15 Best Books About Inventions for Kids
Books about inventions are a fun way to explore how creativity shapes the world we live in.
When I first started homeschooling my son, we spent a lot of time reading about famous inventors.
He was fascinated by how everyday things, like bubble gum or the popsicle, came to be, often by accident. It sparked his imagination and got him thinking about creating his own inventions.
If you’re looking for engaging books to inspire your students or your own kids, here are some of our personal favorites.
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These stories bring to life the brilliance and creativity behind the gadgets we often take for granted.
Whether it’s through accidental discoveries or intentional innovations, these books are packed with fun facts and exciting tales that make learning about inventions a blast.
Invention books for kids
Here’s a list of some of the best books on inventions that we’ve enjoyed in our homeschool.
They’re perfect for sparking curiosity and showing kids how thinking outside the box can change the world.
This book takes a deep dive into the stories behind some of the most significant inventions in history, from the wheel to the smartphone.
It’s a beautifully illustrated journey that helps kids understand not only what was invented but also the challenges inventors faced.
My son and I had fun discussing how these inventions changed the world, and it opened up some great conversations about how ideas evolve over time.
Related: Inventors unit study bundle
One of our all-time favorites!
This book is full of stories about how everyday items, like post-it notes and potato chips, were created by mistake.
Each invention story is followed by fun facts and illustrations, making it super engaging.
My son loved the fact that accidents can lead to incredible things—he now tries to see mistakes in a whole new light! It’s a perfect mix of humor and learning.
This biography focuses on Edwin Binney, the inventor of Crayola crayons.
It’s not just a story about crayons; it’s about the importance of color in education and creativity.
The book is vibrantly illustrated, which kept my son hooked as we learned how Binney transformed his love for color into a product used by millions of kids today.
After reading it, we even tried making our own crayons at home!
This is a collection of fun, surprising stories about how various everyday items—like popsicles, Frisbees, and even the trampoline—were invented.
The stories are short and easy to digest, making it a great read for younger children.
My son especially enjoyed learning that a kid invented the popsicle—he immediately wanted to try inventing his own frozen treat! It's a book that shows kids how their ideas can turn into something big.
This charming picture book is about a little girl with a big idea.
She’s determined to create "the most magnificent thing," but things don’t go exactly as planned. My son found it relatable because it’s about working through frustration and learning to appreciate the process of creativity.
The message of perseverance really hit home, and the illustrations brought the story to life. It’s perfect for young creators and dreamers.
This biography introduces kids to Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor who changed road safety forever with his invention of the traffic signal.
The book dives into Morgan’s life and the challenges he overcame, making it a powerful story of ingenuity and resilience.
My son and I found it inspiring—not only because of Morgan’s invention but also because of his determination to make the world a safer place.
It’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to lesser-known inventors who’ve had a huge impact on society.
A colorful and engaging story about how bubble gum was invented.
This book focuses on Walter Diemer, the man behind one of the most beloved childhood treats.
The whimsical illustrations paired with the fun narrative kept my son glued to the pages.
After reading it, we couldn’t resist getting some gum to try ourselves. It’s a fun read that also teaches kids about the creative process and the joy of experimentation.
This book highlights the childhoods of famous inventors and innovators like the Wright brothers, Steve Jobs, and Nikola Tesla.
It’s an inspiring collection of stories that show how these trailblazers were once kids with big dreams, just like your own. My son was fascinated by the early lives of these inventors, and it helped him see that everyone starts somewhere.
This is a fantastic read for older kids, as it gives a more in-depth look at how creative minds develop.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in celebrating female inventors. It showcases how women throughout history have contributed some of the most ingenious inventions, from life-saving tools like windshield wipers to everyday treats like chocolate chip cookies.
I love how this book highlights the creativity and determination of women who have often been overlooked. My son and I read this together, and it sparked some great conversations about women in STEM and how their ideas have shaped the world.
If you're looking for a powerful, inspiring collection of stories, this is a great book to add to your list.
Related: Women's History Month coloring sheets.
This book is perfect for visual learners. It’s packed with illustrations that take readers through the entire history of human invention, from the creation of basic tools to modern technological breakthroughs.
The timeline format really helps kids understand how ideas build on one another and how each invention impacts the next.
My son enjoyed seeing the progression of things like transportation and communication, and it gave us the opportunity to dive deeper into specific inventions that caught his eye.
If your child loves both history and science, this is a good book to read together.
This interactive book is a fantastic way to introduce kids to one of the greatest inventors of all time.
Not only does it explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, but it also allows kids to try building replicas of some of his most famous inventions.
My son was completely fascinated by the hands-on activities—it felt like we were stepping back in time to understand how da Vinci’s mind worked.
If you're homeschooling or looking for an educational activity that blends art, science, and history, this is one of the best books to keep kids engaged and learning.
This book is packed with fun facts and trivia, making it a great pick for curious minds. It covers a wide range of inventions that have shaped human history, from ancient creations to modern marvels like the internet.
Each invention is explained in a way that’s easy for kids to understand, with interesting tidbits about how they came to be.
My son loved flipping through this book and learning surprising details about inventions we take for granted today, like the microwave or the zipper.
It’s a fun read that introduces kids to both famous and lesser-known inventions, perfect for sparking curiosity.
This encyclopedia is a visually stunning collection that covers the world’s most significant inventions.
From the wheel to the space shuttle, the book dives into the history and science behind these groundbreaking ideas. The vivid illustrations kept my son engaged, and the concise information made it easy to digest.
We often pulled this off the shelf whenever we were learning about a new topic—it’s great for quick reference or deeper exploration. If your child is a visual learner, this is one of the best books to keep on hand for any lesson involving innovation and creativity.
This book highlights some of the most fun and surprising stories behind inventions that happened by accident. It’s perfect for young readers who love learning quirky facts about things like penicillin, Play-Doh, and the slinky.
My son and I had so much fun reading these stories, and it made him realize that not all great ideas come from carefully laid plans—sometimes, they’re the result of happy accidents!
This is a great book for kids who might feel hesitant about failure; it shows that sometimes mistakes lead to the best discoveries.
David Macaulay’s classic book is an essential read for any child who’s ever asked, “How does that work?”
His detailed illustrations break down the mechanics behind everything from simple machines to more complex technologies. My son and I often flipped through this book when we wanted to understand how something like a bicycle or a camera operates.
The visual explanations are so engaging, it almost feels like the machines are coming to life on the page.
This is a great book for curious minds and budding engineers—it really helps kids grasp the principles behind everyday inventions and more.
Last Updated on 7 January 2025 by Clare Brown