Books that spark creativity, imagination, and play do more than just entertain—they invite children to explore new ideas, experiment, and express themselves. In these early years, playful learning experiences build the foundation for critical thinking, language development, and confidence. 

Because the first five years are such a crucial time for brain development, children benefit most from joyful, engaging interactions that make learning feel natural and exciting. Stories that encourage pretend play, curiosity, and open-ended thinking help children make sense of the world while strengthening social-emotional skills. 

That’s why it’s so important to curate book lists—like this collection of Tandem staff picks—that center creativity and imagination. These titles not only inspire a love of reading, but also empower children and families to turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection, discovery, and play. 

Mix it Up!

Written & illustrated by Herve Tullet

A fun and interactive book that teaches children all about color mixing while helping them develop focus and self-control. By following the simple and engaging instructions, readers learn how to mix a rainbow of colors from just red, yellow, and blue. Then, discover how to make them vanish, splatter, and dance across the page!

Age level: 3 – 5 years

Talking Tip: After reading Mix It Up!, try color mixing at home using paint, food coloring in water, or even playdough! Start with just red, yellow, and blue, and see how many new colors you can make by mixing them. As you mix, ask, “Do you remember what color we got when we mixed blue and yellow together in the book?”

BONUS: Check out our read aloud videos and activity guides for Mix it Up! available in English and Spanish. 

Maybe Something Beautiful

Written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell
Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

Mira is an artist who spreads joy by giving her neighbors colorful drawings and paintings. When a muralist spots her work and picks up a paintbrush, something magical happens. Soon, the whole community joins in, transforming the gray walls of their neighborhood into a joyful explosion of color!

Age level: 3 – 5 years

Talking Tip: Grab a big piece of paper, crayons, markers, or paints, and create your own neighborhood mural together! Talk about what colors you want to use and what people, places, and things you want to include. What makes your community special?

BONUS: Visit https://www.maybesomethingbeautiful.com/ for teacher guides and more!

One Giant Leap

Written & Illustrated by Thao Lam

A delightful wordless book that celebrates the magical power of a child’s imagination and the joy of turning everyday moments into extraordinary adventures.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: Since there are no words in this book, let your child take the lead! Ask them to tell you what is happening on each page as you read together. What do they see? What do they think happens next?

The Dino Door

Written by Josh Funk
Illustrated by Renee Kurilla

A mysterious door appears in a child’s bedroom…and on the other side? Dinosaurs! With fun rhymes and colorful illustrations, this whimsical adventure celebrates imagination and friendship.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: Ask your child, “If you found a secret door in your room, where would you want it to lead?” Then, encourage them to draw or describe their own magical world. Who would live there? What would it look like? What adventures would they have?

Let’s Be Bees

Written & Illustrated by Shawn Harris

A father and child become buzzing bees, chirping birds, rustling trees, and more in this fun and quirky story! With bold crayon illustrations, this is a perfect celebration of imaginative play and quality time together.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: After reading, ask your child, “What would you want to pretend to be?” Take turns making sounds and movements like the animals and things in the book.

Activity: Draw with Author Illustrator Shawn Harris! Check out this Let’s Be Bees Art Class video with Shawn Harris.

Forts

Written by Katie Venit
Illustrated by Kenard Pak

Whether it is a blanket fort, a backyard treehouse, or a cozy nook, a fort is a magical place full of wonder and imagination. A beautiful celebration of the special hideaways where children can dream and play.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: Invite your child to build their very own special fort. Gather blankets, pillows, and cushions or any other materials, and build a fort together! Once it is finished, cozy up inside and read your favorite books, tell stories, or just enjoy your own special hideaway.

When I Move

Written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Alea Marley

A joyful celebration of movement, play, and imagination! Simple rhymes invite children to jump, run, and explore the infinite possibilities of their own imagination.

Age level: 3 – 8 years

Talking Tip: As you read together, try doing the movements along with the girl in the book! When you are done, ask your child, “What is your favorite way to move your body?” 

BONUS: Print our and build your own activity cube, then roll the cube to see what movement or activity you will do next! Enjoy this Movement Cube or create your own activities using this Blank Cube Template.

Bored

Written & Illustrated by Felicita Sala

Rita is so bored and has tried everything to shake the feeling, but nothing seems to work. Then, her imagination takes over and whisks her away on the most wonderful adventure! A funny and relatable reminder that the best ideas often come from the most boring days.

Age level: 4 – 7 years

Talking Tip: As you read together, ask your child if they have ever felt as bored as Rita. What does being bored feel like? Then, talk about where Rita’s imagination took her and then ask, “What would your bored adventure be like?