Our Favorite Children's Books About Creativity
- Jodi Adams
- Apr 20
- 11 min read
At our house, we read A LOT of children's books, and we want to share some of our favorites with you! In this post, we've included our favorite picture books about creativity and imagination. Feel free to skim the list and see if any appeal to your family. We hope you enjoy!
Think Big
Written By: Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrated By: Vanessa Brantley Newton
Publisher: Bloomsbury (2012)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Art is so much more than easels and paintbrushes. Follow along as a classroom of exuberant young kids explore art and the power of creativity in its most varied forms—painting, music, writing, cooking, performing— there’s no end to where their imaginations can take them!
Why We Love It
Simple rhyming text and cute illustrations
Great introduction to creativity for toddlers
Explores the many forms creativity can take
Great message about embracing your unique creativity (and bravely sharing it with others)
Not A Box
By: Antoinette Portis
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (2007)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: A box is just a box...unless it's not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows.
Inspired by a memory of sitting in a box on her driveway with her sister, Antoinette Portis captures the thrill when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real—when the imagination takes over inside a cardboard box, and, through play, a child is transported to a world where anything is possible.
Why We Love It
So simple...so creative!
Very relatable for kids
Encourages imaginative play in much the same way that One Little Squiggle encourages creative doodling 😊
The book looks and feels like a cardboard box...how creative is that?!
Nolan (3yo) loves it!
Pete the Cat's Groovy Imagination
By: Kimberly & James Dean
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books (2021)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Pete the Cat wants to go surfing, but he looks outside and—oh no!—it’s gray and rainy. Does Pete get sad? No, he doesn’t! Instead, he finds a really big and GROOVY box. Find out in this epic adventure just where Pete’s imagination takes him.
Why We Love It
Familiar character
Full of imagination (and super groovy!)
Great messages about making lemonade out of lemons and creating your own fun
Cardboard boxes are some of the best "toys"! 😊
Harold and the Purple Crayon
By: Crockett Johnson
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (1955)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement.
Harold and his trusty crayon travel through woods and across seas and past dragons before returning to bed, safe and sound. Full of funny twists and surprises, this charming story shows just how far your imagination can take you.
Why We Love It
So simple...so creative- an absolute classic!
Full of imagination...and doodling!
One of the sources of inspiration for One Little Squiggle
One of the all-time best children's books about creativity (in my humble opinion)! 😊
Just A Story
By: Jeff Mack
Publisher: Neal Porter Books (2020)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Reading is wild, dangerous...fantastic! The possibilities are endless, the perils enormous--good thing it's just a story.
A boy happens upon a discarded book that transforms a library into an escalating series of near misses and close encounters with dastardly pirates, a herd of scooter-riding elephants, a big blue whale, and is that an alien in an Elvis wig? But surprise, he escapes without a scratch, because it's just a story...
With an exuberant art style reminiscent of newspaper comic strips, Illustrator Jeff Mack brings imagination to life in this riotous tale about the power of reading.
Why We Love It
Brilliant story and illustrations...I instantly fell in love with this book!
Great message about the innumerable adventures reading can bring to life
Perfect ending!
Be A Maker
Written By: Katey Howes
Illustrated By: Elizabet Vukovic
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: How many things can you make in a day? A tower, a friend, a change?
Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make―and the ways we can make a difference in the world.
Why We Love It
Great inviting question!
Encourages creativity with many mediums
Explores all the things we can make, from the simple to the monumental
Comes full-circle at the end; leaves the reader with an equally great closing question!
If I Built a School
By: Chris Van Dusen
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers (2019)
Recommended Age: 3+
Book Description: If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.
Why We Love It:
Masterful rhyming text
Crisp detailed illustrations
Abundant imagination in every scene
Part of a fabulous series, all of which we highly recommend!
The Fantastic Bureau Of Imagination
Written By: Brad Montague
Illustrated By: Brad & Kristi Montague
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers (2023)
Recommended Age: 4+
Book Description: From New York Times bestselling author Brad Montague comes a top-secret, behind-the-scenes peek at the official agency that keeps the world's creativity flowing: The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination (FBI).
Every day, special figment agent Sparky delivers all the mail the FBI receives to the proper department, like the Office of the Unexplainable or the Department of Dreams. It's a big job, but Sparky keeps everything running smoothly . . . until disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and threatens to topple the whole bureau. It turns out too many people have been holding in their big ideas, and now Sparky must recruit more agents to share their dreams, songs, and stories with the world.
And now, dear reader, will you join the effort and become a special agent before it's too late? The FBI is counting on you!
Why We Love It:
Clever take on creativity
Great message about dreaming big AND taking action!
Invites readers to join the Bureau (and invite their friends), therefore spreading the message to share their unique creativity with the world
The Dot
By: Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2020)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: 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. That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds’s delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.
Why We Love It:
Beautifully simple yet powerful text
Great ending
Perfect story for any child who has ever doubted their artistic ability!
Never Let A Unicorn Scribble!
By: Diane Alber
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Unicorns can run on rainbows, so why can't they scribble?
A little girl tries to teach her unicorn to scribble but soon realizes it's more difficult than she anticipated. Instead of giving up, she uses her imagination to come up with a creative way to help her unicorn scribble. At first, it's a complete disaster, but it ends up being truly magical!
Why We Love It:
Silly, funny, and full of imagination!
Simple illustrations that let the characters' colorful artwork pop
Wonderful message that all great art starts with a scribble!
Lola Dutch
By: Kenneth & Sarah Jane Wright
Publisher: Bloomsbury (2018)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Lola Dutch is a delightfully creative girl who is bursting with grand ideas. From the best ways to serve breakfast -- an elegant feast! -- to the ideal sleeping spot -- a majestic blanket fort, of course! -- Lola is inspired all day long. Her dear companion, Bear, sometimes says she is just too much, but Lola is rich with imagination and originality, which even Bear will agree is AMAZING. The unstoppable Lola Dutch is about to show you how to make every day grand and full of fun. You'll love her so much!
Why We Love It:
Loveable characters
Gorgeous illustrations
Bursting with energy and imagination!
Part of a wonderful series of books
Everywhere, Wonder
Written By: Matthew Swanson
Illustrated By: Robbi Behr
Publisher: Imprint (2017)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: In this heartfelt picture book, readers are taken on a stunning journey into the imagination of a young boy―who explores everything from the pyramids of Egypt to a dusty footprint on the moon―and then back again to the wonderful world right in front of him. From a lost balloon to an endless road, there are stories to discover, to dream about, and to share. Everywhere, Wonder explores the wonder in the world, while encouraging young minds to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, and creatively share their stories with others.
Why We Love It:
Encourages kids to explore the big and small wonders of the world
Encourages kids to take notice of their world and share their stories
Perfect ending!
Reminiscent of One Little Squiggle 😊
What Will I Be?
Written By: Frances Stickley
Illustrated By: Lucy Fleming
Publisher: Andersen Press USA (2022)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: What do you want to be when you grow up? A pirate or a dinosaur hunter, an engineer or a doctor? Through dressing up and imaginary play, there’s nothing these four best friends can’t be.
Why We Love It:
Fun rhyming text
Adorable illustrations
Full of imagination and exploration
Inspiring message for kids about believing in themselves and their future
In My Room
Written By: Jo Witek
Illustrated By: Christine Roussey
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed (2016)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: In her room, a little girl can be anything she wants to be and go anywhere she wishes to go, all with the power of her imagination (and paper, markers, and crayons, of course!). She can go on safari or sail the seven seas. She can be a doctor or a teacher. The sky’s the limit!
Why We Love It:
Neat book design
Full of imagination and exploration
Encourages creative play
Inspires little girls to dream big!
When My Brother Gets Home
By: Tom Lichtenheld
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2020)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: A younger sister impatiently awaits her older brother's return from school. As his bus draws closer, she imagines all the fantastical adventures that await them. From climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in the playground to building a cardboard castle, every adventure, large or small, is more fun . . . when my brother gets home.
Why We Love It:
Simple story that perfectly captures the girl's adoration for her older brother, her anticipation of his arrival home from school, and their wildly creative imaginations
Very relatable concept and scenes for kids
What Can You Do With A Rock?
Written By: Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrated By: Katie Kath
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (2021)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Rocks are simple, but the things you can do with them are endless. Rocks can build, sparkle, and tell a story. They can be memories. They can even be a little bit magic. This ode to curiosity and creative play from New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller and acclaimed illustrator Katie Kath is bound to inspire.
Why We Love It:
Well-written story and cute illustrations
We LOVE rocks...collecting them, skipping them, painting them, etc. Rocks are so interesting and so versatile!
Includes information about rocks and additional rock resources in the back of the book
Endpapers also include labeled illustrations of many types of rocks
Idea Jar
Written By: Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrated By: Deb Pilutti
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2018)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: The idea jar is where students keep their ideas—anything from a Viking to a space robot to a giant dragon. These ideas can be combined to make new exciting stories. But watch out when the ideas escape the jar—they might get a little rowdy! This book is sure to inspire creativity, imagination, and adventure.
Why We Love It:
Clever concept that's very well-executed
Invites the reader to participate in the creative process
Humor sprinkled throughout
Great story for budding writers
Makes me want to start my own idea jar 😊
Little Red Reading Hood
Written By: Lucy Rowland
Illustrated By: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books (2018)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description:
While leaving footpaths
should never be done,
straying from stories
is all sorts of fun!
Little Red Reading Hood loves reading books and making up stories of her own. When she meets a cunning wolf while on her way to the library, he convinces her to stray from the path and read for a little while. But hasn’t she read this in a story before? Perhaps it’s time she came up with a new ending . . .
This is a contemporary and fun take on the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, created by an incredible picture book partnership. With a playful rhyming story by Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle's entertaining illustrations, Little Red Reading Hood will inspire children, and adults, about the magic of books and reading.
Why We Love It:
Fresh twist on a classic story
Playful rhyming text
Beautiful and fun illustrations
Excellent ending!
Great message about the magic of reading and the power of imagination!
How To Write A Story
Written By: Kate Messner
Illustrated By: Mark Siegel
Publisher: Chronicle Books (2020)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel playfully chronicle the process of becoming a writer in this fun follow-up to How to Read a Story, guiding young storytellers through the joys and challenges of the writing process. From choosing an idea, to creating a problem for their character to resolve, to coming to The End, this empowering picture book breaks down the writing process in a dynamic and accessible way, encouraging kids to explore their own creativity—and share their stories with others!
Why We Love It:
Simple, step-by-step guide for writing compelling stories
Provides kid-friendly examples throughout the book
Great book for any budding writer, especially if they need help figuring out what to write!
Little Fox and the Wild Imagination
Written By: Jorma Taccone
Illustrated By: Dan Santat
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (2020)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description:
BEWARE! This is a tale of great caution, terror, and destruction . . .of bath time, and bedtime, and the battle in-between. This is the story of Little Fox and one VERY BIG imagination.
Why We Love It:
Funny and full of imagination!
Includes both the perks (and perils 😂) of great creativity and playing pretend
Perfect book for dads and their sons!
The Magician's Secret
Written By: Zachary Hyman
Illustrated By: Joe Bluhm
Publisher: Tundra Books (2018)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: Charlie loves when Grandpa comes to babysit because he always brings his magical imagination. Grandpa was a magician who knows the most amazing tricks; he can pull a rabbit from a hat and make a coin disappear. But what Charlie loves most are his wonderful adventure stories, and they all begin with something his grandfather has saved in his Magic Story Chest. An hourglass is a reminder of how he defended the treasure in King Tut's tomb from raiders. A long white scarf inspires the story about Grandpa's dogfight with the notorious Red Baron, the great First World War fighter pilot. A coconut shell heralds the story about his encounter with a nasty Tyrannosaurus Rex. Charlie's parents, though, aren't too sure they like Grandpa's stories and warn Charlie that they're just "tall tales." What is Charlie to believe? How can his grandpa convince him that all you need to do is believe and a dream can be turned into something real?
Why We Love It:
Good old-fashioned storytelling 😊
Full of adventure and history
Perfect story for Grandpas and grandsons
Great messages about the power of belief and the magic of storytelling
Fun ending!
The Curious Why
Written By: Angela DiTerlizzi
Illustrated By: Lorena Alvarez Gomez
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. (2024)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: If it’s one of those days, never fear: Your new friend the Curious Why will show you that there’s always something new to discover about the world around you! Do you want to know where the dinosaurs went? How crayons are made? Or what makes a bee sting? This companion to the bestselling The Magical Yet will open young minds to a remarkable world of possibilities, and remind readers that it’s much easier than they think to have fun. All they need is a little curiosity!
Why We Love It:
Playful rhyming text
Magical illustrations
The Curious Why character is full of mystery and intrigue and pulls the reader in
Inspiring message about following your curiosity
Part of a highly-recommended series
We sincerely hope that you enjoy these books as much as we have! To receive monthly book recommendations, sign-up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page. Otherwise, if you have any favorite children's books about creativity and imagination, please type them in the comments below. We are ALWAYS looking for fun new books to read! 😊
Happy reading from our family to yours!
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