The world needs terrific inventors—so every January 17th, the world celebrates Kid Inventors' Day! Encourage the creativity of a young inventor you know by reading these inspiring tales of creation and innovation together.
If I Built a House Chris Van Dusen
Inventing requires imagination—and there is no shortage of that in this hilarious picture book. Young Jack tells his mom about all the unique ways he would build a house. A space-age robot that cooks and cleans? Slides? Art Room? They're all here in Jack's house! What would a house you built look like? Recommended for ages 3–5.
Ada Twist, Scientist Andrea Beaty
A zany and beautiful book perfect for those young inventors who love to ask questions. Brilliant young scientist Ada is a whiz at looking for answers—her favorite word is "Why?". Sometimes that leads to a mess, but her curious mind just can't stop! Recommended for ages 5–7.
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions Chris Barton
Lonnie Johnson invented perhaps the coolest summer toy ever: the super-soaker squirt gun. Read all about his journey from child tinkerer to NASA engineer to inventor. Recommended for ages 7–10.
Who Was Ben Franklin? Dennis Brindell Fradin
January 17th isn't just Kid Inventors' Day—it's Benjamin Franklin's birthday! Did you know he was a kid inventor? This funny installment of the popular Who Was? series introduces kids to this famous Founding Father who gave us the U.S. postal system, the lightning rod, the first public library, and the bifocal lens. Recommended for ages 8–10.
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women Catherine Thimmesh
Who can resist a chocolate chip cookie? Did you know a girl named Ruth Wakefield invented it? Learn about Ruth and the many women inventors throughout history in this collection of short biographies. From windshield wipers to paper bags, these women created ways to make everyday life easier. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Learn more about kid inventors at USPTO Kids