Amelia's Loose Parts Art by Angela Odusanya

When Amelia forgets her art box at Grandma’s, she discovers that art isn’t just in her supplies—it’s all around her. Through loose part art, she learns to be resourceful, creative, and joyful in trying new things.

Suggested reading age: 3-8 years

Also check out Amelia's Loose Parts Art: A Day at the Beach and Amelia's Easter Surprise.

The Cleanup Surprise by Christine Loomis

While cleaning up their playground, a class of preschoolers finds enough useful junk to create a robot.

Suggested reading age: 4-12 years

The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier

Ruby, full of ideas, decides to build a fort even when her brothers doubt her skills. Determined, she learns on her own and surprises everyone with a dazzling creation, celebrating creativity, perseverance, and ingenuity.

Suggested reading age: 4-8 years

Also check out The Little Blue Bridge and The Little Green Swing.

Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams

Kondi is determined to make a galimoto—a toy vehicle made of wires. His brother laughs at the idea, but all day Kondi goes about gathering up the wire he needs. By nightfall, his wonderful galimoto is ready for the village children to play with in the light of the moon.

Suggested reading age: 4-8 years

Mr. Cornell's Dream Boxes by Jeanette Winter

Joseph Cornell, a reclusive New York artist, turned found objects into whimsical, glass-fronted shadow boxes fueled by dreams and memories. Jeanette Winter’s delicate illustrations and spare, inviting prose celebrate his imaginative spirit and connection with children, offering a vivid, accessible introduction to his art.

Suggested reading age: 4-8 years

Rhoda's Rock Hunt by Molly Beth Griffin and Jennifer A. Bell

On a hike with her aunt and uncle, Rhoda collects rocks until her pack is too heavy to carry. At a beach full of even more treasures, she finds a clever way to keep enjoying her rocks while sharing them with others.

Suggested reading age: 3-7 years

Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers by Dianna Hutts Aston

This book tells the story of Italian immigrant Simon Rodia, who spent 34 years (1921–1955) building the Watts Towers in California from found objects like glass and seashells. Told through the perspective of a fictional girl who grows up alongside the towers, the story highlights perseverance, creativity, and big dreams. Illustrated with collage art that reflects Rodia’s style, it concludes with an interactive "build-your-own-tower" activity, making it ideal for classrooms and inspiring for children.

Suggested reading age: 5-8 years

The Scraps Book by Lois Ehlert

Lois Ehlert grew up encouraged by her parents to make art, with tools, supplies, and her own creative space. In this picture book, she shares a behind-the-scenes look at her life and work, inspiring readers of all ages to follow their dreams and explore their creativity.

Suggested reading age: 5-10 years

Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.

Suggested reading age: 4-7 years

Stanley's Stick by John Hegley

Stanley's stick is not just a stick. With a stick in hand, Stanley's options are endless - he flies to the moon, writes in the sand, goes fishing, plays a whistle and rides a dinosaur - and his imagination takes over and the magic begins.

Suggested reading age: 0-5 years