Top-rated books by Smithsonian Institution
Books like Smithsonian Institution’s
Award winning
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #11): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled storyline fosters creativity and imagination.
Introduces teamwork, responsibility, and friendship themes.
Engaging graphics captivate and maintain children's interest.
Encourages reading confidence in young independent readers.

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #11): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey, 2023
Award winning
The Bacteria Book: Gross Germs, Vile Viruses and Funky Fungi
Steve Mould, 2024
72 pages
Why to read
Explores intriguing world of microbes in an engaging way.
Fosters curiosity and scientific understanding in young readers.
Vivid illustrations complement fascinating microbial facts.
Encourages hygiene awareness with fun, interactive content.

The Bacteria Book: Gross Germs, Vile Viruses and Funky Fungi
Steve Mould, 2024
Award winning
Kid Engineer: Intro to Engineering
Marc Chamberlain, 2023
47 pages
Why to read
Introduces basic engineering concepts through fun stories.
Encourages problem-solving and innovative thinking.
Inspires young minds to explore STEM fields.
Engaging and interactive content for budding engineers.

Kid Engineer: Intro to Engineering
Marc Chamberlain, 2023
Award winning
The Sea of Terror: Once Upon a Tim
Stuart Gibbs, 2025
161 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled tale enriches curiosity and imagination.
Characters showcase resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through problem-solving scenarios.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

The Sea of Terror: Once Upon a Tim
Stuart Gibbs, 2025
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
272 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with interstellar adventure.
Introduces resilience through quirky, relatable characters.
Encourages problem-solving in whimsical scenarios.
Provides a fun, engaging reading journey.

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
Award winning
Lift the Flap Periodic Table
Alice James, Shaw Nielsen, 2023
16 pages
Why to read
Interactive flaps make learning elements fun and engaging.
Boosts memory and recognition skills through repetitive learning.
Encourages curiosity about science and the natural world.
Ideal for hands-on learners and young explorers.

Lift the Flap Periodic Table
Alice James, Shaw Nielsen, 2023
Award winning
A Garden in Your Belly: Meet the Microbes in Your Gut
Masha D'yans, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Introduces children to microbiology through vibrant illustrations.
Fosters curiosity about science and the human body.
Encourages healthy eating habits through engaging storytelling.
Supports development of literacy and cognitive skills.

A Garden in Your Belly: Meet the Microbes in Your Gut
Masha D'yans, 2024
Award winning
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Educates on historical events through narrative storytelling.
Addresses complex themes with age-appropriate language.
Encourages awareness and understanding of racial history.
Supports discussions on equality and human rights.
