children's books that promote critical thinking

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

Mikkaka Overstreet

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

View All posts by Mikkaka Overstreet

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

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

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

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

10 Children’s Books That Promote Critical Thinking

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

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

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

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

Shadow by Suzy Lee

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

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

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

Mistakes Are How I Learn by Kiara Wilson

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

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

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

Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young

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

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

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

They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

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

Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems by Carey Sookocheff

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

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

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Best Children’s Books on Critical Thinking: Top Picks for Young Minds in 2023

Introducing children to critical thinking at an early age is essential for their cognitive development. Engaging in thought-provoking activities not only helps sharpen their mental skills but also nurtures their curiosity and creativity. One effective approach to teaching critical thinking is to use children’s books as a resource.

Children’s books on critical thinking provide a fun and interactive way for kids to explore complex ideas and develop their logical thinking abilities. They encourage the young ones to question, analyze, and evaluate information, as well as to make connections between ideas. These books can be a great addition to any parent’s or educator’s toolkit in helping shape the minds of future problem solvers and decision-makers.

When looking for the best children’s books on critical thinking , pay attention to the age appropriateness, content, and illustrations. Choose books that are engaging, relatable, and cover a wide range of topics. Furthermore, look for books that promote open-ended questions, problem-solving, and deductive reasoning. These elements will work together to create an enjoyable learning experience that captivates children’s attention while developing their critical thinking skills.

We immersed ourselves in countless children’s books and took into account the most important factors to narrow down our selection of the best titles that focus on nurturing critical thinking in young minds. Our top picks are not only interesting and age-appropriate but also offer valuable lessons for children to grasp and explore.

Best Children’s Books on Critical Thinking

To help foster a love for learning and strengthen critical thinking skills, we’ve curated a list of the best children’s books on critical thinking. Dive in and explore our top picks to inspire your little thinkers!

Think Like a Detective: A Kid’s Guide to Critical Thinking (Adventures in Thinking)

An excellent choice for parents who want to introduce their children to critical thinking through a fun and engaging story.

• Keeps children engaged with a detective theme
• Encourages problem-solving and analytical skills
• Suitable for ages 5-10
• Only 42 pages, which might be too short for some readers
• Not part of a larger series
• Published independently, so quality may vary

As we delved into “Think Like a Detective: A Kid’s Guide to Critical Thinking,” we found it to be an exciting and thought-provoking children’s book that helps develop critical thinking skills in a fun way. The detective theme and accessible language make it enjoyable for young readers, who quickly become absorbed in the stories and challenges presented in the book.

The activities and questions embedded in the narrative promote problem-solving, analytical skills, and the importance of asking follow-up questions. This encourages children to consider different perspectives and assess the validity of claims – skills that are increasingly important in today’s society.

On the downside, the book is relatively short with just 42 pages, which might leave some readers wanting more. Additionally, this book is not part of a larger series and is published independently. While this doesn’t necessarily affect the content, some might prefer more established or extensive resources on critical thinking for children.

Overall, “Think Like a Detective: A Kid’s Guide to Critical Thinking” is an entertaining and effective way to introduce your children to the world of critical thinking. The engaging nature of the book will surely captivate young readers, as they develop essential life skills in the process.

What Should Danny Do? (The Power to Choose Series)

A highly engaging and interactive book for children that teaches the importance of making good choices.

• Excellent interactive element for making choices
• Visually appealing and well-illustrated
• Useful for children aged 4-7 years
• May not be as engaging for older children
• Some potential for repetitive outcomes
• Missing pages in some copies

As we read “What Should Danny Do?” for the first time, we were immediately impressed by the quality and design of the book. The embossed cover and slick pages enhance the overall feel of the book, making it a visual and tactile treat for young readers.

The interactive concept of the book is what truly sets it apart, encouraging children to make choices on behalf of the character, Danny. Through their choices, kids quickly learn that their decisions can shape the outcome of the story, teaching them about responsibility and the power of choice. This format not only keeps young readers engaged but also sparks valuable conversations for families.

The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching, capturing the attention of both parents and children alike. Additionally, the book is suitable for 4-7-year-olds, making it an ideal resource for early readers who are learning to navigate the world of decision-making.

One limitation we noticed was that older children may quickly figure out the two choices presented in each scenario, potentially losing interest more easily. However, the book’s primary target audience remains younger children, so this may not be a significant concern for most.

A word of caution: some customers have reported receiving copies with missing pages, so be sure to double-check your copy before diving into the adventure with your child.

In conclusion, “What Should Danny Do?” is a fantastic resource for teaching children about the power of making good choices. The interactive element, high-quality design, and thoughtful presentation make it an engaging and educational addition to any child’s library.

School Zone – Thinking Skills Workbook

This engaging workbook is perfect for enhancing critical thinking skills in young children from ages 3 to 5.

• Develops problem-solving abilities
• Encourages logic and reasoning
• Fun and age-appropriate activities
• Some pages might be too simple
• Not a very thick book
• Occasional reports of pages arriving already colored

The School Zone – Thinking Skills Workbook is an excellent resource to help children aged 3 to 5 develop their critical thinking skills through fun, engaging activities. We found the content of this workbook to be age-appropriate and loved that it covers various problem-solving exercises and logic and reasoning puzzles.

Upon using the workbook, we found that it kept our preschooler interested and engaged for extended periods. However, some of the activities were a bit too simple, and our child breezed through them quickly. Although not a very thick book, the variety of tasks still made it a valuable addition to our learning resources.

One minor issue we encountered was that a few pages in the workbook arrived pre-colored, which was disappointing. However, this seems to be an isolated issue rather than a widespread problem.

In conclusion, the School Zone – Thinking Skills Workbook is a fantastic tool for parents seeking to enhance their child’s critical thinking abilities. The workbook’s variety of activities and age-appropriate content makes it an excellent choice for young learners. While it may have some drawbacks, its affordable price and engaging content make it worth considering in your search for the best children’s books on critical thinking.

Difficult Riddles For Smart Kids: 300 Difficult Riddles And Brain Teasers Families Will Love

We believe this book is a fantastic choice for families looking to enhance their children’s critical thinking skills through engaging and challenging riddles.

• Entertaining for a wide age range
• Encourages family bonding and interaction
• Enhances critical thinking abilities
• Some riddles may be overused
• Visual appeal could be improved
• May not be suitable for very young children

When we tried out this book with our children, we noticed that it provided hours of entertainment and bonding for the whole family. The riddles and brain teasers range in difficulty, challenging both kids and adults alike. We appreciated the opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving that the book offers to children aged 8 to 12.

However, we noticed that some of the riddles might be familiar to those who enjoy riddles in general, which could cause some repetition. Nevertheless, it’s still a great choice for introducing new and exciting riddles to your kids, especially if it’s their first foray into this type of activity.

The one area where the book could improve is its visual appeal. While it doesn’t detract from the quality of the content, more engaging illustrations or design could help draw children in and make it even more enticing.

In conclusion, we highly recommend “Difficult Riddles For Smart Kids: 300 Difficult Riddles And Brain Teasers Families Will Love” as a valuable and entertaining resource for developing critical thinking skills in children. It’s not only a great way to challenge your kids but also an enjoyable activity to bring the family together and spark meaningful conversations.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best children’s books on critical thinking, several important factors should be considered, ensuring the book is engaging, insightful, and age-appropriate. We will discuss these factors to help you make an informed decision.

Age appropriateness: It is crucial to select a book that matches the age group of the child you’re buying it for. Too simple, and the child may lose interest; too complex, and they may struggle to understand the concepts. Review the recommended age on the book cover or within the product description before purchasing.

Relevance of topics: The book should cover relatable themes and stories. This will help children make connections to their personal experiences and apply critical thinking skills more easily. Look for books dealing with topics they are familiar with or books that leverage their interests.

Problem-solving opportunities: The best critical thinking books should include a variety of problem-solving tasks for children to practice. Activities such as puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable, while also promoting critical thinking skills.

Inclusivity & diversity: Books that incorporate diverse characters and cultural backgrounds can teach children to be open-minded and consider multiple perspectives. By exposing children to various viewpoints, they can learn to think more critically about the world around them.

Illustrations & visuals : Engaging illustrations can greatly enhance a child’s reading experience. Visual aids in books can help clarify concepts and keep children interested in the material. Opt for books with well-presented illustrations to better engage children and improve their overall comprehension of the content.

By considering these factors, you can select the most suitable children’s critical thinking book to promote effective learning and develop a young reader’s analytical skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some age-appropriate critical thinking books for kids.

There are several age-appropriate critical thinking books for children. For young readers aged 4-6 years, some suitable titles include “The Curious Garden” by Peter Brown and “Not a Box” by Antoinette Portis. For kids aged 7-9 years, we recommend “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt and “What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada. For older readers aged 10-12, consider “Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein and “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart.

Which children’s books promote critical literacy?

Books that promote critical literacy encourage readers to question the narrative, identify bias, and analyze the structure of the story. Some examples include “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka, “Voices in the Park” by Anthony Browne, and “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson.

How can critical thinking activities be incorporated in children’s books?

Authors can incorporate critical thinking activities into children’s books by presenting open-ended questions, moral dilemmas, or puzzles within the story. Encouraging children to discuss these topics with parents or peers helps develop reasoning, communication, and problem-solving skills. Interactive elements such as mazes, spot-the-difference, and logic puzzles can also engage readers in critical thinking.

What are the best critical thinking stories for kids?

Some of the best critical thinking stories for children include “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires, “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds, and “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein. These stories teach valuable lessons about perseverance, self-reflection, creativity, and learning from challenges.

Are there any philosophy books for children?

Yes, there are several philosophy books for children that introduce complex ideas in a simplified and engaging way. Some popular titles are “Big Ideas for Little Philosophers” series by Duane Armitage, “Philosophy Files” by Stephen Law, and “World of Wonder: Meet the Philosophers” by Laura Buller.

How can logical fallacies be taught to kids through books?

Books can help teach logical fallacies by introducing them through engaging stories or characters. For example, “The Fallacy Detective” by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn uses humor and dialogue to introduce 38 common fallacies. Another example is “An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments” by Ali Almossawi, which uses whimsical illustrations and beginner-friendly explanations to teach logical fallacies.

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10 Great Critical Thinking Books for Children and Teens

Top Critical Thinking Books for Every Age

Parents must see it! How to develop your children's logic and critical thinking must be cultivated, and improve children's critical thinking from an early age!

"Critical thinking is an important skill for children to face competition in the future, and it is also the focus of American elementary school teaching! How do learn critical thinking through intensive reading of picture books?"

Critical Thinking is necessary to complete our family baby's daily work, but here also the focus of US elementary teaching why emphasize the importance of critical thinking training? My experience is that American education thinks this is a key skill for the future!

Children's Books for Fostering Thoughtful Analysis

• "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds
• "Dino Dens and Dragon Tales: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure" by Jean Marzollo
• "Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds
• "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom
• "Frederick" by Leo Lionni
• "A Ball for Daisy" by Mary Murphy
• "Cranky Pants Day" by Laura Numeroff:
• "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill
• "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr.
• "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch
• "Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking" by Alex Woolf
• "The Year We Learned to Fly" by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López

Engaging Reads for Fostering Critical Thought in Kids

• "Seven Blind Mice" by Ed Young
• "Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking" by John Miller
• "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires
• "What Should Danny Do?" by Emily Mlyniec
• "The Mystery of the Missing Muffins" by Rebecca Elliott
• "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty
• "The Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It" by JoAnn Deakin
• "Iggy Peck, Architect" by Andrea Beaty
• "Duck on a Bike" by David Shannon
• "Sidekicks" by Dan Santat
• "What Do You Do With An Idea?" by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom
• "Rationality" by Steven Pinker
• "Shadow" by Suzy Lee
• "Going Places" by Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds
• "Mistakes Are How I Learn" by Kiara Wilson
• "Duck! Rabbit!" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
• "What To Do With A Box" by Jane Yolen and Chris Sheban
• "They All Saw A Cat" by Brendan Wenzel
• "Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems" by Carey Sookocheff
• "Bad Dog" by Mike Boldt
• "Vampenguin" by Lucy Ruth Cummins
• "Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots" by Michael Rex
• "This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes" by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
• "Forces of Nature" by Ammi-Joan Paquette
• Critical Thinking for Kids - Amazon

Literature for Developing Critical Thought in Middle Schoolers

• Mind Benders: Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids by Raymond Smullyan
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
• Holes by Louis Sachar
• Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
• What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada
• Rationality by Steven Pinker
• The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking for Children, 2nd edition by Dr. Linda Elder
• An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments by Ali Almossawi

Books Cultivating Analytical Skills in Elementary Readers

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
• Matilda by Roald Dahl
• Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking by Alex Woolf
• Critical Thinking Activity Book For Kids Ages 6 to 8 by Jennifer L. Trace

Picture Books Inspiring Analytical Skills for Kindergarteners

• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
• Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins
• Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek
• The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
• White Is for Blueberry by George Shannon and Laura Dronzek
• The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
• What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom
• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Intellectually Stimulating Reads for High School Students

• "The Art of Reasoning: An Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking" by David Kelley
• "The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking for Children" by Dr. Linda Elder
• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
• "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling
• "On Bullshit" by Harry G. Frankfurt
• "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
• "The Art of Argument" by Rolf Dobelli
• "Mistakes Were Made But Not By Me" by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
• "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella Meadows
• "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
• "The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell
• "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
• "How to Read a Book" by Mortimer Adler
• "An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments" by Ali Almossawi

Teen-Friendly Books for Nurturing Analytical Thinking

• "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
• "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe
• "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• "1984" by George Orwell
• "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
• "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• "Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell
• "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz
• "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" by Karen Joy Fowler
• "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli
• "Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy" by The School of Life

10 Great Critical Thinking Books for Kids and Teens

1.  children's book of philosophy  .

2.  101 Fresh & Fun Critical-Thinking Activities  

3.  81 Fresh & Fun Critical-Thinking Activities  

4.  The Cartoon Introduction to Philosophy  

5. The Fallacy Detective  

• For ages twelve through adult.
• Fun to use -- learn skills you can use right away.
• Peanuts, Dilbert, and Calvin and Hobbes cartoons.
• Includes The Fallacy Detective Game.
• Exercises with answer key.

6.  The Art of Argument  

7.  A Rulebook for Arguments  

8.  Rhetoric Alive!: Principles of Persuasion  

9.  Mastering Logical Fallacies  

10.  What Do You Do With A Problem?  

How Promoting Critical Thinking in Kids Through Books?

• Critical Thinking Skills - Focus on the Family Teaching children to think critically, whether in books or about what people say, is a skill. It was the first step in teaching my kids the critical thinking process. 
• How Reading Improves Critical Thinking - Critical thinking is an important skill for children to develop as they grow. Good critical thinking skills can be attained in a variety of ways. Reading mystery books.  

Conclusion of the Critical Thinking Books for Children and Teens

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About Muhiuddin Alam

Muhiuddin Alam is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ReadingAndThinking.com. He serves as a consistent contributor to various websites and publications, including Medium , Quora , Reddit , Linkedin , Substack , Vocal , Flipboard , and Amazon KDP . Alam personally read numerous books and, for the past 10 years, has been providing book recommendations and reviews. Find Me: About Me & Google Knowledge Panel .

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Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Kids: Top Critical Thinking Books

Critical thinking allows children to think independently, taking into account factual evidence and rational analysis. It makes room for mental growth and lifelong learning. It also helps kids

Interlink ideas and information

Make rational choices

Solve problems creatively

Perform better academically

Children tend to learn through trial and error. However, with the right resources and guidance, you can develop critical thinking skills in kids .

Here are some critical thinking books that would certainly help.

What to Do With a Box

- By Jane Yolen

‘What to Do With a Box’ is a charming critical thinking book that encourages children to wonder and question what all can be done with a cardboard box. It is all about using critical thinking to bring creative ideas to life.

Reading Age 6 to 8 years

Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy

- By The School of Life

Children ask the toughest questions, sometimes even the meaning of it all. Big Ideas for Curious Minds is a wonderful children’s book that promotes critical thinking and nurtures kids’ philosophical instincts. It takes them through the ideas of the great thinkers from different eras, such as Buddha, Socrates, Aristotle, Friedrich Nietzsche, and many more. Moreover, it is filled with attractive illustrations and exercises for kids.

Reading Age 9 to 12 years

101 Brain Booster Activity Book: Fun Activity Book for Children

- By Wonder House Books

101 Brain Booster is one of the best books on critical thinking. It consists of puzzles, educational games, and fun activities that also help kids develop motor skills. Moreover, the colourful and engaging illustrations promote relaxation and creativity.

Reading Age 6 to 10 years

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It

- By JoAnn Deak

It’s always good to have an awareness and understanding of our own brain and its thought process. Author JoAnna Deak simplifies the functioning of the brain in this super interesting children’s book Your Fantastic Elastic Brain. It focuses on how kids can ‘stretch’ and shape their brain through new knowledge, mistakes, and practice.

Reading Age 4 to 8 years

The Thingamabob

- By Il Sung Na

The Thingamabob is a delightful and straightforward critical thinking book that tells the story of an elephant and how he uses critical thinking to figure out what the mysterious red object is. The elephant character also asks a lot of questions prompting children to think and engage.

Reading Age 3 to 7 years

The Most Magnificent Thing

- By Ashley Spires

Through this funny critical thinking book, author Ashley Spires gives a perfect example of how passion and creativity can be rewarding.

Going Places

- By Peter and Paul Reynolds

Going Places is one of the top-rated critical thinking books for kids that consists of a story of children who won a go-cart contest by thinking creatively and outside the box. The book is a pleasure to read and features the stunning artwork of New York Times bestselling illustrator Peter H. Reynolds.

On A Beam of Light – A Story of Albert Einstein

- By Jennifer Berne

On a Beam of Light is another interesting children’s book that promotes critical thinking. It talks about the powerful difference our imagination can make in life.

Reading Age 5 to 8 years

Rosie Revere, Engineer (The Questioneers)

- By Andrea Beaty

One of the best books on critical thinking is about a girl, Rosie, who becomes an engineer and shows that everything is possible with creativity and persistence. What makes it even beautiful is its whimsical illustrations and rhyming verses.

Reading Age 5 years and up

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

- By Deborah Heiligman

This beautiful book reveals how passion can help develop an interest in science and math. It also encourages children to learn new things in a fun way.

Reading Age 3 to 8 years

These books would help develop critical thinking skills in kids, but they would also boost their creativity and reading skills. I hope this was helpful!

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School Reading List

Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK

Home » Children's nonfiction, genre and cross-curricular topic books » Books to encourage critical and creative thinking skills

Books to encourage critical and creative thinking skills

Thinking skills – children’s books to encourage creative and critical thinking

Books to encourage thinking skills – this list of books contains texts that have been specifically selected to promote both critical and creative thinking skills through reading.

The fiction and nonfiction titles below will encourage children to independently engage in critical and creative thinking. For example, thinking critically, analysing and evaluating characters and storylines, observing, inferring and predicting what might happen next and reflecting using reasoning to support their interpretation and evaluation.

Children can also look at plots, characters and situations to stop and think, consider cause and effect, and propose their own original solutions to narrative problems. There are also titles to help children engage in creative thinking processes, think outside the box, think differently, use fresh perspectives, consider different points of view, and use teamwork and communication to present imaginative ideas.

This list includes titles by authors including Oliver Jeffers, Alice James, Alex Frith, Petr Horáček, Hannah Peck, John Condon, Leo Timmers and The School of Life.

Children’s books to encourage creative and critical thinking skills – our recommended titles

What will i discover by tanya lloyd ky, illustrated by rachel qiuqi.

‘Why does every humpback whale sing a different sound’ and ‘How many dinosaurs roamed the Earth’ are just two of the big questions posed in this beautifully illustrated large-format picture book. With awe and wonder oozing from every page, ‘What Will I Discover’ is a joy to read and share with preschool and EYFS-aged children.

Big Cat by Jess Racklyeft

Seven-year-old Catherine is neat and precise and when she discovers a very wild cat, they find adventure in the most unlikely of places. With clever multi-perspective illustrations and short bursts of text that will encourage children to think differently and ask questions, Big Cat is highly recommended for reading and discussing with EYFS and lower KS1 children.

The Best Bear Tracker by John Condon and Julia Christians

A confident young girl is determined to follow the ‘Bear Tracker Rules’ and become the best bear tracker in the world. Children will love spotting the curious family of bears that follow her, undetected, throughout her quest in this hilarious picture book story for EYFS and KS1. If you are teaching instructional and procedural writing in Year 2 or lower KS2, ‘The Best Bear Tracker’ would make a great text to use for modelling and developing logical ideas and to encourage critical thinking skills.

The General by Michael Foreman

When an important army general falls from his horse, he looks up, dazed, and appreciates the beauty of his surroundings. This sets into motion a plan to change the world and strive for peace. Written at the height of the Cold War, ‘The General’ is still a highly relevant picture book to read and discuss in KS2 PSHE classes. The distinctive illustrations will inspire children’s artwork in KS2 – particularly the mosaic-style depiction of the army camp from above.

Meanwhile Back On Earth by Oliver Jeffers

When two children can’t stop arguing, their dad decides to take them on a journey through time and space. Looking back at the planet Earth helps to teach his children what matters, what makes us human and what brings people together in harmony. Exquisitely illustrated, this hardback picture book is a wonderful achievement, both visually and in terms of the powerful and universal message. The sparse text is both thought-provoking and inspiring and will challenge the reader’s views on the value of life and mankind’s place in the universe. Highly recommended for reading and discussing with classes in KS1.

A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends by Philip Waechter

When Racoon realises that he has no eggs for his cake, he visits Fox. Fox needs to fix the roof, so they enlist the help of Bear, beginning a heartwarming quest of camaraderie, helpfulness and cake. A sparkling picture book about friendship, community and positivity and what makes an enjoyable day. A useful resource for EYFS and KS1 teachers to use when modelling story journeys.

The Perfect Present by Petr Horáček

Best friends Tom and Mot give each other a wonderfully imaginative birthday present. Tom gifts a beautiful feather. Might it be from a magical bird? Mot gives a marble. Or perhaps it is a tiny planet? The Perfect Present is a highly creative and charming story with glorious and colourful illustrations. It’s ideal for eliciting creative thinking skills in class discussions. For EYFS and KS1 teachers looking for large display ideas, the multicoloured feather in particular will provide a wealth of inspiration.

A Little Bit of Hush by Paul Stewart

Disturbed by the chattering starlings, squawking crows and banging woodpeckers, the poor baby squirrels can’t get any sleep! With charming collage-style illustrations, ‘A Little Bit of Hush’ explores how we react to noise, and helps to explain mindfulness and consideration for the feelings of others with pupils in EYFS. It’s also a great story to help promote peace and quiet at bedtime with younger children.

Elephant Island by Leo Timmers

When a seafaring elephant with a captain’s hat finds himself marooned on a rock, he works together with a mouse to build an island. After some time, more and more animals help out, and the island becomes more and more spectacular. It even develops a Ferris wheel! With themes of ambition, growth, perseverance, and confidence in the face of peril; as well as captivating illustrations; this book is perfect to read and share with EYFS classes or discuss and think about creatively in PSHE lessons with older children. It’s a unique book that children will want to read, imagine, and think about again and again.

To Catch a Cloud by Elena de Roo and Hannah Peck

When a young boy spots a cloud he challenges it to catch him – and so begins a chase over land and sea in many kinds of weather. Told in the first person through rhyming verse and spectacular vibrant illustrations, this is a fantastic source of inspiration for creative writing, poetry modelling and display ideas in KS1 classes. In particular, the artwork, depicting interesting and unexpected perspectives, really makes the wind and weather come alive.

The Very Hard Book by Idan Ben-Barak

This innovative paperback invites children to think. Exploring metacognition and critical thinking in a way that primary-aged children will understand, this book encourages children to consider logic, perception, paradoxes and more, through big bold, illustrations, clever typography and engaging short bursts of text. The perfect book for thinking children, it’s very hard not to like everything about this book.

Big Questions about the Universe by Alice James and Alex Frith

When experts at London’s Royal Observatory collected the most interesting ‘big questions’ children had asked, topics included the solar system, how stars were formed, how people can live and travel in space and how much we know about our existence and the universe. This book helps to answer these questions, and more, in a brightly illustrated hardback that’s jam-packed with short bursts of facts, details and ideas to spark the imagination. Refreshingly ambitious, and not dumbed down in any way, Big Questions about the Universe is highly recommended for KS2 libraries,  and also extension reading to encourage the development of thinking skills in greater-depth students.

Mathematics for Beginners by Sarah Hull and Tom Mumbray

If a child questions why we learn maths, then reading this book will provide them with many fascinating and relevant answers. Each chapter covers an exciting concept that will appeal to both children who are interested in Maths and those who enjoy being challenged. Including clear and concise introductions to mathematical modelling, probability, game theory and the concept of proof, this is a great read for ‘greater-depth’ students in years 5&6, and a useful resource for lower KS3 libraries.

Ten Ways to Build a Brilliant Brain by Nicola Morgan

This comprehensive guide to building a brilliant brain includes advice on healthy eating, developing a growth mindset and positive outlook exercising, being inquisitive, reading books, making friends, improving resilience and resting and sleeping well. The high-quality text isn’t dumbed down and is presented in short bursts of clarity with helpful graphics and illustrations. An inspiring and practical read, this book will appeal to children aged 10-13 who are experiencing change, school transition, or who want to learn how to improve their confidence. Highly recommended.

Big Ideas from History by The School Of Life

Thorough, in-depth, enticingly illustrated and thought-provoking, ‘Big Ideas from History’ covers a diverse selection of civilisations and cultures. It doesn’t simply explain the where, who and when; it focuses on the how and why; and prompts children to think critically. It spans prehistory, ancient realms, the middle ages, the early modern period, industrialisation, the world of today and predictions for the future. A substantial book in every sense – this 320-page hardback weighs in at over two-thirds of a kilogram – this is the perfect ‘big’ book present for a curious upper primary or lower secondary-aged child. There is a free extract here .

Books to encourage children to use thinking skills – bulk orders and class sets

To buy a pack of all or some of the books in this list, or to order class sets of book(s) in this list, please click the button below to order via uk.bookshop.org, an organisation that supports local bookshops.

Disclosure: If you buy books using the button above, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

Critical and creative thinking skills resources

• There’s a great set of free resources designed to help schools develop a culture of critical and creative thinking in science, produced by Stem Learning.
• Educations Scotland’s National Improvement Hub has made available a framework for students to ‘design their own thinking, including extensive case studies, downloadable discussion prompts, and practical activities.
• The Geographical Association has collated an exhaustive series of case studies with real-world examples of how primary schools have used thinking skills to deepen geographical enquiry.
• CEA has curated a comprehensive set of free curricular and cross-curricular resources for primary schools with crib sheets covering interpreting information, how to problem solve, how to make decisions, how to think creatively, how to work in a team and how to manage yourself. These resources are potentially very useful for evidencing the development and integration of thinking skills for Ofsted deep dives in school inspections.
• The Department for Education in Southern Australia has published a useful aide-memoire that explains what critical and creative thinking is, and how it applies to children’s learning, in a brief and helpful format for parents and stakeholders.

If you liked this list of children’s books to encourage creative and critical thinking skills, you might also enjoy our collection of books for bored children , narrative nonfiction texts and our children’s literature podcast .

About Tom Tolkien

Further Reading

• Resources for English Teachers
• BookTok: a blessing or a curse? | Series 1, Episode 18
• How to halt the summer slide by encouraging students…
• Big Ideas From Literature by The School of Life
• The Reading Framework | Series 1, Episode 13
• How to use Lego to encourage reading skills | Series…

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This booklist was last updated on July 27th, 2023 and first published in 2022 .

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Announcing a New Children’s Book that Promotes Critical Thinking

A new book teaches young children about critical thinking and evidence. It’s not only educational but colorful and funny. Too many adults are like Henry, the little boy in the story who rejects clear evidence and persists in what he wants to believe.

The book is available for pre-order at Amazon and Barnes and Noble . The official release date is August 8, 2022. They will use the presales as a measure of how many to print and stock across the country in their warehouses. The more they stock the quicker the delivery time.

If you don’t want to wait, it’s available for purchase now at Book Baby .

Henry is a little boy who has lost a tooth and is eagerly looking forward to getting his money from the Tooth Fairy. His older sister Harriet tells him there is no such thing as the Tooth Fairy. She doesn’t just tell him; she asks questions he can’t answer (like how does she get into his room and what does she do with all the teeth). She devises several clever experiments to convince Henry that it is their parents who put the money under his pillow. She shows Henry footprints, fingerprints, and video camera evidence. Henry stubbornly rejects every bit of evidence, even when his sister elicits a direct confession from the parents. First they told him there was a Tooth Fairy and now they say there isn’t; so either they were lying then or they’re lying now. He can’t believe anything they say, so he insists on going by what he knows . He knows the Tooth Fairy is real because she brings him money.

At the back of the book there is a bonus three-page introduction to how our brains work, how they can fool us, and the importance of evidence and critical thinking.

It is intended for ages 6-8 but even younger children will recognize that Henry is wrong and will laugh at his stubbornness and folly. And adults will appreciate the book more than children, because they will recognize skeptical details and references that mean nothing to young children. Every time I re-read the book, I notice another detail I had missed. A box is labeled “Dunning Kruger foil”. Henry is covering his stuffed rabbit’s eyes to keep it from looking at the photographic evidence. An ET is slumped against the wall. Henry has a book about the Bermuda Triangle. There are pictures of Carl Sagan and James Randi on the wall. Uri Geller is shown bending a spoon.

Don’t miss the very last page, where Henry wonders what his sister will think of his Invisible Dragon.

Mom and Dad could have a competition to see who can spot the most details with skeptic themes. They could start a family discussion about adults the children know who act like Henry. Does Uncle Bob refuse vaccines? Does Aunt Martha refuse to wear a seatbelt? Does Grandmother swear that astrology is true or that homeopathy and therapeutic touch really worked for her? Is Cousin Morris taking ivermectin to ward off COVID-19?

Every day I see more Henrys who ignore clear evidence and persist in believing what they want to believe because it benefits them in some way. They rationalize, cry “fake news”, make up unlikely excuses, and even invent complicated conspiracy theories to protect their cherished beliefs. I needn’t give examples; I’m sure you have run across plenty of Henrys yourself.

Henry’s sister Harriet is a great example of a scientist, a skeptic, and a critical thinker. Henry is a perfect example of…something else. We need more Harriets and fewer Henrys.

Kevin and I did our best to keep the cost of the book down: only $14.99. We’re not looking to make a profit, but we had to spend our own money to self-publish and we’re hoping to get some of that money back. We think the book is a very important addition to the skeptical literature for children. A number of prominent skeptics agreed and wrote favorable comments.

It can be incredibly difficult to change a belief, especially when it was based on emotion and superstition rather than on reason and evidence. This book promises to be a valuable tool. I urge you to buy a copy (or preferably several copies) to give to children you know who might benefit. And even to certain adults who might benefit even more! And consider donating copies to schools and libraries. Please help us get the next generation off to a good start. Thanks!

Harriet Hall, MD also known as The SkepDoc, is a retired family physician who writes about pseudoscience and questionable medical practices. She received her BA and MD from the University of Washington, did her internship in the Air Force (the second female ever to do so),  and was the first female graduate of the Air Force family practice residency at Eglin Air Force Base. During a long career as an Air Force physician, she held various positions from flight surgeon to DBMS (Director of Base Medical Services) and did everything from delivering babies to taking the controls of a B-52. She retired with the rank of Colonel.  In 2008 she published her memoirs, Women Aren't Supposed to Fly .

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• Posted in: Announcements , Book & movie reviews , Critical Thinking
• Tagged in: critical thinking , evidence , Tooth Fairy

Posted by Harriet Hall

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Developing Children's Critical Thinking through Picturebooks: A guide for primary and early years students and teachers 1st Edition

Purchase options and add-ons.

This accessible text will show students and class teachers how they can enable their pupils to become critical thinkers through the medium of picturebooks. By introducing children to the notion of making-meaning together through thinking and discussion, Roche focuses on carefully chosen picturebooks as a stimulus for discussion, and shows how they can constitute an accessible, multimodal resource for adding to literacy skills, while at the same time developing in pupils a far wider range of literary understanding.

By allowing time for thinking about and digesting the pictures as well as the text, and then engaging pupils in classroom discussion, this book highlights a powerful means of developing children’s oral language ability, critical thinking, and visual literacy, while also acting as a rich resource for developing children’s literary understanding. Throughout, Roche provides rich data and examples from real classroom practice.

This book also provides an overview of recent international research on doing ‘interactive read alouds’, on what critical literacy means, on what critical thinking means and on picturebooks themselves.

Lecturers on teacher education courses for early years or primary levels, classroom teachers, pre-service education students, and all those interested in promoting critical engagement and dialogue about literature will find this an engaging and very insightful text.

• ISBN-10 0415727685
• ISBN-13 978-0415727686
• Edition 1st
• Publisher Routledge
• Publication date July 23, 2014
• Language English
• Dimensions 7 x 0.75 x 9.75 inches
• Print length 210 pages
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

"This book is exactly what it claims to be on the cover – it is a well-mapped guide for classroom teachers, students or parents who are looking for ways to engage young students in reading activities that will develop their critical literacy and their critical thinking skills. […] I would recommend this book to all primary school teachers, as well as to second-level English and SEN teachers." – Jean Johnston, ILSA Quarterly

"The voices of children and teachers, richly engaged with picturebooks, resound enthrallingly in this enthusiastic, thoughtful and superbly well-informed account of productive classroom practice." - UKLA Academic Book Award Panel

"This book brings together into one voice the best of an academic, scholar and educational practitioner working to develop the quality of the educational experience for children in circumstances where values of humanity often seem to be, at best ignored, and at worst felt to be voilating contradictions" - Mary Huxtable, Educational Journal of Living Theories

"I would cerntainly recommend this book for teachers eager to put their students at the heart of an authentic learning environment where teachers and pupils create and negotiate meaning together" - Duncan McCarthy, InTouch Magazine

"Mary Roche has created a bright, engaging, and academically rigorous study of the powerful role that picture books play in the primary classroom. She has just been highly commended for its significant contribution to the teaching of English at the UKLA academic book awards. " - Martin Galway, Herts for Learning

About the Author

Mary Roche is Senior Lecturer in Education at St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Ireland.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 1st edition (July 23, 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0415727685
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0415727686
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.75 x 9.75 inches

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The Role of Children’s Books in Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Introduction

Every youngster needs to develop the essential ability of reading. However, it goes beyond simply decoding words and comprehending their meanings. Reading is crucial for fostering critical thinking abilities. Being able to examine information, evaluate it, and make choices based on what you know is known as critical thinking. Because they are created to hold children’s interest and encourage critical thinking, children’s books are an excellent tool to teach these abilities.

In this article, we’ll talk about how reading children’s books can help kids learn how to think critically. We’ll talk about how reading can help kids develop these skills. We’ll also give parents and other adults ideas for how to push kids to read critically.

Children’s Books and the Development of Critical Thinking Skills

• Promoting Inquiry and Questioning

There are often new ideas and topics in children’s books that might interest a child. Curious kids are more likely to want to ask questions, look for answers, and think about what’s going on around them. Books that get kids interested in a topic usually do it in a way that is fun to read and easy to understand, like by using pictures, characters they can connect to, and interesting plots.

• Developing Evaluative and Analytical Capabilities

The ability to think critically and examine things is one of the best parts about reading for children. Kids who read must consider what they are reading, connect ideas, and evaluate the text’s supporting details. Books that promote critical thinking frequently present various viewpoints on the same issue. This offers the reader the opportunity to consider the evidence and draw their own conclusions.

• Promoting Self-Reflection and Awareness

Reading encourages self-reflection and awareness, two important aspects of critical thinking. In children’s stories, characters often face problems, make mistakes, and learn from them. By reading about these figures, kids can learn to be more understanding and self-aware. This can help them become more introspective and thoughtful people.

• Encouraging Imagination and Creativity

Books that inspire critical thinking frequently foster imagination and creativity. These books could have open-ended queries or issues that call for original solutions. These books assist in the development of creativity and imagination in children, two traits that are necessary for success in a variety of disciplines. They do this by encouraging children to think creatively and independently.

• Developing Word and Comprehension Power

When children read, they learn how to use words and understand what they read. Books help kids learn about the world and improve their speaking skills by introducing them to new words and ideas. Children who read a lot are more likely to get good at understanding what they read, which is important for school and life.

The Function of Children’s Essay Reading

Children can gain from reading essays in a variety of ways. Students may be able to find well-written essays on a wide range of topics through same day essay writing services. This can help them improve their critical thinking skills and knowledge. Students can also get better at writing and speaking by reading essay writings, which will help them get their ideas and thoughts across better. By reading essays, children can learn about many different points of view, cultures, and situations, which will help them become more well-rounded people.

How to Choose Books That Encourage Critical Thought

When it comes to encouraging critical thinking, not every book is created equally. Here are some suggestions for choosing books that will aid in your child’s development of these critical abilities:

Look for books that offer a variety of viewpoints on a subject. The best books for encouraging critical thinking are those that urge readers to weigh the information and draw their own conclusions.

Pick stories with likable protagonists that experience difficulties and make blunders. The best books for fostering critical thinking are those that promote contemplation and self-awareness.

Look for novels that promote imagination and creativity. The best books for encouraging creativity and imagination are those that provide open-ended queries or issues that call for original solutions.

How to Promote Analysis While Reading

It’s crucial to encourage your child to actively interact with the information once you’ve chosen books that foster critical thinking. Listed below are some helpful pointers for fostering critical thinking when reading:

Pose open-ended inquiries. Ask questions that urge your youngster to think more deeply about the content rather than simple yes-or-no queries. In place of, “Did you like the book?” you may question, “What did you think about the main character’s decision? Why do you suppose they chose that option?”

Make relationships with your child. Ask your child to consider the connections between the book and their experiences, other novels they have read, or current events. For instance, you might inquire, “Have you ever encountered a situation similar to that of the main character? What were your actions?”

Develop their predicting skills . As you read the narrative to your kid, ask them to guess what will happen next and to explain their predictions.” What do you anticipate will happen to the main character?” for instance, and “What makes you think that will transpire?”

Encourage your youngster to analyze the information in the book’s evidence. Ask your youngster to consider the author’s motivations for presenting particular concepts or details as well as whether they concur with them. “Do you believe the author provided a fair and balanced picture of the topic?”, for instance and “why?” or “why not?”

Encourage imagination and creativity. Encourage your child to develop their own approaches and answers to the issues raised in the book. For instance, you can inquire, “What would you do if you were the main character?” and “ What makes you think that would be a wise course of action?”

Reading is not only enjoyable, but it also helps kids develop their critical thinking skills. Children’s books can help kids become more engaged, thoughtful, self-aware, imaginative, and creative. By giving your child books that help them think critically and talking to them while they read, you can help them grow up to be smarter, more aware, and more successful.

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Nurture and Thrive

Raising Children With Big Hearts and Strong Minds

Four Ways to Raise a Critical Thinker: Teach Your Child How to Think, Not What to Think

Inside: Four ways to help your child develop critical thinking and metacognition so they can think for themselves, get unstuck, and be a flexible problem solver. These are foundations of self-resilience. Also included are books that teach children about thinking, plasticity in the brain, and metacognition.

When I was teaching college students I was often surprised at how little they knew about the process of thinking.

I found that my students had a lack of self-awareness when it came to their own thoughts, how the brain works, how to learn, and how to study.

I was lucky to be at a college where the psychology major was designed around teaching critical thinking. The focus wasn’t on facts and figures, but on how to make reasoned decisions — to think critically.

We didn’t teach students what to think, we taught them how to think.

The ability to think about thoughts is called metacognition and it develops across your lifetime.

When children move from egocentric thinking to being able to take another person’s perspective, they are just beginning to develop metacognition.

The next step is realizing that they can change their own thinking. When they get frustrated and stuck on a problem they will have to change how they are thinking about that problem to solve it.

Find the whole (most) list for purchase here: Nurture and Thrive Bookshop: Books To Teach Children Critical Thinking

Teaching Children About Metacognition Helps Them Develop Self-Resilience

Being able to change one’s perspective to solve a problem is a life skill. The life skill of getting unstuck is vastly underrated. To be able to approach a problem in different ways is true innovation — a trait we prize, but we don’t focus on how it develops. We just assume some people have this ability, this innate talent.

In truth, we can raise children who are aware of their thinking, we can encourage our children to engage in flexible thinking and innovative thought — it is not something children are just born with, it is something we can help them develop.

Let’s raise children who are critical thinkers — who do not simply accept something put before them. That when faced with a “truth,” they have more questions than answers.

Let’s raise children who are innovators . Children who try something in a different way, a new way, maybe a better way.

Let’s raise children who are able to think for themselves and who accept others who think differently from them. Who recognize that different ways of thinking will often bring people together to solve a problem.

To do that, children need to understand the process of thought — to be able to think about thinking — metacognition.

Principles of Critical and Flexible Thinking

• How I think might be different than how someone else thinks.
• The brain grows and changes. It is plastic.
• Some of the best discoveries have happened because of mistakes.
• There are many ways to solve a problem.

1. When your child asks you how or why, you answer with, “what do you think?”

I am amazed by the theories my son has come up with for how things work. Help your child test their hypotheses with a hands-on project or a way to explore their idea. This weekend we built a sling-shot for shooting our dog’s tennis balls in the yard– only the sling doesn’t quite work, yet.

One of our favorite hypothesis testing games, when my son was younger, was  will it float or sink? Simply fill up a bowl with water and have your child guess if different things will float or sink. Ask them why they believe their hypotheses and help them test their ideas and revise their theories.

A general rule of thumb — every time your child asks a “why” question, ask them what they think. Then have a conversation. Children go through the “why” phase for a reason. It is up to us to ask them the same question — why –“ why do you think that?”

2. Let Them Do it Themselves

“When you teach a child something you take away forever his chance of discovering it for himself.” Jean Piaget

It is so hard not to step in when they struggle. I catch myself doing this all the time with little things. But if we do it with the little things, they expect it for the big things. I have to consciously make myself step back.

And if my son does ask for help, I try to help him with the next step instead of solving the whole problem. This philosophy works from everything from opening a yogurt to math homework.

3. Encourage Thinking in Different Ways

When your child is stuck on a problem suggest other ways of thinking about it. Say, “Let’s think about it in a different way.”

I remember when my son was 3-years-old and used to get so frustrated with his blocks. I would hold myself back and more often than not, he would persevere.

But on one particularly frustrating tower building session, my husband said, “which block do you think it would be best to start with to make your tower stronger — this block standing up or this wider block laying down? Which one gives a better foundation?”

And ever since that day, my son thinks carefully about the base or foundation of every single one of his structures. He thinks critically about how to build a strong structure.

4. Read Books about the Brain, Thinking, Problem-solving, Mistakes, and Perseverance

Books are an amazing way to open the window to metacognition. Any book that shows what the character is thinking or goes through the process of solving a problem, ideally in a unique way, will make an impression on your child and promote critical and innovative thinking.

I think too often our children get the message in school that there is only one correct answer and that conformity is the rule.

Then one day, real-life happens and suddenly there will no longer be a “right” answer.

Reading books that give different messages about thinking is so important to counteract that pressure on perfection, conformity, and the single right answer.

Books that Inspire Your Child to Become a Problem Solver, a Critical Thinker, and Change the World

The girl who thought in pictures: the story of dr. temple grandin.

I love this book for so many reasons. It is a great book about diversity and also overcoming hard situations in life. But it also showcases how people may think differently — how brains and brain functioning is diverse, “Then, little by little, though sometimes she balked, special teachers helped Temple, and one day she talked! And that thing with her brain… it was AUTISM, see?…She was DIFFERENT NOT LESS,” they all finally agreed.”

This story about Temple Grandin shows her perseverance and how she thinks differently, how her thoughts are in pictures. It is that same ability to think in pictures that led her to solve a real-life problem. And through this discovery, she became an innovator and inventor.

What Do You Do with an Idea?

This book is a lyrical story of a boy who has an idea that just won’t go away — an idea that wants attention. The boy in the book faces skepticism about his idea, but he perseveres. It is a story about accepting a new idea, a different idea, and how that idea might just change the world, “And then, I realized what you do with an idea… You change the world.”

What Do You Do with a Problem?

In the same lyrical style of What do you do with an idea? , except this time it’s a problem that won’t leave the boy alone. Until he faces it and solves it. And tries again and again. This book illustrates the idea that problems are opportunities and discoveries. That in the midst of struggle, we learn …  “My problem held an opportunity! It was an opportunity for me to learn and to grow; to be brave. To do something.”

Sarabella’s Thinking Cap

This is the story about a girl who daydreams — so much so that she sometimes loses focus in school. This is a great book for illustrating metacognition, Sarabella is lost in her thoughts– but she is self-aware of them too. It is a good book to open the door to ask your child about their own thinking.

This book shows what Sarabella is thinking and how her thinking makes her a little different. The understanding of her teacher and parents help her find a way to show this side of her. It is great for kids to see how a child’s internal world might be represented on the outside and get them thinking about their own imagination.

Going Places

I picked this book up at the library once on a whim and what a treasure! My son loves this book. It is time for the go-cart race challenge. Everyone gets the same kits for building their go-cart, with the same instructions. All of the children dutifully go about building their go-carts and hurrying to get them finished. All except for one child, who together with a friend builds something — not quite a go-cart, but something amazing.

I love that the characters do not follow the instructions, but quite literally, think outside of the box.

Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain: Stretch it, Shape it

One aspect of metacognition is understanding how your brain works. Often we think of the brain as static and unchangeable, but we know from neuroscience that the brain is plastic– changeable — that it grows and develops.

This book shows children how the brain is flexible and how trying new things, doing things differently, and thinking in new ways is how we stretch the brain.

As humans, we have a natural tendency to conserve energy — this includes brain energy. When something is hard to understand, we have a tendency to avoid it. That is the opposite of what we should do. Teaching children about the brain can help this. We can teach them that when they are really stretching their brain when it is really hard — that is a good thing. That sometimes thinking should be hard! That means the brain is stretching and growing in a new and different way.

An exercise in thinking differently, this simple picture book follows the main character through all the adventures he has in is Not a Box. A sweet and simple story about innovation and creativity. The new companion book follows a similar story — but with a stick, Not a Stick. These are books children love.

Mistakes That Worked: The World’s Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be

From popsicles to penicillin, this non-fiction book includes stories about how a mistake can lead to something new. A great series of stories on how things are invented and how being open-minded leads to innovation. As the preface states “Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident. – Mark Twain.”

Papa’s Mechanical Fish

Based on a true story, this is the fictionalized account of a man living on Lake Michigan who attempted to build a submarine. I love that each time he fails and hits a setback his daughter has a creative suggestion that inspires him to try again.

The Zoey & Sassafrass Series

This is a fun series that incorporates science and magical animals in mysterious adventures. Zoey’s (and her cat, Sassafrass) mission to help her animal friends depends on her ability to solve problems — scientifically. The books model scientific thinking — from the power of observation to how to do an experiment and how to write and test a hypothesis. Children will love to going along on Zoey and Sassafras’ adventures.

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About Ashley Soderlund Ph.D.

Hi! As a mom and a child psychologist who spent over 15 years studying children’s emotional development, I am excited to share science-backed tips and tools with you so that you can thrive as a parent.

I know that good parenting is a combination of instincts and learning. Sometimes new knowledge helps you trust your instincts, and sometimes it gives you a new perspective. As we grow and learn, so do our kids. Here, at nurture and thrive, you’ll find the tools you need to nurture your children’s hearts and minds.

Reader Interactions

March 21, 2018 at 10:01 pm

Great article! Could you recommend books that promote critical thinking for 8 year old?

March 22, 2018 at 8:45 am

Thanks! I think the Mistakes that Worked and the Zoey & Sassfrass series (listed at the end of the post) are good for 8-year-olds.

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Developing Literacy Skills in Children: How Books Strongly Promote Children’s Literacy Development

In today’s digital world, children learn from various sources, such as computer screens, cell phones, and tablets. However, while these devices provide children with access to a lot of information, they are not sufficient enough for developing their literacy skills.

Fortunately, books provide a safe, enriching, and fun way to build literacy skills. The following are some of the ways in which books can help children in developing their literacy skills.

Stimulating Imagination and Creativity

Books inspire creativity because they allow children to engage their imagination while they visualize what is happening in the story. In addition, reading gives them a chance to move their imagination beyond the pages of the book, helping them to see things from different perspectives. It also helps children to stimulate their creativity by solving problems and quizzes.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Reading books helps children with their critical thinking skills because they are required to evaluate and understand situations presented in the story. Reading also helps children form their own opinions about people and events, encouraging them to think critically.

Gaining Knowledge

Reading books also helps children learn new things. New words and ideas are introduced in the story, which allows them to improve their knowledge about the world around them. In addition, books educate children about different cultures, beliefs, art, and history, instilling a sense of respect for people from other countries and backgrounds.

Developing Language Skills

Reading books is also one of the best ways to develop a child’s language skills at an early age. Through reading, children are exposed to new words and the best ways to use them. It also improves a child’s language skills by increasing their listening skills. It is because they have to listen carefully in order to understand the story and its message.

Building Comprehension

Reading books is also one of the best ways to build a child’s reading comprehension skills at an early age. It is because children are required to understand what they read and how it relates to the story. They are also required to understand the meaning of some words and figures of speech, such as metaphors, irony, and similes, in order to make sense of the story.

Improving Memory Skills

Reading books helps children improve their memory skills because they are required to recall information presented in the story.

In curriculum-based reading programs, children are presented with evaluations and quizzes that ask them to recall specific information in the story. They are also required to remember the sequence of events in the story, which helps them develop their memory skills. In fiction books , children will be self-motivated to remember the events in the story and the characters’ names, as it can help them show off to their peers.

Helping Build Vocabulary and Improving Communication Skills

As children continue to read books, they are exposed to new vocabulary and phrases that vividly describe what is happening in the story. This new vocabulary can help children understand how to better-described things like food, transportation, weather, and other concepts. This vocabulary can also help with their communication skills.

Improving Writing Skills

Writing is one of the most difficult skills to develop because it requires time, practice, and a lot of development. However, reading books can help with this because, in schools, children are often required to write down the information presented in the story.

The Bottom Line

One of the most important skills that a person can possess is literacy. Literacy encompasses the ability to understand and express oneself through written words. It is an essential life skill that drives everything from understanding instructions on how to use a new appliance to deciphering an economics textbook.

Surrounding our children with reading materials can make all the difference in developing their literacy skills. It is because books provide children with a safe, fun, yet challenging way to learn, which invokes imagination and creativity. Please remember that there is always time to start. For better deals, consider buying in bulk. With a tuttle twins combo pack , for example, you can get 13 children’s books at once, and you will be able to save a lot of money.

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Book Reviews have direct impact on readers while they are choosing their next book to read. When they are purchasing book, most readers prefer the books with good reviews. We’ll review your book and post reviews on Amazon, Flipkart, Goodreads and on our Blogs and social-media channels.

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Books that Stretch Children's Thinking

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Young children learn to think in new ways when they imagine, guess, describe, and wonder. Try these books to engage your child’s curiosity and to inspire her to see different views of the world.

(Note: Many of these books are available in Spanish, and can be purchased as a hardcover, paperback, or board book.)

The book begins with a familiar guessing game: "I’m thinking of something that’s round like a ball.” Each page offers a new clue. The paper cutout shape in each illustration is a visual hint to the answer. What’s round like a ball? It’s the Earth! Although this book introduces many facts about Planet Earth, you can also use it to spark a conversation about color, shape, and size.

Available in English. Can be purchased as a hardcover and paperback.  

These books feature simple line drawings that will spark your child’s imagination. When asked, “Why are you sitting on that box?” a rabbit replies, “It’s not a box,” then demonstrates that it’s a racecar, a mountain, and a robot. In  Not a Stick , a pig imagines his stick becoming a sword, a horse, and more. These books will inspire your child to consider many different ways to imagine and pretend.

Available in English and Spanish. Can be purchased as a hardcover, paperback, and board book.  

In this story, a bird and an ant discuss all the uses for a piece of simple white string. The examples are imaginative and each contains a sense of purpose or fun, such as “[hanging] a picture on a wall” and “[helping] the sweet pea vines grow tall.” As the string winds its way from page to page, the book imparts a feeling of connectedness among all things in the world, and will encourage your child to think about the many uses of simple things.

Available in English. Can be purchased as a hardcover and paperback.

In this funny book, two unseen characters disagree on what kind of animal stands before them. Is the creature a duck with a bill? A rabbit with tall ears? The answer is that it all depends on how you look at things. This clever book reveals that sometimes there really is more than one right answer.

Available in English and Spanish. Can be purchased as a hardcover and paperback.

• Play the game, “I’m Thinking of Something.”  Use words that describe shape, color, and size to give clues about a familiar household object (“I’m thinking of something brown. It has four legs. It’s made of wood.”) You and your child can take turns leading the game. You can also ask your younger child to think of the different uses of household objects. We use spoons, for example, to stir, eat, give medicine, and—in a child’s world—dig!
• Break out the boxes . Collect cardboard boxes of all sizes and watch how your child plays with them. He may imagine the box is many things other than just a box—a car, a cave, or even a bed!
• Talk about it . Discuss how sometimes there is more than one way to see the world. The unseen characters in  Duck! Rabbit!  are each certain that their interpretation is the right one, but both are right. There is more than one way to read the illustration. It’s an optical illusion. Helping your child see this is a great transition into a conversation about what happens when two people see something differently and how there’s not always just one right answer.

Source: Adapted from S. Friedman, 2010, "Stretch Children's Thinking," Now Read This!,  Teaching Young Children  3 (4): 3.

Home » Funded Projects » Using picture books to develop primary school children’s critical thinking and critical literacy

Using picture books to develop primary school children’s critical thinking and critical literacy

In this collaborative action research project, we (a literacy researcher and a primary school deputy head) design and implement a series of interactive reading circles with children in a year 1 and 2 class. 

Inspired by the work of Mary Roche, we use picture books to introduce the children to careful and close readings of stories, taking account of both text and images and how these work together. In small groups (no more than 8 participants) children sit together around a picture book, spending time looking at each page and discussing its meaning and content. 

Our aim is to offer an approach to meaning making and engaging with fictional texts that is child centred and can serve as an antidote to the often narrow conceptions of ‘reading comprehension’ that are part of the national curriculum in England. In terms of research, our main question is how such discussions can best be facilitated and what questions and prompts teachers can use to ignite children’s ‘deep’ thinking about stories and their multiple meanings. For example, we video-record and analyse some of the circles to examine how teachers can use ‘I wonder why’ statements and open questions to facilitate children’s deep and critical thinking about author intentions and how convincing a story or idea is. 

As part of the reading circles, we are also trying to find out how we can introduce the children to thinking about the meanings of visuals and modes such as colour or size.

Current UKLA Funded Projects

Books, bags and boxes: a study of the role and impact of the leeds school library service, discovering doctoral literacies: the emergence of new literacy events and relational doctoral practice, teacher’s perceptions and experiences of using narrative video games to teach literacy, reading for cultural meaning: creating a literacy toolkit for english teachers to use when selecting prose texts for diverse students. melissa jogie.

The multimodal school play: integrating performative digital animation into narrative and set design

‘To start talking phonics is crazy’: how parents understand ‘literacy’ in the lives of children with learning disabilities

Past ukla funded projects, grammar policy, pedagogy and the primary-secondary transition: students’ perceptions and reflections: ian cushing & marie helks, “you’ll never be as good as the white kids in their language”: using young adult fiction to explore language discrimination in schools. dr ian cushing & mr anthony carter, ​what literature texts are being taught in years 7 to 9 judith kneen, cardiff metropolitan university, developing effective oral feedback exchanges: supporting children’s writing at key stage two., rivers of multilingual reading – torrent or trickle sabine little, university of sheffield, agentic writing across the primary curriculum: using dramatic enquiry in a community of writers.

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