Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis and illustrated by Gilbert Ford 

This colorfully illustrated picture book brings inventor George Ferris to life, showing how he overcame huge challenges to create the iconic Ferris wheel. Not only will readers learn about Mr. Ferris’s amazing creation, they’ll be whisked away to the 1893 World’s Fair (where it was introduced). 

The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow and illustrated by Steven Salerno 

This is the true story of how Edwin Binney turned a love of nature’s bright colors into the iconic Crayola crayons kids still use today. Through creativity, teamwork, and lots of experimenting, he helped generations of children imagine, create, and dream in color.

American Girl Entrepreneur: Pleasant Rowland by Paige V. Polinsky 

It had never occurred to us that an individual person invented the American Girl dolls, but that’s exactly what Pleasant Rowland did! This book is a biography of Rowland and how she built the American Girl brand. Learn about the dolls’ evolution over time, plus enjoy photos and fun facts.

Madam C.J. Walker and New Cosmetics by Katherine Krohn and read by various readers 

This kid-friendly biography (only 18 minutes long!) shares the inspiring story of Madam C.J. Walker, who created a successful line of hair care and beauty products for Black women. She became the first self-made female millionaire in America. 

The Boo-Boos That Changed the World by Barry Wittenstein and read by L.J. Ganser 

Did you know Band-Aids were invented by accident? Cotton buyer Earle Dickson created them to help his wife easily cover cuts, but the idea didn’t take off until the Boy Scouts of America tested and approved it. Soon, Band-Aids became a household essential. 

A Super Sticky Mistake by Alison Donald and read by Devon Sorvari, David Bendena, and Tyler Jackson-Price 

In 1942, scientist Harry Coover accidentally made Super Glue while working on WWII tools. The goo was so sticky that his team first threw it away. Later, Harry realized it could glue things together fast without heat or pressure. It’s a book that will really stick with you! (Sorry, we had to.)

50 Adventures in the 50 States by Kate Siber and illustrated by Lydia Hill 

This book includes one awesome adventure to try in every US state! From surfing in Texas to stargazing in Nevada, each activity comes with cool facts and colorful art. Perfect for kids who love nature, travel, and big adventures across the USA. 

Monarch Butterflies by Ann Hobbie and illustrated by Olga Baumert 

These amazing butterflies are famous for their huge yearly migration. This colorful book teaches kids about their life cycle, body parts, and journey, plus how people can help protect them from climate change and habitat loss. 

Over and Under the Wetland by Christopher Silas Neal and illustrated by Kate Messner 

Welcome to the Everglades, where owls hoot, frogs sing, and alligators hide beneath the water. This beautifully illustrated book uncovers the secret world of wetlands, filled with amazing animals and plants living among the reeds, trees, and shadows.  

The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye and illustrated by Peter Ganim 

Aref travels from Oman to Ann Arbor to join his dad and start a new life. He makes new friends, starts school, and misses his grandfather back home. This heartwarming story captures the excitement and worries of moving to a new country. 

Our National Parks by John Muir and read by Chase Foster 

Legendary naturalist John Muir presents an unforgettable journey through wild places like Yosemite and Yellowstone. With beautiful writing, he shares why nature matters and inspires people to protect the outdoors for future generations.

Sofia’s Veterans Day Project by Lucie Miller 

Learn about Veterans Day with Sofia, who is making thank-you cards for her military family. 

How to Catch a Mamasaurus by Alice Walstead and Andy Elkerton 

The kids set out to catch the mysterious Mamasaurus, a one-of-a-kind creature with a big heart and unstoppable spirit! Along the way, they realize how much love, care, and support Mamasaurus gives them every single day.

How to Catch a Groundhog by Alice Walstead and Andy Elkerton 

A group of kids accidentally wakes the park groundhog, and he runs away! Then they remember—tomorrow is (the uniquely American) Groundhog Day. If they can’t find him in time, the town won’t know if winter is almost over. 

Ticket to Ride: Railway of Destiny by Adrienne Kress and illustrated by David Miles 

Teddy suddenly finds himself racing by train to New Orleans with a mysterious puppy in his backpack. Strange people are after an “asset,” and he doesn’t know who to trust. Using his train smarts, he must protect the puppy and find his way home. (Based on the board game Ticket to Ride.)

The Littlest Airplane by Brooke Hartman and illustrated by John Joseph 

A fun rhyming picture book about how being small can still make a big difference! At a northern airstrip, a tiny bush plane watches bigger planes take off. But when a storm traps hikers on a mountain, it’s up to the little plane to step up and save the day. 

Ticket to Ride: An Unexpected Journey written and read by Adrienne Kress 

Twelve-year-old Teddy is totally obsessed with trains. He knows everything about them and even has an epic model train setup in his basement. His lucky charm is a tiny caboose model from a steam engine. So when he wins a ride across North America on the Excelsior Express, he’s beyond excited. (Based on the board game Ticket to Ride.)

Angela’s Airplane written and read by Robert Munsch  

Poor Angela! She gets lost at the airport while searching for her dad and accidentally ends up flying a plane by pressing buttons. A control tower helps guide her safely, though the landing is rough. Even after promising never to fly again, she later grows up to become a pilot.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again by Frank Cottrell Boyce and read by David Tennant 

When the Tooting family puts an old engine into their camper van, they accidentally kick off a wild adventure! The engine once belonged to a special car, and it wants to be whole again. As they travel the world fixing it, a sneaky villain follows, determined to steal the amazing car.