15 Best Books About Inventions for Kids to Inspire Creativity

Books about inventions for kids were a big hit in our homeschool, especially when my son started dreaming up his own wild creations.

We spent hours reading stories about inventors whose accidental discoveries and creative ideas changed everyday life, from popsicles to bubble gum.

It turned into a fun way to spark curiosity without feeling like just another lesson.

If you’re looking for engaging books to inspire young inventors, here are the ones we enjoyed most, each one offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of innovation.

collage of the best books about inventions for kids.

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Books That Inspire Kids to Think Like Inventors

These books are perfect for showing kids how even simple ideas can grow into amazing inventions, sparking conversations about creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Amazing Inventions That Changed The World

My son was hooked by the stories of how these inventions shaped everyday life, from ancient discoveries like the wheel to modern gadgets such as smartphones. The illustrations really captured his attention, and we enjoyed chatting about how inventors faced challenges and overcame them. It’s a great choice if your child asks lots of "how did they make that?" questions.

Related: Inventors unit study bundle

Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be

This book was a favorite because it taught my son that making mistakes isn’t something to fear, in fact, it’s often the first step to discovering something great. The stories behind potato chips and sticky notes were especially fun and sparked lots of laughter and curiosity. A perfect read for kids who might worry about getting things wrong.

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

This beautifully illustrated story about Edwin Binney resonated deeply with us. My son loved learning that the crayons he used every day came from someone's passion for color and creativity. We even ended up making our own crayons afterward, which turned reading into a memorable hands-on experience.

The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle

My son adored the story behind the popsicle, it amazed him to think a kid could invent something so iconic. This book encouraged him to experiment in the kitchen, mixing juice and flavors to create his own frozen treats. It’s a fun read that inspires kids to see everyday things as opportunities for invention.

The Most Magnificent Thing

This charming book was perfect for days when frustration took over creativity. My son related instantly to the main character’s struggles as she tried to build something wonderful. It opened up great conversations about patience, perseverance, and how it’s okay when things don’t go right the first time.

Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal

My son loved learning about Garrett Morgan, not just because of the invention itself, but also because of Morgan’s incredible perseverance. The story sparked conversations about courage, innovation, and overcoming obstacles, making it a valuable read for discussing deeper topics around determination and resilience.

Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum

This story was a huge hit with my son, mostly because bubble gum is one of his favorite treats! He was fascinated to learn how something he enjoys daily came from an accidental discovery. Afterward, we grabbed some gum and had our own bubble-blowing contest, making the story even more memorable.

Kid Innovators: True Tales of Childhood from Inventors and Trailblazers

This book became a go-to when my son needed motivation or reassurance that great ideas often start small. He loved hearing how inventors like Steve Jobs and Nikola Tesla navigated their childhoods, turning their passions into world-changing ideas. It gave him the confidence that his own creativity mattered.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

This was an especially important book for us because it highlighted inventors my son hadn't heard about before, sparking meaningful conversations about inclusivity and representation. He was genuinely amazed by inventions like windshield wipers and chocolate chip cookies, realizing that brilliant ideas come from all kinds of people.

An Illustrated Timeline of Inventions and Inventors

Perfect for visual learners like my son, this book helped him see the progression of inventions throughout history. He often picked it up to explore specific topics more deeply, from early human tools to the internet. It became an invaluable reference whenever curiosity struck or we needed inspiration for a new homeschool project.

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions: You Can Build Yourself

My son was completely captivated by this interactive book. It was exciting for him to see da Vinci’s ideas come to life through hands-on projects we could do together. It felt like stepping into history, and he learned a lot about creativity, engineering, and problem-solving, perfect for kids who love to build and tinker.

Top 101 Inventions Of All Time! – Intriguing Facts & Trivia About History’s Greatest Inventions!

This book became our go-to source for quick, fascinating facts. My son loved flipping through and discovering surprising stories behind familiar things like microwaves and zippers. It’s a fantastic pick for kids who thrive on bite-sized knowledge and interesting trivia.

Inventions: A Visual Encyclopedia

The vivid illustrations in this encyclopedia immediately grabbed my son's attention. It was easy to reference whenever we started a new topic, providing clear explanations that sparked deeper curiosity. If your child is visually oriented or enjoys exploring topics independently, this is a perfect resource.

Accidental Inventions That Changed Our World

Reading this book turned into a fun game of guessing and surprises. My son couldn't believe how many things, like penicillin and Play-Doh, came from unexpected mishaps. It gave him a fresh perspective on the value of mistakes and how experimentation can lead to remarkable discoveries.

The Way Things Work

My son always asks, "How does that work?", so this classic quickly became one of his favorites. The detailed illustrations made complex concepts clear, helping him understand the mechanics behind everyday machines. It’s a fantastic resource for curious kids who love breaking down how things function.

Last Updated on 10 July 2025 by Clare Brown

Books That Inspire Kids to Think Like Inventors

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