninja Life Hacks) Paperback - April 29, 2021 by Mary Nhin (Author) 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

  24. Tony Gardiner, mathematician whose annual schools challenge thrilled

    Gardiner wrote problem-solving books which enabled bright pupils in varied schools around the globe to find a home in mathematics Telegraph Obituaries 14 February 2024 • 6:48am Related Topics

  25. An Explosive Hearing in Trump's Georgia Election Case

    Fani T. Willis, the district attorney, defended her personal conduct as defense lawyers sought to disqualify her from the prosecution.

  26. The Problem-Solving Superhero: A Children's Growth Mindset Book About

    Amazon.com: The Problem-Solving Superhero: A Children's Growth Mindset Book About Becoming a Problem Solver: 9798481452913: Miget, Heidi, Chawdhary, Yogita: Books Books › Children's Books › Literature & Fiction Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime