problem solving picture books

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.

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 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?

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.

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.

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 .)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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?

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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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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 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

You can try a free lesson and activities for Emmanuel’s Dream by signing up here:

So Few Of Me by Peter H. Reynolds

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

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

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 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

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 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’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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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21 Good Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

Mentor Text Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

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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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Back to school would you rather activities for elementary students, would you rather questions and activities for elementary students: june edition, may would you rather questions and activities for elementary students.

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The Colorful Apple

Picture Books about Problem Solving

How can we teach students to problem solve? Using read alouds can lead to some powerful discussions about this important SEL skill. Here are a few picture books about problem solving to share with your class!

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here .

Flight School by Lita Judge

Little Penguin wants to fly! But his body wasn’t meant to take to the skies. It takes some problem solving and perseverance to help him do what he really wants.

What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

Sometimes we have a problem and, no matter how much we ignore it, it just doesn’t go away. The problem just appears to get bigger and bigger. In this story, when the boy finally faces his problem, he realizes it is quite different than it appeared.

Grab this interactive read aloud for What Do You Do With a Problem?

Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty

Iggy is a small boy who loves to build! But then his teacher squashes his dreams of being an architect. A great story about not giving up and doing the things you love.

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Floyd’s shoe gets stuck in a tree. So he throws his shoe to get it down. Well, that gets stuck too. More and more things get stuck in the tree and Floyd has a real problem to solve!

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

A box is just a box…unless it’s not a box. It can lead to such imagination and creativity! A box can be anything you want it to be!

Grab the interactive read alouds for Social Emotional Learning!

Want more book titles? Check out this blog post for picture books about decision making skills !

What are some other picture books about problem solving that you read aloud in your classroom?

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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

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

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

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

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

Three children use their imagination to create real-life objects after finding magic chalk. This wordless picture book promotes creativity, friendship , responsible decision-making , creative thinking , problem-solving and retelling .

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

When war comes to Iraq, librarian Alia Muhammad Baker worries about her library and its books. With the help of the community , she starts to move the books to her own home. Through Alia's courage and perseverance , much of the library collection is saved before the library burns down.

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

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 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

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

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 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, 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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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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Engage Students with Picturesque Problem Solving

Math , Planning

When I mention picture books in the classroom, I’m sure your first thought is of a lower-elementary read-aloud. My kiddos always loved those days–relaxing in a circle listening to the latest iteration of “If You Gave a Mouse a Cookie.”

So let’s bring those days back!

One of my all-time favorite activities when teaching problem solving in the classroom is to bring in picture books and have my students create their own math problems themselves. Then students will exchange “books”–the newly-minted math problems–and solve the problems from their peers to get in the much-needed practice. This method not only helps them practice problem solving strategies, but it also engages and excites them.

If you have extra time, or if you want to make the lesson into more of a project, you can have students create illustrations and bind the pages to make it more of an official problem-solving picture book. Ultimately, so long as students are engaged and getting in some practice, it’s a win!

Problem Solving Picture Book Choices

To start, I go through the various choices to decide which picture book I want to read to my class. There are a wide variety of picture books out there that are wonderful for teaching problem solving skills and offering problem solving exercises. Sometimes, I’ll break my students up into groups of 3 or 4 and give each group a different book to read on their own rather than do a read-aloud.

Still, though, which books should you choose?!

Call me old school, but you can never go wrong with Greg Tang and any of his stories. For instance, in The Grapes of Math , the story follows a girl as she uses math skills to pick grapes from a mysterious tree. Throughout the story, your students can solve problems that are posed by the tree, such as creating patterns with shapes and numbers. He also writes Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving . It features beautiful paintings and engaging stories that encourage students to explore creative ways to solve math problems.

Alternatively, you can check out any of these prime problem-solving pieces:

The Girl with a Mind for Math
You Can, Toucan, Math: Word Problem-Solving Fun
The Boy Who Loved Math
Anno’s Magic Seeds
Math for Smarty Pants

While the books above are certainly excellent tried-and-true resources, they’re just the tip of the iceberg as far as problem-solving picture books go. There are a plethora of other enchanting books related to specific math concepts as well as many excellent series such as the Sir Cumference books, the Arithmechicks books, the Warlord’s Series, and so on. New math books are released constantly, so there’s bound to be a perfect fit for your classroom somewhere!

A collage of six images of problem-solving picture books.

The Problem Solving Assignment

After students have thoroughly vetted the problem solving books, we reconvene to discuss how problems were solved in the stories–easy text-to-self connections, anyone? During our discussion (and afterward!), I try to make problem solving as painless as possible . It’s important that students are able to solve problems and think critically, as this is a life-long skill that applies to so many areas beyond mathematics! There’s really no understating the importance of problem solving; that being said, if you’re in need of help teaching the concept, I do offer a problem solving unit for purchase here .

Together, we discuss the different problem solving strategies such as working backwards, guess and check, drawing a picture, and so on. I like to make sure that I have modeled not only how to solve problems, but also the spirit of perseverance and how to handle mistakes.

Next, I model how to write a word problem. I start off with a one-step problem, but my goal is to eventually have my students write a two-step word problem. Depending on how the initial lesson goes, we may or may not reach two-step problems in one day. If not, no worries! We can revisit it at a later time.

After I write out a word problem, I have students use scrap paper to try it themselves. I’m huge on the gradual release of responsibility model (alternatively referred to as “ I do, we do, you do “). I give students a few minutes to write up their own word problem and then call on a few volunteers who are willing to share. Once I feel students are ready and rocking it, I have them move on to creating their own books!

If your students are still in groups, have them decide on a common theme and then have each student in the group create one of the pages. Then they put them together to create the book. Otherwise, provide students with one or two pieces of copy paper, fold them in half, and voila! They are ready to get started!

Depending on time and desire, you could have students exchange their hot-off-the-press books and complete the problems. If you decide to exchange books, I would make sure that students provide an answer key for their books. Then, when completing the problems, students can check it against the answer key and “grade” it to some degree. Of course, I would definitely create a rubric for a true summative assessment.

You know your students best, so only you can say what the perfect fit is for them. Regardless of how you choose to teach problem solving in your classroom, I’m sure it’ll be a hit!

Problem Solving

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11 Books That Help Empower Little Kids to Solve Big Problems

by Meghan Fitzgerald

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meghan Fitzgerald

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How to Teach Problem and Solution using a Nonfiction Picture Book

You know how much I love picture books and this week is no exception. Check out the Empathy Picture book post!! When it’s time to teach nonfiction problem and solution, I immediately go to my favorite picture book “You wouldn’t want to be on Apollo 13!” I have to tell you that being a native Floridian anything with NASA or Space Shuttles is in our blood. We love everything about it and you can find us up in Cape Canaveral during any launch.

I’m sure you have heard of one of the most famous launches called Apollo 13. If not- watch the movie. It’s freaking amazing. Anyways- the shuttle ends up exploding and pieces of it go out into space. The mission turns from being a lunar landing to a “get the boys home” mission. SPOILER ALERT- They get home safely.

Tired of spending hours searching for the right picture book?

Make all 5 components of reading lessons fun and engaging.

This picture book pack will help with your planning and creating thematic units. Download the entire week of Iggy Peck, Architect.

Using Picture Book to Teach Problem & Solution

How does this picture book help with problem and solution? The mission itself has a massive problem. Like I said before- the shuttle explodes. I start on page 10 and read all about how their day started and how the day went. I do read this after the Titanic book (check this post here) so they have the foundation for Chronological Order. (Hello spiral work!)We are constantly asking- was there a problem? We tend to skip around and get to page 18. Now we come across the problem.

Let your students solve the problem!

Need a nonfiction problem and solution picture book? You wouldn't want to be on Apollo 13 is a great book!

The kids get insanely creative with this. I tell the kids that there is no wrong answer at this time. I also give them hints like they can use the moon to help assist, they cannot get another shuttle out there because they don’t have extra shuttles on hand, and that they need to solve their problem with what they have on board. We spend a good 15-20 minutes discussing alternatives. This puts the learning in the students’ hands. The kids really love doing this activity.

The following day we read page 20 & 21. We review the different options that are provided by the book. Ask the students which they would. Why would they choose that specific one?

We skip to pages 28 & 29 and discuss the problems that may happen if they enter Earth’s atmosphere. Again, let them decide the solution. Once you decide on a solution, read page 29. The students love seeing that the astronauts make it safely back to earth.

Nonfiction Problem & Solution Picture Book

nonfiction problem and solution picture book

It takes patience and a lot of searching for the perfect picture book for each skill. Luckily for you, I have found that perfect book just for problem & solution! You can purchase this book on Amazon !

Picture Book Checklist

We know that not all of the picture books are perfect for each skill. I am giving you my picture book checklist that I use with every single picture book that I use. This checklist is my way of identifying if it is a book if I should bring it into my classroom or not.

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What picture book are you using to teach about problem and solution? Let me teach introduce you to the Titanic.

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Our Mission

10 Books That Model SEL Problem-Solving

These picture books demonstrate social and emotional learning skills as the characters participate in show-and-tell.

Student showing a dinosaur toy during show and tell presentation

As a kindergarten teacher, I struggled and strategized how to successfully conduct show-and-tell so that busy bodies and minds (including mine) could pay attention to peer presentations. I found my ultimate fix when I relegated show-and-tell to the role of “dinner theater.”

Students did presentations during lunch (snack time would work as well), and I quickly discovered that having everyone seated at tables, with their hands and mouths occupied during each presentation, helped with listening, processing, and formulating questions and comments.

Show-and-tell has been a feature of early childhood programs for decades. Originally considered to be a foundational activity for public speaking, it’s also a classroom community-building activity with great benefits for social and emotional learning (SEL). In a thoughtfully designed show-and-tell program, students can work on at least four CASEL social and emotional goals in two SEL domains: self-awareness and social awareness.

For a presenter, regarding self-awareness, show-and-tell can assist with integrating personal and social identity and with developing interests and a sense of purpose.

For an audience member, relating to social awareness, show-and-tell can assist with recognizing strengths in others and showing concern for the feelings of others.

The following picture books feature unique characters who share items and their interests with others. These titles can assist families, teachers, and students with SEL discussions about show-and-tell in a familiar read-aloud setting. Each title offers a unique way of viewing show-and-tell, and reading numerous titles allows everyone to consider a variety of scenarios associated with sharing parts of yourself with others as well as strategies for being an empathetic listener.

10 Picture books That Promote SEL

Clem and Crab , by Fiona Lumbers. While searching for treasures and trash on the beach, Clem discovers a crab. Crab hitches a ride back to Clem’s house and ultimately becomes part of Clem’s school show-and-tell presentation. Clem and Crab’s story ultimately inspires her classmates to action to help clean the beach for Crab. Corresponding coloring pages are available on the publisher’s Free Stuff page. Author-illustrator Fiona Lumbers reads her book in a Waterstones video. (Preschool–grade 3)

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Show and Tell Day! Adapted by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, illustrated by Jason Fruchter. Daniel Tiger can’t find a toy from home to bring to show-and-tell, so he decides to make something instead. Daniel transforms a shoebox, a small blanket, and a sock ball into a bed for his stuffed animal Tigey. (Preschool–grade 2)

John’s Turn , by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube. This book is written from the collective student audience point of view. Young Matthew is apprehensive prior to the “Sharing Gifts” assembly, but he gathers his courage and performs a dance in front of the entire school. At the end of the performance, all of the students give Matthew a standing ovation. A corresponding teacher’s guide is available on the publisher’s website. Author Mac Barnett shares his inspiration for this book in a Candlewick video. (Preschool–grade 3)

Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell , by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Arthur Howard. Mr. Putter and his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry are young in spirit but old in years. They head back to first grade for a special show-and-tell presentation featuring Mr. Putter’s cat Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry’s dog Zeke. If this sounds like a terrible idea, you are right! (Kindergarten–grade 3)

My Heart Is a Compass , by Deborah Marcero. Rose wants to bring “something that had never been found” for show-and-tell. Using her imagination, Rose crisscrosses the universe guided by maps that she makes to seek out a unique object. Ultimately, she presents her maps and shares her journey at show-and-tell, which ultimately inspires her classmates to make their own maps. (Preschool–grade 3)

Our Favorite Day of the Year , by A. E. Ali, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. On the first day of kindergarten, Ms. Gupta tells her class that during show-and-tell, each student will select their favorite day to share. “That way, the class will celebrate it with you!” The class learns about and celebrates such holidays as Eid al-Fitr, Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, and Pi Day. (Preschool–grade 3)

Pete the Cat: Show-and-Tell , by James Dean and Kimberly Dean, illustrated by James Dean. Pete brings his cool baseball mitt to school for show-and-tell. The mitt has been passed down through Pete’s family, and he loves to use it to play catch with his dad. At school, Pete compares his old, but much loved, mitt with the other objects that his classmates have brought in. Is his mitt cool enough? (Preschool–grade 2)

Show and Tell , by Rob Biddulph. Welcome to the most outrageous classroom “bring and brag” scenario ever. Twenty-six second graders compete for the most impressive show-and-tell object judged by their teacher. In this out-of-this-world tale, each student tries to outdo the previous classmate, and items range from a sunflower seed to Big Ben. (Kindergarten–grade 3)

The Show-and-Tell Lion , by Barbara Abercrombie, illustrated by Lynne Avril. At show-and-tell, Matthew blurts out that he has a baby lion named Larry. After fielding numerous questions from curious classmates, Matthew finds himself way in over his head. He shares his problem with his mother, who affirms his wonderful imagination but advises that he should reveal the truth. While his classmates are disappointed, Matthew pivots to sharing a book he has written about Larry’s adventures, which is an exciting show-and-tell. (Preschool–grade 2)

Threads of Me: Kente for Show and Tell , by Erica Asante, illustrated by Chengetai Lerato Masalethulini. Ama’s show-and-tell assignment is to bring in an object that represents her heritage. Ama consults with her grandmother, who tells her the traditional story of Ghana’s kente cloth and suggests bringing in kente that has been passed down through the generations in Ama’s family. (Kindergarten–grade 2)

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MOLLY'S MAGIC Problem Solving Children's Picture Book (Joan's Children's eBooks for Emotional and Cognitive Development)

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MOLLY'S MAGIC Problem Solving Children's Picture Book (Joan's Children's eBooks for Emotional and Cognitive Development) Kindle Edition

Reading age 6 - 8 years
Part of series Joan's Children's eBooks for Emotional and Cognitive Development
Print length 28 pages
Language English
Grade level Kindergarten - 2
Publication date June 29, 2012
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Lily Lemon Blossom Welcome to Lily's Room: (Kids Book, Picture Books, Ages 3-5, Preschool Books, Baby Books, Children's Bedti

Editorial Reviews

From the inside flap.

This story of a problem-solving pig teaches us all that adversity may sometimes be overcome with a special kind of "magic."

About the Author

Itoko Maeno is the illustrator of more than two dozen children's books, including Papa Piccolo, Amazing Mallika, Molly's Magic, Plato's Journey, and Thank You, Meiling . Born in Tokyo, Japan, she received a B.A. in graphic design from Tama Art University. Since her arrival in the United States in 1982, Maeno has focused on watercolor illustration. This award-winning illustrator is the subject of Meet the Artist: Itoko Maeno , produced by Marsh Film Enterprises, Inc.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008GESVVW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ JOAN'S eBOOKS LLC Self-Esteem and Self-Respect Publications (June 29, 2012)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 29, 2012
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3337 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 28 pages

About the authors

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joan Marsh is a member of the '81 Club of Kansas City, Missouri, which was formed in 1881 for the purpose of presenting scholarly papers to the membership, avoiding the forbidden topics of the Civil War, politics and religion. The intimate look at the life of Edna St. Vincent Millay, is the first in a series of '81 Club papers spotlighting such stars as Margaret Queen of Scotland, The Amber Room of the Catherine Palace, Madame Curie, Madame Chiang Kai-shek, Nora Ephron, Isabella Stewart Gardner, David Douglas Duncan, Robert Edsel, which will eventually total a body of work of 25 titles, better known as the

THRILLING READING LIVING VICARIOUSLY Series.

JOAN'S THRILLING READING LIVING VICARIOUSLY Series WEBSITE

http://www.ebooksbyjoanmarsh.com/

FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THRILLING READING LIVING VICARIOUSLY Series

http://www.facebook.com/people/Joan-K-Marsh/100011486057355

FACEBOOK PAGE FOR BUSINESS

http://www.Business.facebook.com

JOAN'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

https://www.amazon.com/author/joanmarsh

http://www.amazon.com/JOAN-MARSH/e/B014JCUH3Y

JOAN'S EBOOKS FOR CHILDREN WEBSITE

http://www.childrensebooksbyjoan.com/

TINY AMAZON LINKS TO THE THRILLING READING LIVING VICARIOUSLY SERIES

POETRY REVISITED EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY (Volume 1)

http://tinyurl.com/qcnqk77

ASIN: B0143UTP2Q

THE SEARCH FOR FOREVER AMBER( Volume 2)

http://tinyurl.com/hxccxtf

ASIN: B014LRVMX6

MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND (Volume 3)

http://tinyurl.com/qzf9hgk

ASIN: B014V0MJGC

SAYING GOOD BYE TO NORA EPHRON (Volume 4)

http://tinyurl.com/q5kfauv

ASIN: B015LFRP4C

THE PEACOCK ROOM and WHISTLER'S MOTHER (Volume 5)

http://tinyurl.com/oyavyrr

ASIN: B017V4XSBU

DISCOVERING ALVIN A Man of Mark and Mystery (Volume 6)

http://tinyurl.com/h5c3px7

ASIN: B018PN1V6U

THE LAST EMPRESS MADAME CHIANG KAI-SHEK (Volume 7)

ASIN: B01IKWLPA8

DAVID DUGLAS DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHER EXTRAORDINAIRE (Volume 8)

ASIN: B01IUNNRG2

MADAME CURIE as REIMAGINED BY LAUREN REDNISS (Volume 9)

ASIN: B01K5Z0XXI

ROBERT EDSEL and THE MONUMENTS MEN (Volume 10)

ASIN: B0722RPJSQ

SAYING HELLO TO JOAN DIDION (Volume 11)

ASIN: B07BCS41XF

THE FLYING LIFE

Iris Louise McPhetridge Thaden and the launching of

THADEN SCHOOL (Volume 12)

ASIN: B07C9VQQV9

MARGARET'S GARDEN

A Personal Memoir (Volume 13)

ASIN: B07C6M3234

MEETING CLARA BARTON

Miss American Red Cross (Volume 14)

ASIN: B07SCVKH3D

ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER and Her Museum (Volume 15)

ASIN: B081K95X8P

ALAN REID MARSH

A Renaissance Man for the 21st Century (Volume 16)

ASIN: B08468GNKS

If 25 is the magic number for publications by Joan Marsh, then please skip to the bottom for a complete listing of the 25 exquisite children's books that form the nucleus of her life's work as a publisher.

All these books are part of the amazon family complete with amazon links.

Joan attended the University of Missouri and holds a B.A. from Texas Tech University. Her major was English, and as night follows the day, led to her 43 year career in publishing education programs for children. Joan and Alan Marsh founded MarshFilm Enterprises, Inc. dba MarshMedia in 1969. The Marshes live in Kansas City, Missouri, where they raised their two sons. Those sons and their families, including eight grandchildren, who live all over the world, were the inspiration for many of the children's stories.

AMAZON LINKS TO 25 PICTURE eBOOKS FOR CHILDREN

These ebooks form a series of luminously illustrated children's stories, each with a timeless animal protagonist, a compelling geographic location, an important multicultural life skills message.

Each serious lesson is embedded in an exciting colorful adventurous story.

The stories are cleverly and skillfully written by published authors with a high level of literary talent and wit. They have been edited and proofed and re-proofed to the most exacting standards of accuracy in grammar, punctuation and fact checking. They have been reviewed...pre-publication...by teachers and librarians for relevance and the power of the message.

ALOHA POTTER!

http://amzn.com/B008LZ8JH2

"You get the idea, don't you? 'Alakuma liked to tease Potter. That might have been okay, but the things 'Alakuma said made Potter feel sort of ... bad. Bad about his size. Bad about his name.

Bad about everything."

AMAZING MALLIKA

http://amzn.com/B008C9K7OK

"Amazingly, marching had made Mallika feel better. Her anger had melted. 'I'll never get so angry again,' she promised. 'No matter what!'

But that was before the langur monkeys laughed at her."

BAILEY'S BIRTHDAY

http://amzn.com/B0083LLTHQ

"Early the next morning, a loud CLANG! from the street below woke him.

Bailey sprang to the window. 'They're delivering my presents!' he said. But all he saw were garbage collectors emptying garbage cans into their big truck.

'Haven't been good enough yet,' he decided."

http://amzn.com/B0083V6AGQ

"But Bastet did not follow. She stopped outside the door. She sat. She thought. She remembered everything she and Sabah had heard about Tutankhamun's mask. The dazzling gold! The ebony eyes! The jeweled cobra! The brilliant inlays of lapis-lazuli and quartz and obsidian! And in her mind's eye she saw, staring up at Tutankhamun, two scrawny cats, one golden and one spotted. That was her dream, after all. Not just to see the mask, but to see it with Sabah. Together.

How disloyal she had been to Sabah!"

BEA'S OWN GOOD

http://amzn.com/B0081VMGDC

"When I awoke, I found myself in the bottom of Cati's bicycle basket. I crawled to the top to see what I could see. I was back in the bee-master's garden, and there was my hive only a few feet away! Even so, I was so cold that I could not fly to the hive.

Suddenly there was the bee-master himself looking down on me.

'I will help you, my little friend,' he said."

http://amzn.com/ B008WX9TOA

"Fiona and Tessy were always pushing Clarissa around. They nudged her away from the sweet patches of clover she found. They crowded her from the shade of the old oak tree. They shoved ahead of her at the feeding trough. But Clarissa never complained. It seemed to her that you had to be big and bossy like Fiona or beautiful like Tessy to get what you wanted. And she was neither.

Clarissa was just a plain brown cow."

EMILY BREAKS FREE

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"Emily looked at Cotton's stricken face and then at Spike's expectant one. She gobbled the biscuit down, but it didn't taste as good as she had thought it would. 'I declare!' cried Cotton.

'I do believe the dogs in this town are the meanest ol' dogs I have ever had the misfortune to encounter!'"

FEATHERS AT LAS FLORES

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"Then, who should show up but Julio himself.

'What's going on here?' he asks.

'Maybe you should ask Feathers,' says Angela. Everyone's eyes turn on me. I mean, I've learned my lesson. And I'm hoping everybody else has too. What am I supposed to say? Then it comes to me.

'HAVA CUPPA COFFEE!' I squawk as loud as I can. It seems the only safe thing to say.

Know what I mean?"

FOLLOWING ISABELLA

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"Then Isabella saw it - smoke boiling up from over the hill. A wildfire raged, sparked by the lightning. Without thinking, Isabella called out, 'Don't run! Follow me!' She turned to Pedro with panic in her eyes. Which way? 'Isabella,' he said, 'you must find the way home!'

She thought quickly...

Oh, what if she chose the wrong way?"

GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN

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"I fell asleep thinking about the dog with no home and thinking about my home and wondering if this might be the night an intruder came, with no watchdog there to warn

HANA'S YEAR

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"How grateful Kenji and his grandmother were that Hana had saved the kimono cloth. Hana would always remember that day - how grandmother patted the top of her head and how Kenji bowed to her once again.

'O-saru-sama,' he said. 'Very honorable monkey.'"

INGER'S PROMISE

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"For the rest of the festival week, Inger was too embarrassed to talk to anyone.

Every whisper, every giggle, every sideways glance - Inger was sure they were all aimed at him.

How would he ever make up for the wedding-day disaster?"

JACKSON'S PLAN

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"It hadn't been easy, but Jackson had stuck to his plan, and he had succeeded.

He grinned a long froggy grin and returned to his dreams of dragonflies and beetles."

JOMO AND MATA

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"An hour later, Jomo woke with a start. He caught a sharp scent that made his skin prickle. He raised his trunk in the air. Jomo was sure he could smell a lion nearby.

Then he saw two gold eyes peering at him from the brush!"

KIKI AND THE CUCKOO

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"Suddenly the small door opened and someone was pulling Kiki gently out of the box. A woman said, 'How did a bird get caught in our cuckoo clock?' A girl stood beside her. 'It's a meadowlark,' the woman said, holding Kiki in her gloved hand.

'Let me see,' whispered the girl. 'Oh,' she sighed, 'are they all as pretty?"

'No,' thought Kiki."

KYLIE'S CONCERT

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"As Kylie traveled along, the way grew strange and mysterious."

LUDMILA'S WAY

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"My dear Babushkas," said Ludmila. "Our Pavel has had only bits of grass and a few bugs to eat today. Won't you share?"

"Nyet," they said.

"Babushkas, might this not be a chance for a new beginning? We could put the old way behind us! We could share and share alike! That is the best way, don't you agree? Pavel? Babushkas?"

"Da!" said hungry Pavel, nodding hopefully at the Babushkas.

MOLLY'S MAGIC

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"'I can't believe we're so busy,' Mrs. O'Malley said. 'It's like magic!'

'Such a clever sign!' said a visitor. 'Why, that pig of yours is irresistible! I had to come and see your farm, and I'm glad I did. This tea is delicious!'

'Pig?' said Mrs. O'Malley, looking towards the sty. 'What pig?'"

PAPA PICCOLO

http://amzn.com/B008J9X1JG

"When nighttime came to the canals and narrow streets of Venice and almost everyone went inside and turned on the lights, Piccolo went out.

The dark was full of possibilities. Who knew what Piccolo might find inside that open window? Perhaps a shiny trinket, a dish of cream, or a pretty yellow canary?

PEQUENA THE BURRO

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"From somewhere in the crowd, Pequena thought she heard a familiar voice. 'There is no such thing as only a burro.' 'Just a little more' - Senora Alvarez called. Pequena pressed on. The heat from the sun and the heat from the effort were nearly suffocating.

And then Pequena felt the rope suddenly go slack."

PLATO'S JOURNEY

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In this age of white lies and casual deceptions, Plato's story will make readers of all ages value the simple truth.

STANLEY'S "THIS IS THE LIFE!"

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"All day Stanley hid beneath a bridge. The early summer breeze smelled of lupines and clover. A grasshopper jumped from a dandelion onto Stanley's nose. Lying in the cool shade, Stanley thought about home. Then his nose twitched.

I know that smell, Stanley thought. Popcorn! He could almost taste the butter and salt."

TESSA ON HER OWN

http://amzn.com/B008EEQ1AC

"At first, Tessa could barely catch enough to keep herself from starving, but in time, she became an excellent hunter. Tessa felt proud to be a fox.

'Nobody can call me lazy now!' she said, carefully grooming her full russet tail."

THANK YOU, MEILING

http://amzn.com/B008HLK5VI

"Song Hai's friend Go Ming runs to sit beside him. I see a wistful look flicker across Song Hai's face. He places his bun back on its wrapping, then tears it in half.

'Here Go Ming,' he says. 'Please share my snack. It's too much for me to eat alone.'"

TOAD IN TOWN

http://amzn.com/B008257T72

"When toad awoke it was nearly dark. He rustled out of his leafy bed. Bright lights loomed up and rushed by with a roar. Then more. And more.

'Where AM I?' he cried. 'And how will I ever get back home?'

All that night toad stayed in the dark, always looking for a familiar landmark, sniffing the air for the smell of the meadow, listening for the sound of the brook

The next day and night were the same. And the next.

There finally came a night when toad knew that his world had changed forever.

Toad would have to make himself a new home in this new world."

Penelope Colville Paine

Armed with British charm and an All-American “can-do” spirit Penny Paine has worked in every state in her many years as an educational trainer and consultant on career and life planning, gender equity and nontraditional occupations.

A graduate of the University of London, she has authored and co-authored sixteen children’s picture books and four teaching guides. Penny is also a book shepherd with To Press and Beyond, providing publishing support for many self-help and children’s authors.

Penny divides her time between Santa Barbara, London, and visiting her six children and five grandchildren in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Texas.

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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!

This post contains affiliate links.

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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Novels & Picture Books

Anchor Charts

Favorite Math Picture Books

By Mary Montero

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$math picture books upper elementary$

I love incorporating picture books into math, so I am ALWAYS looking for new math picture books to add to our collection. When I asked some of my favorite teacher friends on Instagram and our Inspired in Upper Elementary Facebook group for recommendations, they sure delivered!! I’ve compiled their suggestions, as well as many of my personal favorites, into this list of Amazon Affiliate links for you. You can also browse these titles in my Favorite Math Books Amazon storefront for easy shopping.

$math picture books$

Number Sense and Problem Solving

One Hundred Hungry Ants : You can cover quite a few skills with this one! Reinforce factors, prime/composite, square numbers, skip counting, and patterns with these ants who are determined to make it to a picnic.

Math Curse : I love this one for the beginning of the year! Your students will realize math is almost everywhere in their daily lives with this one. As an extension, challenge your students to identify math in the real world and create their own word problems.

Math Appeal , The Grapes of Math , and Math Potatoes : This series of math riddles will stretch your students’ problem solving abilities and encourage faster/easier math computations.

Great Estimations : This book is such a hit! Do you know those people who are just uncannily good at those “guess how many objects are in a jar” questions? THIS book will help your students master estimations too.

Math-terpieces The Art of Problem Solving : Explore the four basic rules of problem solving. This one is challenging and also incorporates art history.

Measurement and Geometry

How Big Is A Foot : The king wants to give the queen a bed, but how on earth will he figure out what size to make it?? Practice standard and nonstandard measurements with this fun read aloud.

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All : This is a delicious book for practicing perimeter and area.

The Greedy Triangle : Find out what happens when this triangle keeps adding angels and shapeshifting into other polygons.

Multiplication

One Grain of a Rice : This is an engaging folktale that is great for higher level problem solving and multiplication skills.

Even Steven and Odd Todd : Two cousins, one who prefers evens and one who prefers odds, spend some time together and you can probably guess how that goes. Activities are included at the end of the book for extensions.

Two of Everything : This is a great book for discussing doubles.

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Multiplication : Who doesn’t love enjoying a little treat once in a while with their class? It’s packed with arrays and multiplication skills.

This post with tips for teaching multiplication facts also has some great multiplication books in it!

The Doorbell Rang : Uh-oh, guests keep arriving which means the cookies keep dividing. It’s easy to see why this one is an Amazon teachers’ pick!

A Remainder of One : The ants are back and this time they’re working on division skills. You can practice remainders and divisibility rules with this one, as well brush up on even number skills.

The Cookie Fiasco : Three cookies. Four hungry animals. Your students will quickly do the math and realize fractions are at play here.

Full House: An Invitation to Fractions : The Strawberry Inn is full of guests and there isn’t enough cake to go around for dessert, so your students will use their fraction skills to make sure everyone gets a bite.

Apple Fractions : This is a nice introduction to fractions and when used at the beginning of the year, it’s perfect for fall apple themed units too.

Polar Bear Math : This true story of baby polar bears from the Denver Zoo uses lots of math as the caretakers learn to take care of the new babies.

Equal Shmequal : This book serves double duty. You can use it early in the year to help students solve missing factor equations, but you can also use it again for equivalent fractions.

Twizzlers Percentages Book : Learning percentages is more fun with Twizzlers!

Pigs Will Be Pigs : Pigs want to buy dinner, but they need to find more coins first. Your students will practice adding and subtracting decimals to what the pigs can order.

Tiger Math : If your students loved the polar bear math, then this book is a must-have for graphing skills. It’s also based on a real animal at the Denver Zoo, whose caretakers must make sure the SIberian tiger cub is growing healthy and strong.

Inspiring Mathematicians

The Boy Who Loved Math : Paul Erdos traveled the world to work with other mathematicians. This biography follows his eccentric life.

Nothing Stopped Sophie : Sophie Germain overcame challenges of her time to became the first woman to win a grand prize from France’s prestigious Academy of Sciences. Her work laid the groundwork for modern architecture, which is featured in the book’s illustrations.

The GIrl With a Mind for Math : Raye Montague wanted to become an engineer, but had to overcome sexism and racial inequality to breakthrough in the field. Now she’s known as a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.

$math picture books$

I’m Trying to Love Math : This book is about things and people who use math in amazing ways. Your students will discover that math is all around them in music, spacecrafts, and even cookies!

$math picture books$

Counting on Katherine : This book tells the story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.

More Favorites

If you’re looking for more math picture books and great math resources, check these out!

Sir Cumference Book Series: This series of ten books covers tons of math skills. Number sense, geometry, graphing, and more are all represented.

Greg Tang is an author and math expert with a great website.

Marilyn Burns is an incredible math educator. Her website is a great resource!

$upper elementary math picture books$

Mary Montero

I’m so glad you are here. I’m a current gifted and talented teacher in a small town in Colorado, and I’ve been in education since 2009. My passion (other than my family and cookies) is for making teachers’ lives easier and classrooms more engaging.

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Picture Books That Teach Problem Solving

A young child using her problem solving skills to play a math game.

Children are natural problem solvers, and they often find creative solutions and workarounds that adults can miss. It helps that youthful optimism makes it easy to change perspective to find answers. In fact, the Jewish value of optimiyut (optimism) is also a term used for the ability to solve problems.

These nine picture books tackle all kinds of problems, from finding lost items to environmental issues . Each also teaches children lessons about ingenuity and resilience.

¿Dónde está Shmata? by Tana Ross

Recommended for ages 3 to 4

Shmata is missing! Is it there behind the pillow — or is that an armadillo? Lift the flaps to help the little kid in this book find a beloved blankie in this sweet story set in Latin America

The Littlest Pair by Sylvia Rouss

There isn’t one animal happy to see a pair of termites come aboard their temporary floating home. When things aboard the ark get slippery and uncomfortable and the little termites have a solution to their problem, all those creatures quickly change their tune.

Book Cover Art for 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh

Taking care of the world may feel like a very big job, but even very little people can help. From turning off lights to using both sides of a piece of paper, this book offers easy reminders for all of us to help protect our planet.

Book Cover Art for Just Enough and Not Too Much

Just Enough and Not Too Much by Kaethe Zemach

Simon is a fiddler who loves a lot of things -- and consequently fills his house with a lot of stuff! Eventually there’s so much stuff there’s barely room to move around. What should he do?

Book Cover Art for A Watermelon in the Sukkah

A Watermelon in the Sukkah by Sylvia Rouss

Recommended for ages 4 to 5

Michael’s teacher told all her students to bring their favorite fruit to school so they could hang them from the roof of the sukkah. But Michael’s favorite fruit is a big, heavy watermelon -- and the roof of a sukkah is really just branches! How will they solve this problem?

Book Cover Art for Izzy the Whiz and Passover McClean

Izzy the Whiz and Passover McClean by Yael Mermelstein

Izzy the Whiz is an amateur inventor who, right before Passover, creates a super-duper machine that whirs and purrs and munches and crunches and miraculously cleans the entire house just in time for the holiday -- but not without creating havoc along the way.

Book Cover Art for Stone Soup with Matzoh Balls

Stone Soup with Matzoh Balls by Linda Glaser

Recommended for ages 6 to 7

How can you make a huge pot of delicious matzoh ball soup when all you’ve got is a cold, hard stone? In Chelm, anything can happen -- and does.

Stork's Landing by Tami Lehman-Wilzig

Israel has one of the largest populations of migrating birds -- and in this story, one of them gets stuck in a net in the fish ponds on Maya’s kibbutz. Maya and her dad have to figure out how to save it!

Clever Rachel by Debby Waldman

Recommended for ages 7 to 8

Two youngsters, Rachel and Jacob, learn the importance of putting differences aside and working together as they solve tricky riddles that change lives.

Using Folktales to Teach Life Lessons and Jewish Values
Successful Problem Solving With Young Children via URJ podcasts
50 Must Have Children’s Books That Teach Social Skills via WeAreTeachers

April 23, 2021

Grades 6-12
School Leaders

FREE Poetry Worksheet Bundle! Perfect for National Poetry Month.

50 Children’s Books for Teaching Social Skills

Launch tons of important classroom conversations.

Five social emotional books laid out on a mauve blanket with reading glasses and a succulent.

No matter what age you teach, social-emotional learning is an essential part of your curriculum. Social skills books for kids are crucial in the classroom for supporting conversations about social-emotional issues. That’s why we gathered 50 (yes, 50!) social skills books for kids, including lots of great recent ones you may not have seen yet, that you can share to help kids build empathy, talk about emotions, navigate tough experiences, and more.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Books About Managing Fear and Anxiety and Taking Risks

1. brave every day by trudy ludwig.

Book cover for Brave Every Day as an example of social skills books for kids

Camila and Kai are both scared about their class’s field trip to the aquarium, though they show it in different ways. It turns out that supporting each other helps them both.

Buy it: Brave Every Day on Amazon

2. A Case of the Zaps by Alex Boniello and April Lavalle

Book cover for A Case of the Zaps as an example of social skills books for kids

Robot Pi’s class is planning a class trip to “where it all started, Olde Silicon Valley.” (Ha!) It’s supposed to be exciting, but Pi’s worries quickly kick into “overdrive.” The fun robot metaphors give kids helpful language for talking about anxious feelings. Bonus: We appreciate the incidental use of they/them pronouns for the main character!

Buy it: A Case of the Zaps on Amazon

3. The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

Book cover for The Whatifs as an example of social skills books for kids

Scary “Whatifs” follow Cora everywhere, and it only gets worse as she prepares for her big piano recital. Her outlook changes when Stella challenges her to turn her bad Whatifs into good ones.

Buy it: The Whatifs on Amazon

4. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Book cover for Jabari Jumps as an example of social skills books for kids

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. Also check out the sequel Jabari Tries to talk about perseverance!

Buy it: Jabari Jumps on Amazon

5. The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Book cover for The Camping Trip as an example of social skills books for kids

Ernestine is super excited to go camping for the first time with her aunt and cousin—until they reach the campsite, that is. Then everything feels scary, and she misses her dad.

Buy it: The Camping Trip on Amazon

6. Anita and the Dragons by Hannah Carmona

Book cover for Anita and the Dragons as an example of social skills books for kids

Fear of “dragons” almost overcomes Anita as she and her family prepare to emigrate from their home in the Dominican Republic. Her brother reminds her, “They aren’t real dragons. They’re just planes in the sky.”

Buy it: Anita and the Dragons on Amazon

7. The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

Book cover for The Book of Mistakes as an example of social skills books for kids

Zoom meets Beautiful Oops! in this book about the creative process and the way in which “mistakes” can blossom into inspiration.

Buy it: The Book of Mistakes on Amazon

8. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka

Book cover for Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle

Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood, and this book captures the emotional ups and downs of the experience.

Buy it: Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle on Amazon

9. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw—she’s no artist.

Buy it: The Dot on Amazon

Books About Friendship

10. rulers of the playground by joseph kuefler.

One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah’s kingdom … everyone except for Lennox, because she wanted to rule the playground too.

Buy it: Rulers of the Playground on Amazon

11. A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Book cover for A Friend for Henry as an example of social skills books for kids

Henry, who has autism, eagerly wants a new friend. But many of his classmates aren’t quite the perfect fit he imagines. Then he builds blocks with Katie, and their tower is just right.

Buy it: A Friend for Henry on Amazon

12. Daisy by Jessixa Bagley

Book cover for Daisy as an example of social skills books for kids

Teasing makes Daisy feel terrible. She spends much of her time alone, collecting treasures—until she realizes someone else is adding to her treasure shelf.

Buy it: Daisy on Amazon

13. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Book cover for The Invisible Boy as an example of social skills books for kids

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party … until a new kid comes to class.

Buy it: The Invisible Boy on Amazon

14. Ways To Make Friends by Jairo Buitrago

Book cover for Ways to Make Friends as an example of social skills books for kids

Friendship books are some of the most important social skills books for kids to have in the classroom. Toad works hard to make new friends. He tries lots of different strategies, including some unusual ones. We like that his experiences let kids know that sometimes making friends can feel hard or tiring, and that’s OK!

Buy it: Ways To Make Friends on Amazon

Books About Identity

15. what are your words a book about pronouns by katherine locke.

Book cover for What Are Your Words: A Book About Pronouns as an example of social skills books for kids

This is one of our favorite social skills books for kids for supporting developmentally appropriate conversations about pronoun choices. Let kids know they have options for the words that feel right—and that it’s important to respect others’ choices too.

Buy it: What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns on Amazon

16. Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty

Book cover for Aaron Slater, Illustrator as an example of social skills books for kids

We love all the Questioneers books to use as engaging class read-alouds, but this one is especially awesome for talking about strengths, challenges, and finding your own way to shine. Aaron Slater has a tough time writing a story to share in class, until he lets his love of art lead the way.

Buy it: Aaron Slater, Illustrator on Amazon

17. Like by Annie Barrows and Leo Espinosa

Book cover for Like as an example of social skills books for kids

This quirky ode to human connection is a fun way to launch conversations about similarities and differences. How are humans like mushrooms, excavators, and hyenas? We love social skills books for kids that get classrooms talking and wondering together!

Buy it: Like on Amazon

18. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that is much too small.

Buy it: Those Shoes on Amazon

19. Home Is In Between by Mitali Perkins

Book cover for Home is In Between as an example of social skills books for kids

If you’re looking for social skills books for kids related to code-switching—navigating multiple cultures—Shanti is a positive role model for students. When she and her family move to the United States from India, the worlds inside her home and in the larger community feel very different.

Buy it: Home Is In Between on Amazon

20. My Very Own Space by Pippa Goodhart and Rebecca Crane

A little rabbit is trying to read his book in peace, but there’s so much going on around him! Maybe he needs some space just for himself. …

Buy it: My Very Own Space on Amazon

21. My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart

Book cover for My Shadow is Pink as an example of social skills books for kids

This child’s family is sure his shadow is blue, but it’s not—it’s pink. And the shadow loves dresses and dancing, and it definitely wants to be seen as it really is.

Buy it: My Shadow Is Pink on Amazon

22. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

Book cover for Eyes That Kiss in the Corners as an example of social skills books for kids

This young girl is intensely proud of her “eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” She also loves that her sister, mother, and grandmother all share the same special feature.

Buy it: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners on Amazon

Books About Overcoming Challenges

23. i love strawberries by shannon anderson.

Book cover for I LOVE Strawberries as an example of social skills books for kids

Jolie desperately wants to grow strawberry plants in the family garden, but her parents aren’t on board. She takes on the challenges of convincing them she’s responsible enough, earning money to buy plants, and caring for the plants once she plants them. This is a good one for talking about how achieving a goal can include lots of different challenges along the way.

Buy It: I Love Strawberries! on Amazon

24. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora

Book cover for The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read as an example of social skills books for kids

Mary Walker was born a slave and persevered through challenges her entire life. At age 114, she finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of learning to read. She’s an inspiration for us all.

Buy it: The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read on Amazon

25. Argyle Fox by Marie Letourneau

Argyle Fox, with his signature style, wants to play outside on a springtime day, but the wind is wreaking havoc with his fun and games. As soon as he builds a card tower, climbs into a giant spider web, or takes up his pirate sword, here comes the wind: Woosh!

Buy it: Argyle Fox on Amazon

26. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

Book cover for Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah’s inspiring true story 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.

Buy it: Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah on Amazon

27. Life by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel

Book cover for Life as an example of social skills books for kids

There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle.

Buy it: Life on Amazon

Books About Kindness

28. a small kindness by stacy mcanulty.

Book cover for A Small Kindness as an example of social skills books for kids

Add this to your social skills books for kids to encourage kindness in the classroom. Simple text and sweet illustrations show a diverse class spreading kindness from one person to another in lots of doable ways.

Buy it: A Small Kindness on Amazon

29. John’s Turn by Mac Barnett

Book cover for John's Turn as an example of social skills books for kids

When it’s John’s turn to perform at the school assembly, he’s nervous, but his love for dancing gives him confidence. His classmates cheer him on. This is a one of our new favorite social skills books for kids to talk about encouraging others and giving each person their “turn” to shine.

Buy it: John’s Turn on Amazon

30. When We Are Kind / Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íigo by Monique Gray Smith

Book cover for When We Are Kind as an example of social skills books for kids

This bilingual English and Diné book uses art inspired by Navaho culture to show how simple kindnesses have a lasting impact. It would be lovely inspiration for a kindness-themed class book or bulletin board.

Buy it: When We Are Kind / Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íigo on Amazon

31. The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura

Book cover for The Smile Shop as an example of social skills books for kids

Disappointment washes over a small boy when he drops the money he’s saved down the drain. A stranger in a photography studio chooses to make an unexpectedly kind gesture.

Buy it: The Smile Shop on Amazon

32. Pass It On by Sophy Henn

When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on! If you chance upon a chuckle, hee hee hee and pass it on. Should you spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and pass it on!

Buy it: Pass It On on Amazon

Books About Grief

33. evelyn del ray is moving away by meg medina.

Book cover for Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away

Equal parts affirming and hopeful, if you need social skills books for kids to help cope with a friend moving, this is the one. Daniela can’t believe Evelyn won’t live across the street anymore. But focusing on cherished memories and keeping in touch helps her manage.

Buy it: Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away on Amazon

34. The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford

Book cover for The Circles in the Sky as an example of social skills books for kids

This folktale stars Fox, who wonders about a dead bird in the forest. This book gives classrooms an inclusive and gentle way to talk about death.

Buy it: The Circles in the Sky on Amazon

35. Rosa’s Song by Helena Ku Rhee

Book cover for Rosa's Song as an example of social skills books for kids

Jae misses his village in South Korea but finds comfort with his new friend Rosa, who lives in his building. Then Rosa and her family have to move suddenly. This reassuring story is helpful for talking about coping with surprise disappointments.

Buy it: Rosa’s Song on Amazon

36. Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane

Book cover for Dadaji's Paintbrush as an example of social skills books for kids

A boy and his grandfather connect through painting. When the grandfather dies, the boy can’t face his art for a long time. Finally, painting again helps him heal.

Buy it: Dadji’s Paintbrush on Amazon

Books About Feelings

37. big feelings by alexandra penfold and suzanne kaufman.

Book cover for Big Feelings as an example of social skills books for kids

An energetic group of young friends has big plans for the day—until big, hard feelings get in the way. It’ll take talking about it and being flexible to get the day back on track.

Buy it: Big Feelings on Amazon

38. I Am Okay To Feel by Karamo Brown and Jason “Rachel” Brown

A boy and his dad walk and talk about their feelings. We love how positive and relatable this book is for kids. Well-researched back matter gives adults lots of tools for talking with children about emotions too.

Buy it: I Am Okay To Fee l on Amazon

39. Great Big Feelings series by Hallee Adelman

These are invaluable social skills books that normalize big emotions for kids. Each book shares a relatable experience from a kid’s perspective and ends with a positive coping strategy. These are also great examples of personal narrative writing (with details about feelings!).

Buy it: Way Past Afraid and Way Past Sad on Amazon

40. Cranky Right Now by Julie Berry

“I’m cranky right now and I have my reasons,” says this main character. Bad moods happen to all of us. Get kids talking about how to sit with grouchy feelings and let them pass.

Buy it: Cranky Right Now on Amazon

41. The Shadow Elephant by Nadine Robert

Book cover for The Shadow Elephant as an example of social skills books for kids

Elephant feels really down. All his friends keep trying to distract him, but it turns out what he really needs is a friend to be with him and his hard feelings until they fade away. This is one of our new favorite social skills books for kids with a message that it’s OK to just sit with difficult emotions.

Buy it: The Shadow Elephant on Amazon

Books About Honesty

42. lying up a storm by julia cook.

Book cover for Lying Up a Storm as an example of social skills books for kids

A storm is brewing … whenever Levi doesn’t like the truth, he kinda sorta makes up other stuff to say.

Buy it: Lying Up a Storm on Amazon

43. Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

Book cover for Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie

Ruthie loves little things—the smaller, the better. So when she finds a teeny tiny camera on the school playground one afternoon, she can hardly believe her luck. She wants to keep the camera in the worst way, but there’s one little problem: It isn’t hers.

Buy it: Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie on Amazon

44. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

Book cover for I Want My Hat Back as an example of social skills books for kids

The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no.

Buy it: I Want My Hat Back on Amazon

Books About Self-Control

45. stop and smell the cookies by gibson frazier.

Book cover for Stop and Smell the Cookies

If you’re looking for a new social skills book for kids that tackles managing impulsivity in a positive and empathetic way, you need this one! Dash Gordon has big ideas, good intentions … and a hard time reining himself in. When he’s feeling down about having a tough day, his mom helps him learn a mindful breathing routine that really helps.

Buy it: Stop and Smell the Cookies on Amazon

46. Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Book cover for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse as an example of social skills books for kids

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can’t wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions.

Buy it: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse on Amazon

47. My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

Book cover for My Mouth is a Volcano as an example of social skills books for kids

All of Louis’s thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth, and he erupts, or interrupts others.

Buy it: My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

47. You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown

Book cover for YOU WILL BE MY FRIEND as an example of social skills books for kids

Today is the day the exuberant Lucy is going to make a new friend! But she finds it’s harder than she had thought—she accidentally ruins the giraffe’s breakfast and is much too big for the frogs’ pond.

Buy it: You Will Be My Friend! on Amazon

48. Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale

Book cover for Clark the Shark as an example of social skills books for kids

Clark is a shark with zing, bang, and BOOM. He zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess.

Buy it: Clark the Shark on Amazon

Books About Resiliency

49. giraffes can’t dance by giles andreae.

Book cover for Giraffes Can't Dance as an example of social skills books for kids

Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance … or can they?

Buy it: Giraffes Can’t Dance on Amazon

50. Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña

Book cover for Milo Imagines the World as an example of social skills books for kids

Milo feels like a “shook-up soda” as he takes the subway to visit his mom, who is incarcerated. He copes with his feelings by imagining the lives of his fellow passengers—and imagines the time when his family will be together again.

Buy it: Milo Imagines the World on Amazon

Use this four-step process when reading these social skills books for kids to reinforce the skills featured:

Describe: Talk with your students, and have them talk with one another, about what they think the main point of the story was. What social skills did the story define? How do you know? Why are these skills important? Can you make a connection to the story from your own life? Make a poster together, or have students write or draw in their journals about these social skills.

Demonstrate: Have a few students act out what the social skills look and feel like. Role playing different ways students can demonstrate these skills will help reinforce the behavior.

Practice: Plan activities where each child has to take a turn to practice the featured social skills.

Promote: Promote, support, and encourage children as they initiate and engage in behavior that demonstrates these social skills. Catch them being kind, flexible, honest, confident, and more!

Looking for more social skills books for kids? Don’t miss:

15 books to teach kids about mindfulness.

24 Picture Books To Teach Students About Kindness
28 Must-Read Anti-Bullying Books for Kids

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30 New and Notable Children's Books About Problem Solving
Books that Have a Clear Problem and Solution Text Structure complied by
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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving by Carl Patterson (English
Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution
Picture Books about Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving

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COMMENTS

21 Good Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution
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.
Teaching Problem and Solution with Picture Books
Exploring picture books with problem and solution plots helps them see a problem being introduced, how the character (s) try to solve it and how they finally resolve the issue. In picture books with problem and solution scenarios, your students will see characters who: use knowledge to solve problems independently. predict outcomes.
30 New and Notable 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.
21 Good Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution
Read mentor text picture books to teach problem and solution text structure. Understanding problem and solution 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.
10 Problem Solving Picture Books for Elementary Teachers
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.
The 100 Best Problem Solving Kids Books
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!).
Picture Books about Problem Solving
Here are a few picture books about problem solving to share with your class! This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here. Flight School by Lita Judge. Little Penguin wants to fly! But his body wasn't meant to take to the skies. It takes some problem solving and perseverance to help him do what he really wants.
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.
What's the Problem?: A Story Teaching Problem Solving (Executive
A Story Teaching Problem Solving (Executive Function) Paperback - Picture Book, March 18, 2019 by Bryan Smith (Author), Lisa Griffin (Illustrator) 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 138 ratings
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 ...
Engage Students with Picturesque Problem Solving
Problem Solving Picture Book Choices. To start, I go through the various choices to decide which picture book I want to read to my class. There are a wide variety of picture books out there that are wonderful for teaching problem solving skills and offering problem solving exercises. Sometimes, I'll break my students up into groups of 3 or 4 and give each group a different book to read on ...
Books That Help Teach Kids Problem Solving
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. Here are a few of our favorites along with why we love them and how they each support children in developing their problem-solving skills. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts.
How to Teach Problem and Solution using a Nonfiction Picture Book
Problem & Solution Picture Book. I'm sure you have heard of one of the most famous launches called Apollo 13. If not- watch the movie. It's freaking amazing. Anyways- the shuttle ends up exploding and pieces of it go out into space. The mission turns from being a lunar landing to a "get the boys home" mission. SPOILER ALERT- They get ...
12 Picture Books About Repairing Things
Stanley's Garage, by William Bee. It's a busy day at Stanley the hamster's garage. Helpful Stanley assists his friends with assorted car problems. (Preschool-grade 2) Courtesy of Publisher. The Doll Hospital, by Kallie George; illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Dr. Pegs runs a doll hospital.
Picture Books That Model SEL
10 Picture books That Promote SEL. Clem and Crab, by Fiona Lumbers. While searching for treasures and trash on the beach, Clem discovers a crab. Crab hitches a ride back to Clem's house and ultimately becomes part of Clem's school show-and-tell presentation. Clem and Crab's story ultimately inspires her classmates to action to help clean ...
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 ...
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".
Favorite Math Picture Books
As an extension, challenge your students to identify math in the real world and create their own word problems. Math Appeal, The Grapes of Math, and Math Potatoes: This series of math riddles will stretch your students' problem solving abilities and encourage faster/easier math computations. Great Estimations: This book is such a hit!
The PJ Library Blog
Picture Books That Teach Problem Solving. Children are natural problem solvers, and they often find creative solutions and workarounds that adults can miss. ... (optimism) is also a term used for the ability to solve problems. These nine picture books tackle all kinds of problems, from finding lost items to environmental issues. Each also ...
3 Picture Books and Activities to Encourage Your Child's ...
This might even lead to a hobby of inventing with cardboard boxes, or participation in the Global Cardboard Challenge. Preorder from: Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Bookshop. Target. Walmart. Picture books and related activities can help build skills like problem solving, ideation, and connection making. Here are three of our favorite books, each with ...
50 Children's Books for Teaching Social Skills
33. Evelyn Del Ray Is Moving Away by Meg Medina. Equal parts affirming and hopeful, if you need social skills books for kids to help cope with a friend moving, this is the one. Daniela can't believe Evelyn won't live across the street anymore. But focusing on cherished memories and keeping in touch helps her manage.

21 Good Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

Mentor Text Picture Books to Teach Problem and Solution

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10 Problem Solving Picture Books for Elementary Teachers – 2024

10 Problem Solving PIcture Books

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Picture Books about Problem Solving

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