Picture Books That Honor Children’s Curiosities
by Aundrea Tabbs-Smith
Children are natural questioners. Their instinct tells them to consistently ask “why” or “how” to understand the world around them. Although it may not always feel like it to us adults, it truly is a gift - a gift that should be nurtured and encouraged.
When children begin to ask questions they aren’t trying to be difficult or rude—they are simply wired to seek understanding. It is our job to encourage the growth the comes with curiosity, foster the connection that it creates and applaud the wisdom that is granted.
Books can be used as tools that can support children if their curiosity is met with resistance - tools that encourage them to honor their curiosity.
The books listed below are curiosity builders. Books which allow children to work their inquisitive muscle, supporting them in becoming their authentic selves. In addition to using books we have the ability to encourage curiosity in our everyday interactions with children.
We can…
Celebrate the value of asking questions: Let children know that asking questions is a sign of engagement and curiosity.
Nurture a culture of questioning: Encourage children to ask questions without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Ask questions ourselves: Model that we are also curious and willing to learn.
Ask open-ended questions: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no".
The Idea In You by Quest Love
Inspires children to find their own creative pursuits.
The Curious Why by Angela Diterlizzi
Shows us that there’s always something new to discover about the world around us!
Why Not?: A Story about Discovering Our Bright Possibilities by Kobe Yamada
Encourages us to be brave, live with our whole heart, and become whoever we want to be.
Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena
Helps us to realize that we can't really know anyone just by looking at them.
How Do You Know What You Know? by Noa Jones
Celebrates intergenerational knowledge sharing, encourages children’s natural curiosity and shows them that everywhere they look there is a story to be told if we just ask.
Aundrea Tabbs-Smith is the author of middle grade book For the Quiet Black Girl: Trying to Find Her Voice in a Predominately White Space and picture book Never Too Much. She is also the creator of the Black Joy by Black Authors Scratch Off Poster. She has a B.A. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Temple University and a Master’s in Special Education from Bank Street College of Ed. She is a former classroom teacher and currently Co Director of an Emotional Well being program at an early childcare center who wants to amplify marginalized voices through literature.
