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There’s something special about watching a child’s imagination at work. Give them a box, and it’s suddenly a spaceship. Hand them a crayon, and they’ll draw a whole new world. That spark — that mix of curiosity and wonder — is what makes childhood so magical.
Books feed that spark. They invite children to dream, to build, to explore ideas they can’t yet put into words. In a world where screens often grab our attention first, stories still have the power to slow us down and remind us what it means to imagine.
Here are ten books that do exactly that — stories that help children see, think, and dream in their own unique ways.
1. Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
A cardboard box might look ordinary to an adult — but to a child, it can be absolutely anything. This clever little story celebrates the way imagination transforms the simplest things into grand adventures.
2. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
What happens when crayons decide they’ve had enough? This funny, colourful book brings art supplies to life, showing children that creativity can come from anywhere — even a crayon with opinions.
3. Journey by Aaron Becker
A story with no words and endless possibilities. Each page invites children to tell the story themselves, letting their imagination lead the way. It’s calm, dreamy, and full of wonder.
4. Along Came a Human by Jane Richards, illustrated by Poan Pan
This one’s a gem. Told through the curious eyes of a friendly spider, Along Came a Human flips the usual story upside down. Instead of being scared of people, the spider decides to study them — and discovers that humans can be just as fascinating (and funny) as spiders.
It’s warm, thoughtful, and a brilliant way to show children how curiosity and empathy can open up the world around them. The illustrations are beautiful too — gentle and full of character.
5. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold draws his way through the world, one purple line at a time. It’s a quiet little adventure that reminds children they can create their own paths — all they need is courage and imagination.
6. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A story that’s been loved for generations — and for good reason. Max’s journey to where the wild things are shows that imagination isn’t just about fun; it’s also about understanding feelings like anger, loneliness, and love.
7. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Ada never stops asking questions. Why, how, what if? Her curiosity drives everyone mad — but it’s also what makes her wonderful. A great reminder that creativity and curiosity often look messy before they turn into magic.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
8. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
It starts with a small dot — and grows into something far bigger. This lovely little book shows that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes, it just takes one brave start.
9. Maybe by Kobi Yamada
Soft, poetic, and full of hope. Maybe reminds children (and adults, too) that every person has something special inside them — potential waiting to be found.
10. What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
This story is for every child who’s ever had an idea that felt too strange, too big, or too small. It’s a beautiful reminder that ideas grow when you nurture them — and that creativity begins with believing in yourself.
Why These Stories Matter
The best stories don’t just entertain — they leave a little light behind. They remind children that imagination isn’t something to grow out of; it’s something to grow with.
These books give children the freedom to play with ideas, ask questions, and see beauty in unexpected places. And when a child starts to see the world through creative eyes, they start to see themselves differently too.
Final Thoughts: Raising Little Dreamers
Children don’t need perfect art supplies or structured lessons to be creative. What they need is time, space, and stories that whisper, You can.
At Chanthology
we believe in the kind of books that make children look up and say, “Let’s make something.” Explore Along Came a Human and our growing collection of picture books that nurture imagination, empathy, and joy — one page at a time.