Books About How Things Work And Are Made · 172 titles considered

The Best How Things Work And Are Made Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about how things work and are made? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About How Things Work And Are Made

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Balloons Over Broadway

By Melissa Sweet

Discover the story behind the iconic Macy's Parade balloons.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2012)Golden Kite Award (2012)Orbis Pictus Award (2012)

40 pages· 1,258 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 13,452 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Tony Sarg, the visionary puppeteer who transformed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his groundbreaking balloon creations. Journey through his inventive world, where imagination takes flight and childhood dreams become reality. How did a self-taught immigrant's whimsical designs capture the hearts of millions? Explore the magic behind the parade's iconic floating giants and uncover the legacy of a man whose creativity continues to inspire. This captivating tale, brought to life with vibrant illustrations, invites readers of all ages to experience the wonder of a beloved holiday tradition.

Sale price

$858

Board Book · Ages 2–3 · 2018

Architecture for Babies

By Jonathan Litton, Thomas Elliott (Illustrator) · Baby 101 series

Discover how famous buildings are made in this engaging board book for little ones.

22 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 79 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Board Book

Summary: Introduce your little one to the wonders of architecture with Baby 101. This board book uses simple words and vibrant illustrations to explore how iconic structures like the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal are built. With a surprise lift-the-flap ending, it's a class babies won't want to miss. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn about the world around them.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2021

What's Inside a Flower?

By Rachel Ignotofsky · What's Inside series

Discover the secrets of flowers, from seeds to blooms, and ignite young scientific curiosity.

48 pages· 1,099 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 679 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Uncover the mysteries of flowers with a captivating journey from seeds to vibrant blooms. This picture book invites young explorers to delve into the natural world, sparking curiosity and scientific inquiry. With engaging illustrations and informative text, children will learn the fascinating process of how flowers grow, providing a foundation for budding scientists. What secrets will they uncover in their own backyard?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2022

I am I.M. Pei

By Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator) · Ordinary People Change the World series

Discover the ingenuity of architect I. M. Pei and his iconic designs.

40 pages· 1,343 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the life of I. M. Pei, the visionary architect behind the Louvre pyramid and JFK Library. This engaging biography reveals how his childhood shaped his groundbreaking designs. With comic-style illustrations and a 3D pop-up, young readers will be inspired by Pei's creativity and courage. What childhood moments sparked his architectural genius? Uncover the traits that made him a hero and dream big with this captivating story.

A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You

By Mike Barfield, Jess Bradley (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You series

Discover the secret lives of everyday things in a hilarious, informative journey.

128 pages

4.6/5 Goodreads · 278 ratings

$16.99

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into a whimsical exploration of nearly 100 everyday objects, from tongues to snowflakes. Uncover the hidden stories and surprising facts that make each item unique. Why does a Japanese knotweed wreak havoc? What makes every snowflake different? This book offers a delightful mix of humor and knowledge, perfect for curious minds eager to learn about the world in a fun, engaging way. With comics and secret diaries, it's a treasure trove of fascinating insights into the ordinary and extraordinary.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2021

Nano

By Dr. Jess Wade, Melissa Castrillon (Illustrator), Melissa Castrillón (Illustrator)

Discover the tiny world of nanoscience and its wonders, from self-cleaning windows to lightweight airplanes.

32 pages· 1,420 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 285 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into the fascinating realm of nanoscience, where an acclaimed physicist unveils the minuscule building blocks of our world. Explore how atoms and elements are manipulated to create marvels like self-cleaning windows and lightweight airplanes. With vibrant illustrations and engaging explanations, this book invites curious minds to uncover the secrets of nanotechnology and the scientists who wield its power. What other wonders await in this microscopic universe?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1983

Mill

By David Macaulay

Explore the rise of a 19th-century New England textile mill.

128 pages· 12,548 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 351 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Step into the world of a 19th-century New England textile mill, where the hum of machinery and the rhythm of production tell a story of industrial ambition. Discover the intricate planning and operation that fueled the era's economic engine. What challenges and innovations await in this meticulously crafted historical journey?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1974

City

By David Macaulay

Discover the secrets of Roman architecture and city planning.

112 pages· 6,957 words· Est. 47 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,601 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Journey into the heart of Roman civilization, where intricate city planning and architectural marvels come to life. Through detailed illustrations, uncover how Romans built their cities, shaping the lives of their inhabitants. What secrets lie in their ancient designs?

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1977

Castle

By David Macaulay

Uncover the secrets of a medieval castle's construction.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1978)Caldecott Honor (1978)

80 pages· 6,166 words· Est. 42 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,285 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey back to medieval times as the intricate process of building a castle unfolds. Discover the challenges faced by architects and builders as they bring a fortress and its surrounding town to life. With each brick laid, mysteries of the past are revealed, inviting you to explore the grandeur and intrigue of a bygone era. What secrets lie within the castle walls, and how do they shape the lives of those who dwell there? Dive into a world where history and architecture intertwine, and every stone tells a story.

Sale price

$3609

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Under Water

By Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinski

Explore hidden wonders beneath earth and sea, from submarines to burrowing creatures.

112 pages

4.6/5 Goodreads · 420 ratings

$37.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Venture into the unseen realms beneath our feet and oceans. Discover the secrets of early submarines, deep-sea creatures, and underground tunnels. This beautifully illustrated journey will change how you see the world.

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How Things Work And Are Made Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about how things work and are made for the youngest readers and listeners.

Our 10 Favorite Books About How Things Work And Are Made

Great books, picked for their age.

How Things Work And Are Made Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

How Things Work And Are Made Picture Books

How Things Work And Are Made Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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