I have been very intrigued by these really unique books for young girls and boys that are written by Andrea Beaty with illustrations by David Roberts.
Iggy Peck, Architect was published in 2007, this book is intended for 4 to 8 year olds, however, after having read this story, this would be a great read aloud for the classroom, up through 8th grade, possibly an art class if students were designing structures.  Iggy Peck is a curious young boy who builds structures out of just about anything, diapers, fruit, he is quite resourceful.  This book is ideal for young ones who like to build and create.  The illustrations are colorful and inspiring, I imagine they look like the images that would flow through an architects mind.  I guarantee you’ll be pulling out graph paper and colored pencils to help your young Iggy Peck’s draft their creations.

In 2013, Andrea Beaty created another stunning picture book featuring a cleaver young girl Rosie Revere, Engineer.  Rosie  is a shy young girl who builds amazing things but hides them away afraid of failure.  Until her great-great-aunt Rose comes for a visit and helps her to see just how amazing her engineering is, even if at first, it’s a flop.  She helps Rosie to understand that even a flop is a good thing and that trying again is no failure.  The lyrical patterning to these stories makes them very fun and engaging to read.  My daughter loves this book, she loves looking at the designs Rosie creates.

These are books that you want your kids to connect with, to feel inspired by.  These are stories that might help the young dreamers and tinkers believe that anything is possible.  I love that it is a great story with characters you can connect with and a resounding message that anything you put your mind to is possible.

Let’s get to it, I love reading a story with my petite and having her jump up to get working on her inspirations.  These engineering toys would be perfect to support your petites in their own engineering pursuits.

Goldie Blox and The Spinning Machine | Goldie Blox and the Parade Float |  Goldie Blox and the Dunk Tank

Engino Structures And Bridges  | Engino Mechanical Science: Pulleys

I am so excited about these Goldie Blox sets, they feature a book and lots of pieces to complete the task, whether it is skill building or an engineering concept.  They are designed for young girls ages 4-9.  In thinking about girls, we unfortunately have many young girls who lose interest in science and math at a very young age, the goal of these Goldie Blox activities are to inspire girls to become engineers and builders in a predominately male dominated field.  Another great resource for engineering toys for kids is Engino, they have created kits for building structures, cams & cranks, gears, wheels, pulleys, simple machines and levers.  The Engino kits are geared toward a slightly older age set 6-14.

I am always looking for our next favorite book, are there other books out there like Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck that you and your petites love?  Tell me about them in the comments, I would love to check them out.

Happy Monday!
Erin