A Children’s Library of Question Books

More than 80 books that foster wonder, curiosity, and questioning in children

This curated library of children’s books that foster the concepts of wonder, curiosity, and questioning has more than 80 entries, with quite a few Picture Books for young readers, as well as some Early Chapter Books, and a few Middle Readers. (Questioning books seem to taper off for older children, which is another topic.) Whether the questions are in the titles or running throughout the book, these authors and illustrators have discovered the secret to engaging their young, inquisitive readers.

Our gratitude to librarian Traci Sanders, who chose these special books and wrote short notes about each one for AMoreBeautifulQuestion.com. We did a profile of Traci and her children’s library of question books in this post.

Please feel free to send us any related children’s books to add to this “Children’s Library of Question Books.” (And also check out our recommended books for any inquisitve and creative adult readers you may know.)

PICTURE BOOKS

WONDER & EXPLORATION

Ask Me

A lovely glimpse into a father and daughter’s heartwarming conversation on a beautiful fall day. Full of fatherly questions, often “recommended” by the little girl, this book will either bring back memories or inspire you to make new ones—maybe both.

Quote: “How come birds build nests?”

Book of Questions/Libro De Las Preguntas

A stunning work, this picture book version of Pablo Neruda’s Book of Questions, provides many of the poet’s original poems, inviting wonder and reflection about our world.

I Wonder

 

Have you ever heard a question that made you think about something in a completely new way or gave you a brand-new perspective on everyday objects? I Wonder does just that and more. A brilliant picture book that will make you smile with every turn of the page.

Quote: “I wonder if sandwiches get mad when you bite them?”

Just Because

Bedtime turns into question time, as a child wonders aloud to his father. Playful answers create a charming and richly imagined picture book.

Quote: “Why do the leaves change color?”

Questions, Questions

Rhyming couplets that ask questions ranging from the practical to the profound and everything in-between. A wonderfully creative way to explore the real and imagined.

The Antlered Ship

Adventures and friendship abound when a curious fox boards a ship to discover answers to many of life’s questions.

Quote: “Why do some songs make you happy and others make you sad?”

The Girl with Big, Big Questions

A young girl, full of questions, discovers their power to learn, grow, and solve problems. A celebration of questions, curiosity, and wonder.

The Little Book of Big What-Ifs

 

Thoughtful questions, complemented by beautiful illustrations, take the reader on a journey of the everyday, showing that the “maybes” of life are often full of surprises.

Quote: “What if it was worth the wait?”

The Three Questions

Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy. A young boy goes in search of a wise turtle to answer three of life’s most important questions. Yet, what he finds is that only by experiencing life can we truly find the meaningful answers we’re looking for.

Quote: “What is the right thing to do?”

There

As a young girl wanders through beautifully illustrated landscapes, from villages and cities to storms and stars, she wonders what the future might hold when she gets “There.”

What Can You Do with a Shoe?

 

An imaginative rhyming game that asks questions of everyday objects with surprising, playful, and very funny answers.

  • Author: Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
  • Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
  • Publisher: McElderry, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster
  • Copyright: 2017 (re-colored; originally published in 1955)
  • Age Range: 3 to 7
  • Purchase on Amazon

“What Do You Do With…” Series

What Do You Do With A Chance? (2017); What Do You Do With A Problem? (2016); What Do You Do With An Idea? (2013)

Timeless lessons about the importance of taking a chance, facing a problem, and pursuing an idea.

Quote: “Is it possible?”

What if…

Celebrate the power of perseverance to create… no matter what. Based on the author’s real-life experience, this story is as creative as it is inspired.

What if?

A day at the beach creates numerous possibilities in this brilliant book that simply asks “What if?”

Why?

When a curious rabbit asks his kind friend bear “Why?” we learn all about our world until, one day, there isn’t an answer to give. A beautiful book, with a surprise ending, that turns one question into a heartfelt answer.

Would You Rather… (1994)
More Would You Rather… (2019)

Wonderfully creative questions that transform the ordinary. Will tickle the funny bone of children and adults alike.

Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog?

Imaginative questions—all in rhyme—that provide engaging and entertaining choices for the very young.

You Call That Brave?

A picture book that celebrates the many ways to be brave. A wonderful story that shows what’s easy for one may be difficult for others, and that supporting and appreciating everyone’s gifts is the best lesson of all.

  • Author: Lorenz Pauli
  • Illustrator: Kathrin Schafer
  • Publisher: NorthSouth Books (US Edition)
  • Copyright: 2014
  • Age Range: 4 to 8
  • Purchase on Amazon

INTERACTIVE BOOKS

“The Pigeon” Series

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (2004); The Pigeon Has Feelings Too! (2005); The Pigeon Loves Things That Go! (2005); Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! (2006); The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! (2008); The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! (2012); Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (2012); The Pigeon Needs a Bath! (2014); The Pigeon Needs a Bath Book! (2019); The Pigeon HAS To Go To School! (2019)

This is one stressed out, stubborn, and very funny pigeon. With an engaging format of questions and answers, these books will have children and adults laughing out loud at the antics and excuses from this entertaining bird.

Which Witch is Which?

A thoroughly enjoyable book that asks your child—through questions that rhyme—just which one is the right witch. Illustrations are as playful as they are creative.

Who Done It

With simple prose, your child will love finding the right character through humorous, child-like drawings. Whether being nervous, in disguise, forgetting a swimsuit, and many others, this interactive book is a joy to read and figure out “Who done it?”

BOOKS THAT EDUCATE (various topics)

ART

Seen Art?

Waiting for his friend Art, a boy asks, “Have you seen Art?” In a wonderful misunderstanding, he ends up at the MoMA learning all about, well… art!

BEFORE & AFTER

Once Upon a Memory

A simple and beautiful book that takes the “after” of something—a book, an island, a family—and brings it back to what it was before—a word, unknown, two? A brilliant concept that inspires wonder among children and adults.

Quote: “Does a book remember it once was… a word?”

BIOGRAPHIES

Albie’s First Word: A Tale Inspired by Albert Einstein’s Childhood

Author Jacqueline Tourville weaves a story around the moment that Albert Einstein first spoke. While each event keeps the reader guessing, and hoping, it is only when his parents stop wondering “when?” that Albie wonders “why?” A terrific read-aloud.

Quote: “The important thing is to not stop questioning.”

Enormous Smallness: A Story of E. E. Cummings

An incredibly creative biography about an incredibly creative poet who never lost his childlike wonder about the world around him.

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

On a Beam of Light is wonderful, not only because it describes Einstein and his brilliant ideas in such an understandable and entertaining way, but because it shows Einstein in a whole new, well, light. For example, did you know that Einstein didn’t like socks? In fact, he never wore them as an adult! What did he love? Sailing, playing the violin, and eating ice cream. A must-read that teaches and inspires—just like Einstein himself.

Quote: “He wondered, what would it be like to ride one of those beams?”

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos

Carl Sagan was a born explorer. Whether studying the world around him, or the one above him, he always asked questions and looked for the answers. One night, looking up at the stars, he wondered: “What are they?” And, in that moment, his life was changed. Not only did this inspire him to study the universe, it inspired him to create spacecraft to get there. A story to remind all of us to follow our dreams and never stop imagining.

“You Never Heard of…” Series

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! (2009); You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! (2013)

While these books are geared to the younger set, any baseball fan will enjoy these stories of two legends who helped change the game of baseball.

 

FACTS & OPINIONS

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots

In his humorous style, Michael Rex shows the difference and importance between facts and opinions. And he does so with some very delightful robots. An educational, entertaining, and incredibly fun read.

READING/STORIES

Any Questions?

In many ways, this book is two stories in one. The first story shows the writing process through questions, ideas, and drawings. The second story comes from all the questions (and hard work) in the first part of the book. Of course, your child is invited to participate and, together, your child and the author create a wonderfully silly story to enjoy again and again.

Quote: “Where do your ideas come from?”

It’s a Book

There’s a computer… and then there’s a book. And while the differences are known, they have never been presented in quite this funny of a way. Through simple questions and answers, the author shows that technology, and all it can do, can simply not compare to the brilliant simplicity of the printed book.

Read Anything Good Lately?

An alphabetical book that shows not just what is read throughout the day, but where.

The Snatchabook

“Who’s stealing all the stories?” A terrific little “who-dun-it” about a town that keeps losing its books. When a brave rabbit decides to catch the thief, surprises abound. A perfect read-aloud.

CAREERS

“The Questioneers” Series

Iggy Peck, Architect (2007); Rosie Revere, Engineer (2013); Ada Twist, Scientist (2016); Sofia Valdez, Future Prez (2019); Aaron Slater, Illustrator (2021)

Fantastic rhyming books about finding what you love to do and doing it…no matter what. In a playful way, these books show just how creative genius can be.

Quote: “Why?”

DISABILITIES

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

A wonderful book that reminds children and adults that all of us have challenges and strengths. Through questions, children’s abilities—while building a community garden—are celebrated.

Quote: “What helps you learn?”

EMOTIONS

How Are You Peeling?

Foods with moods: This is one of those books that has to be seen. How vegetables, in all their shapes and sizes, can show emotions is a pretty amazing testament to creativity. Rhyming text complements the images.

  • Author: Saxton Freymann
  • Illustrator: Joost Elffers
  • Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
  • Copyright: 1999 by Play With Your Food, LLC
  • Age Range: 4 to 8
  • Purchase on Amazon

GARDENS

Du Iz Tak?

A simple yard provides the perfect backdrop for discovery using a bugs’ own creative language.

Oh Say Can You Seed?

All About Flowering Plants. The Cat in the Hat is at it again, educating children through the magic of rhyme. Whimsical and entertaining, this book “plants” curiosity about the world of seeds, with loads of facts presented in wonderfully imaginative ways.

HATS

Do You Have a Hat?

Hats are more than fashion, they’re history! A playful look inside the world of hats and the many people who’ve worn them.

SCIENCE & MATH

Have You Seen My Dragon?

A dragon in New York City? Well, yes (anything can happen in a picture book). And, as one boy searches for his lost dragon, we get to “travel” around the city counting such things as hot dogs, sailboats, fire hydrants, even pigeons. With black and white illustrations, and a little bit of color, this book is a true stand-out!

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

A charming story about a little boy who does not like being the smallest in his class. Through interesting, and surprising, facts about pumpkins, the author shows us—and the class—that it’s what’s inside that counts. After hearing this story, your child may bring home the smallest pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.

How Much Is a Million?

A brilliant math book that takes huge numbers and makes them understandable to children. As a librarian reading this book, I heard a lot of “That can’t be true!” This was followed by “Well, maybe it’s true…” And finally, “I’m going to ask my mom!” On that note, you may get a lot of questions (the answers are in the back).

The Why Files

#1: Exploring Flight (2021); #2: All About Plants (2022)

“Wells of Knowledge Science” Series

What’s Smaller Than a Pygmy Shrew? (1995); How Do You Lift a Lion? (1996); What’s Faster Than a Speeding Cheetah? (1997); How Do You Know What Time It Is? (2002); What’s Older Than a Giant Tortoise? (2004); Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? (2006); Polar Bear, Why Is Your World Melting? (2008); Can We Share the World with Tigers? (2012); What’s So Special about Planet Earth? (2010); Why Do Elephants Need the Sun? (2012)

Education and entertainment combine to bring the world of science to life. Childlike illustrations complement the text.

 

“Wells of Knowledge Science” Math Books

Can You Count to A Googol? (2000); Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is? (1993)

Education and entertainment combine to bring the world of math to life. Childlike illustrations complement the text.

OPPOSITES

Black? White! Day? Night!

From “beginning” to “end,” Black? White! Day? Night! captures the world of opposites in the most surprising and creative ways.

Opposites Abstract

Through abstract art, paintings become profound as one question about opposites leads to many.

The Hueys in What’s the Opposite?

Never boring, always unique, the Hueys just do things in their own way; lucky for us, because the Hueys have done it again! And this time, it’s opposites! A simple and enjoyable lesson your child might beg you to read over…and over… and over… Very entertaining.

PEACE

Can You Say Peace?

In honor of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, children around the globe share the message of peace in their country’s language. Pronunciations are included, along with a brief description of what this day means and more ways to say “peace” around the world.

PRESIDENT

So You Want to Be President?

This book not only covers many presidents, it talks about what it’s like to live in the White House. Children love the idea of having their own bowling alley and movie theatre; however, having to dress up all the time seems to dim their enthusiasm (well, most). My favorite part about reading this book aloud—hearing who wants to be president, as well as those who simply want to live in the White House for the amenities. A wonderfully fun read!

CONCEPT BOOKS

Are You My Mother?

A bird in search of his mother meets a variety of animals, and other moveable objects, along the way. A great concept book with a very happy ending.

Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?

Through singsong verse, this book teaches young children about a variety of land and sea animals.

Is Your Mama a Llama?

A wonderful way to teach children about animals and their unique qualities—all through a game of guesses that rhyme. A favorite for over twenty-five years.

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?

In Dr. Seuss’s Book of Wonderful Noises, common and not-so-common sounds make imitating silly and fun.

“What Do You See?/What Do You Hear” Serie

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (1967; Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? (1991); Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? (2003); Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? (2007)

Animals, colors, sounds, and numbers are just some of the concepts children learn while engaging with childlike illustrations.

“How Do Dinosaurs…” Series

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? (2000); How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? (2003); How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? (2003); How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms? (2004); How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? (2004); How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends? (2006); How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors? (2006); How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? (2007); How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? (2009); How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? (2010); How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? (2010); How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? (2010); How Do Dinosaurs Laugh Out Loud? (2010); How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday? (2011); How Do Dinosaurs Go Up and Down? (2011); How Do Dinosaurs Play All Day? (2011); How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? (2012); How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? (2012); How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies? (2012); How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? (2015); How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe? (2015); How Do Dinosaurs Write Their ABC’s with Chalk? (2016); How Do Dinosaurs Go to Sleep? (2016); How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? (2016); How Do Dinosaurs Choose their Pets? (2017); How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners? (2020); How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodbye? (2021)

Laugh-out-loud, “how-to” books with dinosaurs acting, well… a lot like humans.

  • Author: Jane Yolen
  • Illustrator: Mark Teague
  • Publisher: Scholastic
  • Age Range: 4 to 8
  • Purchase on Amazon

UNIVERSAL QUESTIONS

Are We There Yet?

This is definitely not your average road trip! But even the extraordinary can’t overcome that all too common question: “Are we there yet?”

Are We There Yet?

Sure… time can go slow on a road trip, but what if it goes so slow, it goes backwards?! In this brilliant book, one seemingly boring car ride becomes an “epoch” adventure!

Avocado Asks: What Am I?

Fruit or vegetable? This question leads avocado on a grocery store adventure to discover just where he belongs. A charming book that shows—through wordplay and humor—that it’s what’s inside that counts.

Do You Want To Be My Friend?

Follow a mouse, in this visual picture book, as he meets various animals—and their tails—while searching for a friend.

Glasses: Who Needs ’Em?

Glasses, who needs ’em? This little boy does, surprisingly, to him. The help of a very determined eye doctor and some wonderfully—mostly blurry—pages finally bring this idea into focus.

Mama, Do You Love Me?

A beloved picture book that captures this universal question, showing the unconditional love of a parent and the beautiful bond between mother and child.

Mama, is It Summer Yet?

As the seasons change, a young boy and his mother discover the smallest of signs that lead to the start of summer.

Still Stuck

Yoshitake, author of the humorous question-title books Why Do I Feel Like This?, Can I Build Another Me?, and What Happens Next?, tackles in Still Stuck what happens when you get stuck in your clothes. It can be a serious problem, especially when you start thinking of everything that can go wrong. With whimsy and humor, this book is one all kids learning to dress and undress can relate to. Sure to get a lot of laughs.

The Boring Book

It’s amazing how unboring being bored can be. Follow one boy’s “boring” day that becomes creative and playful. A thoroughly enjoyable book.

The Lines on Nana’s Face

When a young girl wants to know why her Nana has lines on her face, a lifetime of beautiful, heartfelt memories ensue.

What Are You So Grumpy About?

Anything can make us grumpy, but there are some things, especially when we’re young, that really can really get us there quickly, and this book captures it perfectly. You and your child will laugh—and relate—to what can put us in a bad mood and, more importantly, get us out of one.

What Does the Tooth Fairy Do With Our Teeth?

Well… this is one creative tooth fairy! Who knew all the amazing things our teeth are used for once they wiggle out. A funny and playful glimpse into just what happens when the tooth fairy gets to work.

  • Author: Denise Barry
  • Illustrator: Andy Boerger
  • Publisher: Mascot Books
  • Copyright: 2014
  • Age Range: 4 to 7
  • Purchase on Amazon

What is Love?

A boy journeys to discover the answer to “What is love?” A thoughtful take on an age-old question with surprising and heartfelt answers.

Quote: “Did you answer your question?”

What Mess

A hilarious look at one boy’s extremely messy room. With wonderful illustrations to match the very funny words, your child will laugh at the antics, and excuses, for all the filth and clutter. With an ending of explosive proportions, and a new goal, your child might just be inspired to clean—or at least pick up—a few things. Great fun!

What Pet Should I Get?

There are so many choices at a pet store, how do you pick just one? Follow a brother and sister as they meet animals in every aisle and wonder: “What pet should I get?”

What Was I Scared Of?

A pair of pants that stands up on its own? Scary… or is it? Follow the narrator as he learns to face his fear, and discovers that, often, the best way to stop being scared is to get to know what we’re afraid of.

Where’s the Bathroom?

A wild rhyming adventure with one goal: Find the bathroom! Your child will laugh out loud as one boy goes on an epic and very confusing tour, all to find a little relief.

When’s My Birthday?

The perfect birthday is imagined in this wonderful picture book that may just give your child even more ideas for their big day!

Where’s My Teddy?

Eddy & the Bear Series. When one little boy finds his teddy bear is too big and a real bear discovers his is too small, the laughs ensue. Playful illustrations complement the rhyming text.

Will It Be a Baby Brother?

A simple book that explores just what happens when a baby’s on the way. With lots of questions, and hope for a brother, one little boy gets ready to share his favorite toys; yet, as this story shows, sometimes surprises are the best of all.

Yes Day!

Yes Day! Is about a little boy who, once a year, gets a “Yes Day!” when everything he asks for he gets (those are some BRAVE parents!) If your children have never asked you for a Yes Day, they will after this story.

Quote: “Can I please have pizza for breakfast?”

Yo! Yes? | Ring! Yo?

Yo! Yes? (1993) and Ring! Yo? (2000) are two creative books showing how questions—and answers—can uncover and develop the friendships we’re all looking for.

  • Author: Chris Raschka
  • Illustrator: Chris Raschka
  • Publisher: Orchard Books; Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.
  • Age Range: 4 to 7
  • Purchase on Amazon

BOOKS ON WHY

Britannica’s First Big Book of Why

Why can’t penguins fly? Why do we brush our teeth? Why does popcorn pop? The ultimate book of answers for kids who need to know WHY! Wonderful questions with age-appropriate answers. Includes fantastic illustrations and photographs.

National Geographic’s First Big Book of Why (set)

Explore the world through these engaging and entertaining questions and answers. A 21-book set, including a companion volume to the First Big Book of Why, along with the First Big Book of Who, The First Big Book of Where, and The First Big Book of How.

EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS (ages 7 to 10)

“The Questioneers” Series

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, #1 (2018); Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants, #2 (2019);Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion, #3 (2020); Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote, #4 (2020); Ada Twist and the Disappearing Dogs, #5 (2022)

The Questioneers are back! But this time for a slightly older audience. With engaging stories, children will follow their favorite characters as they question and invent—all to solve problems and uncover mysteries.

MIDDLE READERS (ages 8 to 12)

“Big Questions from Little People” Series

Does My Goldfish Know Who I Am? And Hundreds More Big Questions from Little People Answered by Experts (2001); Big Questions from Little People: And Simple Answers from Great Minds (2012); Big Questions from Little People: Answered by Some Very Big People (2012); Why Can’t I Tickle Myself?: Big Questions from Little People Answered by Some Very Big People (2013).

Entertaining and educational answers to kid-generated questions; written from a variety of perspectives.

  • Author: Gemma Elwin Harris
  • Publisher: Ecco, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; Faber & Faber
  • Purchase on Amazon

Children’s Book of Philosophy

An introduction to the world’s great thinkers and their big ideas. Just what is philosophy? Who are some of the most influential thinkers and what did they think about? These and other questions are examined in this extensive collection for children.

“From An Idea To…” Series

Nike: How Marketing Made Nike a Global Success (2019); Google: How Innovation at Google Changed the World (2019); Lego: The Building Bricks Behind the World’s Largest Toy Company (2019); Disney: How Branding Made Disney a Household Name (2019)

Packed with wonderful information, this series shows how one idea can change the world. Questions about business concepts provide lessons for kids, along with “Fun Facts” timelines, and bibliographies.

One Question a Day for Kids

A three-year journal with questions for each day of the year. After three years, kids can see how their answers have changed—or stayed the same. A creative “time capsule” project for children.

“Tell Me” Series

Tell Me Why? (2015); Tell Me What Is That? (2015)

Spiral bound books that answer, in a child-friendly way, numerous questions on an entertaining range of topics.

  • Author: Isabelle Fougere; Elisabeth Marrou
  • Publisher: Barron’s
  • Copyright: 2015
  • Age Range: 6 to 12
  • Purchase on Amazon

Th!nk For Yourself

Subtitled The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking in an Age of Information Overload, this is a terrific book about how to think for yourself, with methods, tools, and stories that illustrate real-world, present-day examples. Through easy-to-understand descriptions, that educate in an entertaining and thoughtful way, this is a valuable book for kids, parents, and teachers alike.

“Who Is…/Who Was…?” Series

Entertaining biographies of influential people throughout the world—then and now. Additional series include What Was…, Where is…, What is the Story of….

WOULD YOU RATHER…

The Big Book of Would You Rather Questions for Kids

Over 350 smart and silly scenarios. Divided into ten categories, this book asks age-appropriate questions that are both entertaining and thought provoking.

Would You Rather?

In this Made You Think! edition, answer hilarious questions and win the game of wits. Designed to make children think and laugh, this question book provides a bit of a competition, as questions become more difficult and answers more creative.

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