Books About How Things Work And Are Made · 164 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.

Graphic Nov.

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

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

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 · 13,461 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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%

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary (Graphic Novel)

By Jeff Kinney

Discover the chaos and creativity behind making a movie, from seagulls to robot pigs.

208 pages· 12,266 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,191 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: Join a thrilling behind-the-scenes adventure in 'The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter.' Explore the unpredictable world of filmmaking with exclusive insights into 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.' Experience the chaos of filming seagulls invading a minivan, meet a robot pig, and uncover the secrets of an animatronic toddler. This journey is filled with unexpected twists, offering a glimpse into the wild ride of movie production. Will the team overcome the challenges and bring their vision to life? Dive in to find out!

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%

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.

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

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 · 284 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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

$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%

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

$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%

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.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2014

Creature Features

By Steve Jenkins (Author/Illustrator), Robin Page

Discover why animals' quirky faces are key to their survival.

32 pages· 1,005 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 922 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Why do animals have such peculiar faces? Dive into a world where an axolotl's 'feathers' are actually gills, and squinty eyes or upturned mouths are survival tools. This book unveils the fascinating reasons behind twenty-five animals' unique features, challenging our tendency to see human emotions in their expressions. Explore the habitats and diets of these creatures while uncovering the truth behind their appearances. What secrets do their faces hold, and how do these traits help them thrive in the wild? Embark on a journey of discovery and humor in the animal kingdom.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Sincerely, Emerson

By Emerson Weber, Jaclyn Sinquett (Illustrator)

A letter of thanks sparks a nationwide wave of gratitude.

32 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 289 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Eleven-year-old Emerson Weber pens a heartfelt letter to her postal carrier, Doug, igniting a nationwide movement of gratitude and love. As her simple act of kindness spreads, it highlights the unseen heroes who keep the world turning. How far can one letter go in changing hearts and minds? Discover the power of appreciation in this true, uplifting tale.

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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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