From Numbers to Nature: Picture Books that Spark Curiosity and Confidence
Children’s books do so much more than tell stories — they open doors to new ideas, ease anxieties, and invite kids to imagine possibilities far beyond the page. Whether it’s learning to face fractions with courage, stepping into the ancient world with a pair of clever crows, or discovering ocean creatures for the very first time, picture books have the unique power to educate while entertaining.
In today’s collection of reviews, I’m highlighting a diverse range of children’s titles that each bring something special to the table. Some, like No Math Today! and STEM Day, shine a light on education and careers. Others, like Deborah Bradbury’s Courageous, Clever Crow series, weave history, science, and kindness into lively adventures. And for the youngest readers, bright and cheerful primers such as Learning Numbers and C Is for Construction offer playful first steps into early learning. Together, these books celebrate imagination, knowledge, and the joy of discovery.
No Math Today! by Tiffany MichelleMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savannah’s Journey from Math Anxiety to Confidence
In No Math Today!, Tiffany Michelle introduces readers to Savannah, a young girl who, like many, finds herself overwhelmed by the complexities of fractions. Determined to avoid math, Savannah declares, “No math today!” However, her day unfolds with unexpected challenges that require her to confront her fears. Through a series of engaging scenarios, Savannah learns that with courage, perseverance, and a touch of humor, even the most daunting math problems can be tackled. This pre-middle-grade adventure not only addresses math anxiety but also empowers young minds to embrace challenges with confidence.
The narrative is both relatable and inspiring, making complex concepts accessible to children aged 8 to 12. The story’s pacing keeps readers engaged, and Savannah’s journey serves as a reminder that it’s okay to struggle and ask for help. The book’s design encourages readers to see math as a tool for problem-solving rather than a subject to be feared.
Emily Hercock’s illustrations complement the story beautifully, bringing Savannah’s world to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters. The visuals enhance the narrative, providing context and depth to Savannah’s experiences. The combination of engaging storytelling and captivating illustrations makes this book a valuable resource for young readers.
Overall, No Math Today! is an excellent choice for parents, educators, and caregivers looking to help children overcome math anxiety. It provides a gentle yet powerful message that with the right mindset, any challenge can be overcome.
View all my reviews
A Courageous, Clever Crow: Go Gladiator! by Deborah BradburyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Leap Into Ancient Rome: A Clever Crow’s Historical Adventure
The story follows two clever crows, Caper and Cash, who don their safety suits and travelto ancient Rome. There, they explore Roman culture, learning about Roman numerals, writing, gladiators, feasts, and even the famous Roman baths. Along the way, they meet two boys whose father is a gladiator. Determined to help, the crows dive into Roman life, witnessing an exciting and dramatic and gladiator battle.
Bradbury weaves Latin vocabulary and cultural facts seamlessly into a story filled with humor and heart. Caper and Cash’s curiosity and cleverness guide readers through ancient architecture, traditions, and the epic atmosphere of the Colosseum - all while encouraging learning, empathy, and bravery.
Perfect for ages 4–8, Go Gladiator! invites kids to imagine boldly, explore history creatively, and celebrate the courage it takes to help others - even when you're just a crow with a big idea.
View all my reviews
A Courageous, Clever Crow: Gets Gutsy! by Deborah BradburyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Clever Crow’s Journey Through the Human Body
Deborah Bradbury’s A Courageous, Clever Crow: Gets Gutsy! takes readers on a fascinating trip inside the human digestive system, guided by three curious crows — Casper, Coco, and Cash. With the help of Coco’s special shrinking suits, the feathered friends venture through the mouth, stomach, and intestines, learning firsthand how food is transformed into energy. It’s part adventure story, part science lesson, wrapped in vibrant illustrations that keep young readers turning the pages.
What makes this book stand out is its balance of storytelling and fact. Casper’s love of science and Coco’s inventive spirit add personality and humor, while charts, fact sheets, and diagrams reinforce the biology behind digestion. This structure makes it both entertaining and highly educational — a great choice for parents and teachers looking to sneak some science into storytime.
Bradbury’s teaching background shines through in the clarity of her explanations. The digestive journey is broken down step by step, making it approachable even for children who might otherwise find anatomy confusing. The visuals help anchor the concepts, offering kids a clear picture of what’s happening inside their bodies.
The book is most effective for children ages 6–11, though younger kids will enjoy the adventure with some adult guidance. It’s an excellent classroom resource for lessons on the human body, and equally fun for at-home reading with curious little learners. Gets Gutsy! is a clever mix of fact and fun that makes science both accessible and exciting.
View all my reviews
A Courageous, Clever Crow: Be Nice! by Deborah BradburyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Brave Crow Who Chose Kindness
Deborah Bradbury’s A Courageous, Clever Crow: Be Nice! is a gentle yet exciting story that shows young readers how kindness can transform even the trickiest situations. When summer play at the lake is disrupted by a bossy pike and a sly snake, the crow and his friends face a choice: retaliate or respond with compassion. Instead of giving in to fear or anger, the clever crow proves that empathy and creative thinking can change hearts — even those of unexpected adversaries. The message is clear without ever feeling preachy: kindness has power.
One of the book’s strengths is how naturally the life lesson flows through the story. The crow doesn’t lecture his friends about being nice — he shows them through action. This makes the moral accessible for children, who can watch the tension unfold and then see how compassion leads to resolution. The narrative gently models problem-solving, teamwork, and forgiveness in a way children can carry into their own lives.
Bradbury’s prose is warm and rhythmic, inviting children into the lush forest world where the adventure takes place. The illustrations are bright and lively, capturing both the playfulness of the crows and the tension when the intruding animals arrive. With humor sprinkled throughout, the book strikes a balance between suspense and reassurance, making it engaging for young readers without being overwhelming.
Perfect for ages 3–8, Be Nice! works beautifully as a bedtime read or as part of a classroom discussion about friendship, empathy, and conflict resolution. The included activities — from coloring sheets to crafts — offer an extra way to engage children after the story ends. With its uplifting message and playful charm, this book reminds us all that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is choose kindness.
View all my reviews
STEM Day: A School Adventure Exploring Exciting STEM Careers for Kids by Amy DoslichMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Big Dreams at STEM Day
Amy Doslich’s STEM Day sweeps young readers into a bright, bustling school event where Hannah Banana’s curiosity is front and center. Instead of sitting through another classroom lecture, Hannah and her classmates get to meet adults with STEM careers — from volcanologists, robotics engineers, actuaries, to air traffic controllers — each sharing what their jobs are really like. The story uses simple, clear language, and the illustrations are warm, colourful, and inclusive, making STEM feel accessible and fun rather than intimidating. There’s a lighthearted touch too (Sneaky Pinky appears!), which adds humour and a familiar thread of play even while exploring something potentially serious.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it connects careers to everyday interests. Hannah doesn’t just hear about jobs; she imagines herself doing them, seeing how things she already likes (maps, machines, nature) tie into what someone with a STEM job might do. This helps children see that STEM isn’t some distant future world — it relates to things they already see and feel. Also, the career variety is refreshing: Doslich picks jobs kids often don’t hear about, expanding the idea of what STEM “can” be.
That said, because the explanations are brief, some older or more curious readers may want more detail than this book provides. The focus is on inspiration and broad strokes rather than technical depth — that’s fine, but the trade-off is that kids won’t come away with a deep understanding of any one job. Also, while the illustrations are charming and effective, they don’t go into fine detail; they support the story rather than overwhelming it with visuals.
Overall, STEM Day is perfect for children aged 4-8 who are early explorers of what “what I want to be when I grow up” could include. It works beautifully in classrooms, at home, or in library story hours for planting the seed of curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s a celebration of possibility, and in doing so, it helps young readers believe that they, too, could grow up to do many exciting, meaningful things.
View all my reviews
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou by Bonnie KostanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Gentle Reminder to Unplug and Play
In Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou, Bonnie Kostan crafts a delightful tale that resonates with today’s screen-centric world. The story follows Mary Lou, a young girl who spends her days engrossed in her phone, until her friend Jake encourages her to explore the world beyond the screen. Through catchy rhymes and repetitive phrases, the book emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences, imagination, and the joy of reading. The illustrations by Adeline Thompson complement the narrative beautifully, capturing the transformation of Mary Lou from a screen-absorbed child to one rediscovering the wonders of the world around her.
The book’s strength lies in its simplicity and relatability. The repeated phrase, “Put the phone down, Mary Lou,” serves as a gentle nudge for both children and adults to reflect on their screen time habits. The dramatic symptoms Mary Lou exhibits, such as dark circles and pale skin, effectively highlight the potential effects of excessive phone use in a manner that is both engaging and educational for young readers. The story promotes friendship and perseverance, showing how Jake’s consistent encouragement leads Mary Lou to embrace the joys of reading and imagination.
While the book offers a clear message about the benefits of reducing screen time, some readers might find the storyline a bit predictable. However, the charm of the book lies in its straightforward approach and the positive outcome it delivers. The vibrant illustrations add depth to the story, making it visually appealing and enhancing the overall reading experience.
Overall, Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou is an excellent choice for parents and educators aiming to encourage children to balance screen time with more active and imaginative play. It serves as a timely reminder of the joys that await when we disconnect and engage with the world around us.
View all my reviews
Under the Ocean: Animals in Natural Habitats by Joni PrewMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Gentle First Look Beneath the Waves
Joni Prew’s Under the Ocean: Animals in Natural Habitats is a sweet and approachable introduction to sea life, designed especially for younger children. Instead of overwhelming details, the book offers simple text and bright, easy illustrations that highlight familiar ocean animals in their natural surroundings. Each page introduces a new creature with a short fact or two, keeping the language clear and accessible. It’s an ideal starting point for preschoolers and early readers curious about what lives beneath the waves.
The real strength of this book is its simplicity. Parents won’t need to pause and explain complex terms, making it a smooth read-aloud for bedtime or storytime. The straightforward design and uncluttered visuals help children focus on the animal being introduced, whether it’s a fish, a crab, or a dolphin. This makes it less about scientific depth and more about sparking a first sense of wonder about the ocean.
Because the text is kept short, the pacing feels light and engaging. Children can enjoy flipping through the pages quickly, pointing out animals they recognize, and asking questions as they go. For slightly older kids, the book can serve as a stepping stone — once they’ve built curiosity here, they may be ready for more detailed nonfiction about marine life later on.
Overall, Under the Ocean works beautifully for ages 3–6, particularly for families introducing nature topics to little ones. It’s not a reference book, but rather a playful and friendly first dip into the world under the sea. Prew’s book succeeds in opening the door to curiosity and encouraging children to notice and care about the creatures that live in our oceans.
View all my reviews
Learning Numbers: (Early Learning with Rosy Ladybug): A counting book from 1-10 for kids by Marcela Brué-LotzMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Counting with Rosy Ladybug: A Sweet Start to Numbers
Marcela Brué-Lotz’s Learning Numbers offers a delightful introduction to counting for young children. Through the charming tale of Rosy Ladybug teaching her cousin Charlie the Caterpillar to count from 1 to 10, the book presents numbers in a relatable and engaging way. The narrative is simple yet captivating, making it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers beginning their journey into early math concepts.
The illustrations by Emily Hercock are vibrant and full of life, complementing the story beautifully. Each page is designed to hold a child’s attention, with colorful depictions of Rosy and Charlie interacting with various objects that correspond to the numbers being taught. This visual approach helps reinforce the numerical concepts and keeps young readers engaged throughout the book.
One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of a counting song. This interactive element not only makes learning fun but also aids in memory retention, allowing children to associate numbers with rhythm and melody. The song adds an extra layer of engagement, making the learning experience more dynamic and enjoyable.
Overall, Learning Numbers is a wonderful resource for parents and educators looking to introduce counting to young children. Its combination of a relatable story, engaging illustrations, and interactive elements makes it a standout choice in early childhood education.
View all my reviews
C Is for Construction by Cynthia Clumeck MuchnickMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Learning the ABCs, One Construction Site at a Time
C Is for Construction by Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick is a cheerful and hands-on introduction to the alphabet for young learners, framed around the exciting world of construction. Each letter highlights a different part of a construction site — from “A is for Architect” to “Z is for Zone” — making letters memorable through real-world context. The text is simple and approachable, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, while Volha Kaliaha’s illustrations bring machines, workers, and tools vividly to life. Children can explore while learning, connecting letters to images in a playful, interactive way.
The book’s charm lies in its combination of learning and exploration. The bold, colorful illustrations capture movement, machinery, and teamwork, making each page visually engaging. By presenting familiar and new construction-related objects, the book gently builds vocabulary and introduces kids to a field they might not encounter every day. The repetitive, rhythmic text encourages participation, making it ideal for read-aloud sessions.
Another strength of C Is for Construction is its durability and accessibility. As a board book, it withstands little hands flipping pages again and again, which is perfect for young readers who are just learning to engage with books. The approachable format ensures that children can explore at their own pace, pointing out machines, workers, and tools while associating them with the correct letters.
Overall, this ABC primer is perfect for ages 2–5, especially for children fascinated by building, machines, or how the world around them is made. It’s more than a simple alphabet book — it’s a playful invitation to discover and imagine, combining early literacy with curiosity about real-world work.
View all my reviews
Check out C is for Construction on Amazon
From math and science to kindness and creativity, the books featured here show just how many ways children can grow through reading. What I love most about this list is the balance — some stories empower kids to face real-world challenges, while others plant the seeds of curiosity in subjects like history, biology, or construction. For parents, teachers, and caregivers, they’re a reminder that stories are one of the most valuable tools we have to nurture resilience, empathy, and a love for learning.
Whether you’re looking for a book to help a child overcome math anxiety, spark an interest in STEM careers, or simply enjoy the magic of a counting song or an ABC adventure, these titles have something wonderful to offer. Each one has the potential to turn storytime into a spark for creativity, courage, and lifelong curiosity.
