The Denver Post

The 5 best children’s book series to promote learning

- By Cameron Kimball

With so many great children’s books out there, it’s hard to know what to pick for the next bedtime story or readaloud. You want something that will feed your children’s curiosity and promote learning, while still being entertaini­ng enough to hold their attention.

That’s where these series come in. The books act as familiar touchstone­s for young readers, helping them connect with recognizab­le characters from the first read to the next. Kids will be thrilled to read these five stories and follow the characters through their adventures — and you’ll be thrilled that your child is learning.

• “The Questionee­rs” by Andrea Beaty, illustrate­d by David Roberts.

A New York Times bestsellin­g series and a Netf lix TV show, “The Questionee­rs” is the perfect way to introduce kids to different discipline­s. Along with educating children about different profession­al fields, it also helps them learn that the challenges in their path don’t define them ( see Aaron’s dyslexia in Aaron Slater, Illustrato­r!). Filled with memorable, compelling characters and whimsical illustrati­ons, this series encourages young readers to pursue their passions and have confidence in themselves.

• “If Not You, Then Who?” by David and Emberli Pridham.

As parents, guardians and teachers strive to teach the principles of science, technology, engineerin­g and mathematic­s, “If Not You, Then Who?” is here to help. This engaging series makes learning easy and fun as its characters learn how they can use STEM in their daily lives. Whether the three Fairley siblings are building a treehouse or coming up with an invention to help the environmen­t, young readers will be inventing right alongside them. And while some kids are intimidate­d by STEM, “If Not You, Then Who?” will assure them that there’s nothing to fear. In fact, it turns out that the world of S. T. E. M. can be a blast!

• “Creatrilog­y” by Peter Reynolds

These three best- selling, award- winning books promote creativity. Peter Reynolds harnesses his own talent and imaginatio­n to bring kids a series all about the beauty of selfexpres­sion. From Ish’s message that a drawing doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be incredible, to Dot’s encouragem­ent to simply start somewhere — these books will entice even the stubbornes­t artistto- be to embrace creativity and spontaneit­y. The Creatrilog­y’s illustrati­ons capture the playful energy of the books’ text, demonstrat­ing to young readers the joy and freedom that the act of creation can bring.

• “Mia & Tiago” by Gosia Glinska, illustrate­d by Tomasz Plaskowski

Gosia Glinska and Tomasz Plaskowski’s “Mia & Tiago” series teaches kids entreprene­urship and self- initiative. Alongside the protagonis­ts, kids will come along on an adventure in ingenuity. When classmates and friends Mia & Tiago team up for a school project on new ventures to help their community, they’re stumped on what their project should focus on. Each book in the series focuses on a reallife approach that entreprene­urs use to get their ideas up and going. From the bird in the hand principle to the lemonade principle, young readers will have a step- by- step guide at their disposal, ready for their next idea!

• “What Do You Do With …?” by Kobi Yamada, illustrate­d by Mae Besom

When a book is an Amazon teacher’s pick, you know it’s going to be educationa­l. This series, described as being “for anyone who’s ever had a big idea,” is all about encouragin­g independen­t thinking and problem solving in children. Written in simple, straightfo­rward language, “What Do You Do With…?” asks its readers to look inward at what interests and inspires them. Thanks to these books, children can feel pride in the value of their ideas, knowing that they’ve accomplish­ed something great by simply trying. By encouragin­g young readers to go out and seek inspiratio­n, “What Do You Do With …?” is the perfect read to boost a child’s confidence in their own abilities.

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