The Inquirer Book Club

 Hello, curious minds!

Welcome to The Inquiry Book Club, a special place where stories become adventures, questions become discoveries, and every book opens a new door to understanding the world around us.

Here, we don’t just read books… we wonder, we explore, we ask big questions, and we connect ideas to our own lives. Every story has something to teach us — about who we are, the people around us, our planet, and the amazing world we share.

Inside this library, you will find books connected to the PYP Transdisciplinary Themes, carefully chosen to help young learners grow as thinkers, creators, and compassionate global citizens.

So grab a book, find a cosy corner, and let your curiosity lead the way.

Remember:
Great readers don’t only ask “What happened?”… they also ask “Why?”, “How?”, and “What if?”

Happy exploring, little inquirers!

With curiosity and a big love for learning,
Miss Lucy

1) 🌍 Who We Are

Exploring Identity, Feelings and What Makes Us Unique ✨

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions	Anna Llenas	Grade 1–2	Form, Perspective, Connection	What are emotions? How can we understand what we feel?	Understanding our feelings through colors
The Feelings Book	Todd Parr	Grade 1–2	Perspective, Reflection	Are all feelings important? How do feelings help us understand ourselves?	All feelings are part of who we are
My Body! What I Say Goes!	Jayneen Sanders	Grade 1–3	Responsibility, Connection	How can we care for and protect our bodies?	Learning about body awareness and personal boundaries
What Do You Do With an Idea?	Kobi Yamada	Grade 1–4	Form, Function, Reflection	Where do ideas come from? How can we develop our creativity?	How ideas grow into something amazing
Ish	Peter H. Reynolds	Grade 1–4	Perspective, Form, Reflection	Does something have to be perfect to be valuable?	Learning to embrace creativity and mistakes
The Dot	Peter H. Reynolds	Grade 1–4	Perspective, Change, Reflection	How can one small action create confidence?	Finding your creative courage
Each Kindness	Jacqueline Woodson	Grade 2–5	Connection, Responsibility, Perspective	How do our actions affect others?	Small choices can make a big difference
Wonder	R.J. Palacio	Grade 4–6	Perspective, Connection, Responsibility	How do we understand people who are different from us?	Choosing kindness and seeing beyond appearances
Last Stop on Market Street	Matt de la Peña	Grade 1–4	Perspective, Connection, Reflection	How do we see beauty in everyday life?	Changing the way we look at the world around us
All Are Welcome	Alexandra Penfold	Grade 1–4	Connection, Perspective, Responsibility	What makes a community inclusive?	Celebrating diversity and belonging

2) 🗺️ Where We Are in Place and Time

Discovering Places, People and the Stories That Shape Our World

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
A History of the World in 100 Objects (Young Readers adaptation)	Neil MacGregor	Grade 4–6	Change, Connection, Perspective	How do objects tell stories about people and civilizations? How can we learn about the past through things people created?	Discovering history through the objects humans left behind
National Geographic Kids: World Atlas	National Geographic Kids	Grade 1–6	Form, Connection, Perspective	How do maps help us understand our world? What makes each place unique?	Exploring Earth through maps, places and cultures
Maps	Aleksandra Mizielińska & Daniel Mizieliński	Grade 1–6	Form, Connection, Perspective	What can maps teach us about people, places and environments?	A visual journey around the world
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child	Susan Wise Bauer	Grade 3–6	Change, Causation, Perspective	How have people and civilizations shaped the world we live in today?	Travelling through time to meet the people who changed history
Who Was...? Series	Various Authors	Grade 2–6	Perspective, Change, Connection	How do individuals influence history? What can we learn from people’s lives?	Meeting the people behind important moments in history
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind	William Kamkwamba	Grade 3–6	Innovation, Responsibility, Connection	How can one person’s ideas create change? How do communities solve problems?	A young inventor who changed his community
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin	Julia Finley Mosca	Grade 1–4	Perspective, Connection, Reflection	How can different ways of thinking help us understand the world?	Celebrating unique minds and different perspectives
The Great Kapok Tree	Lynne Cherry	Grade 1–4	Connection, Responsibility, Perspective	How are humans connected to the natural world? Why should we protect places on Earth?	A journey into the rainforest and its hidden voices
The Name Jar	Yangsook Choi	Grade 1–4	Identity, Perspective, Connection	How do names and cultures shape our identity? How can we welcome new people?	Exploring belonging, identity and cultural connections
Same, Same but Different	Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw	Grade 1–4	Perspective, Connection, Similarity	How can people live differently but still share common experiences?	Discovering similarities and differences around the world

3)🎨 How We Express Ourselves

arts, creativity, communication, imagination, language, personal expression

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
The Day the Crayons Quit	Drew Daywalt	Grade 1–3	Perspective, Communication, Form	How can objects and people express their feelings? Why is every perspective important?	Every color has a story to tell
The Day the Crayons Came Home	Drew Daywalt	Grade 1–3	Perspective, Connection, Change	How do experiences change the way we see ourselves?	Finding your place and expressing who you are
The Most Magnificent Thing	Ashley Spires	Grade 1–4	Reflection, Function, Change	How do creativity and perseverance help us create something new?	Great ideas grow through mistakes and trying again
Beautiful Oops!	Barney Saltzberg	Grade 1–3	Perspective, Reflection, Creativity	Can mistakes become opportunities for creativity?	Turning accidents into amazing ideas
Not a Box	Antoinette Portis	Grade 1–3	Perspective, Imagination, Form	How can imagination transform ordinary things?	Seeing possibilities where others see limits
The Dot	Peter H. Reynolds	Grade 1–4	Reflection, Perspective, Communication	How can one small idea become a creative journey?	Everyone is an artist in their own way
Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay	Susan Hood	Grade 2–5	Connection, Creativity, Responsibility	How can creativity change people and communities?	When imagination transforms the world around us
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore	William Joyce	Grade 2–6	Connection, Communication, Reflection	How do stories and books connect us to others?	Books can take us on incredible journeys
Jabari Jumps	Gaia Cornwall	Grade 1–3	Reflection, Perspective, Growth	How can we express courage and overcome challenges?	Finding the confidence to take a leap
The Word Collector	Peter H. Reynolds	Grade 1–5	Communication, Connection, Reflection	How do words help us express ideas and connect with others?	Collecting words, sharing stories, creating meaning

4) ⚙️ How the World Works

science, technology, engineering, natural systems, innovation, discovery

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
The Way Things Work Now	David Macaulay	Grade 3–6	Function, Form, Causation	How do machines and systems work? What scientific ideas make everyday objects possible?	Discover the science behind the things we use every day
Ada Twist, Scientist	Andrea Beaty	Grade 1–4	Causation, Function, Reflection	Why do scientists ask questions? How can curiosity lead to discoveries?	Every big discovery starts with a big question
Rosie Revere, Engineer	Andrea Beaty	Grade 1–4	Function, Change, Reflection	How can engineers use creativity to solve problems?	Invent, test, improve: the journey of an idea
Iggy Peck, Architect	Andrea Beaty	Grade 1–4	Form, Function, Creativity	How do designers create structures that solve problems?	How imagination can build amazing things
The Magic School Bus Series	Joanna Cole	Grade 1–5	Connection, Form, Function	What can we discover by exploring the world around us?	Science adventures beyond the classroom
What If You Had Animal Teeth?	Sandra Markle	Grade 1–4	Form, Function, Adaptation	How do living things develop features that help them survive?	Nature’s incredible designs and adaptations
National Geographic Kids: Science Encyclopedia	National Geographic Kids	Grade 2–6	Form, Causation, Connection	How do scientists explain the world around us?	A guide to the amazing discoveries of science
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps	Jeanette Winter	Grade 1–5	Observation, Connection, Responsibility	How can careful observation help us understand living things?	A curious mind can reveal secrets of nature
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race	Margot Lee Shetterly	Grade 3–6	Connection, Perspective, Innovation	How do people use science and mathematics to solve challenges?	The scientists behind one of humanity’s greatest journeys
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry	Neil deGrasse Tyson	Grade 5–6	Form, Causation, Connection	What can the universe teach us about how the world works?	Exploring the biggest questions in space and science

5) 🏛️ How We Organise Ourselves

communities, systems, organisations, economics, leadership, cooperation, human-made structures

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
What Can a Citizen Do?	Dave Eggers	Grade 1–5	Responsibility, Connection, Perspective	What does it mean to be a good citizen? How can our actions improve our communities?	Small actions can create big changes in our world
The Day You Begin	Jacqueline Woodson	Grade 1–5	Perspective, Connection, Identity	How do our experiences help us connect with others? How can communities include everyone?	Finding belonging in a world full of different stories
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks	Cynthia Levinson	Grade 2–5	Responsibility, Change, Perspective	How can young people influence society? How do communities create change?	You are never too young to make a difference
Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation	Duncan Tonatiuh	Grade 3–6	Perspective, Change, Responsibility	How do people work together to create a fairer society?	How communities can stand up for equality
The Water Princess	Susan Verde	Grade 1–5	Connection, Responsibility, Causation	How do communities depend on resources? Why is access to water important?	The journey of water and the people who need it
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia	Miranda Paul	Grade 2–6	Responsibility, Innovation, Connection	How can communities solve problems together?	A community idea that transformed a problem into a solution
Those Shoes	Maribeth Boelts	Grade 1–4	Perspective, Responsibility, Values	How do our choices affect others? What do communities value?	Understanding needs, wants and kindness
The Paper Bag Princess	Robert Munsch	Grade 1–3	Perspective, Identity, Reflection	How can we challenge expectations and make our own choices?	Redefining roles and creating your own story
Malala’s Magic Pencil	Malala Yousafzai	Grade 1–5	Responsibility, Change, Communication	How can one person’s voice inspire change?	Using your voice to make the world better
I Have the Right to Be a Child	Alain Serres	Grade 2–6	Rights, Responsibility, Connection	What rights do children have? How do societies protect people?	Understanding fairness, rights and responsibilities

6) 🌱 Sharing the Planet

environment, sustainability, biodiversity, natural resources, ecosystems, responsibility and our relationship with Earth

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
The Lorax	Dr. Seuss	Grade 1–5	Responsibility, Connection, Causation	How do our choices affect the environment? Why should we protect nature?	A story about speaking up for our planet
We Are Water Protectors	Carole Lindstrom	Grade 1–5	Responsibility, Connection, Perspective	Why is water important? How can we protect Earth's resources?	Becoming guardians of the water we share
The Great Kapok Tree	Lynne Cherry	Grade 1–5	Connection, Perspective, Responsibility	How are humans connected to ecosystems? Why does every living thing matter?	Listening to the voices of the rainforest
A Planet Full of Plastic: and How You Can Help	Neal Layton	Grade 1–5	Causation, Responsibility, Change	Where does plastic come from and where does it go? How can we reduce waste?	Understanding plastic pollution and finding solutions
What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet	Jess French	Grade 2–6	Form, Causation, Responsibility	What happens to our waste? How can we create a more sustainable future?	The journey of our rubbish and how to change it
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia	Miranda Paul	Grade 2–6	Innovation, Connection, Responsibility	How can communities work together to solve environmental problems?	One idea that turned waste into change
The Earth Book	Todd Parr	Grade 1–3	Responsibility, Connection, Reflection	What can children do to care for Earth?	Small actions that help our big planet
Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet	Jeanette Winter	Grade 3–6	Change, Responsibility, Perspective	How can young people inspire environmental action?	Young voices creating change for the planet
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs	Kate Messner	Grade 2–6	Connection, Change, Responsibility	How can people help restore damaged ecosystems?	Protecting oceans and rebuilding life underwater
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps	Jeanette Winter	Grade 1–5	Observation, Connection, Responsibility	How can understanding animals help us protect them?	Learning from nature to protect living things

In the PYP classroom, the Learner Profile is not just a poster on the wall — it is part of everyday learning. Stories can help children become Inquirers who ask questions, Thinkers who solve problems, Communicators who share ideas, and Caring individuals who understand and respect others.

For learners aged 3–12, picture books are a wonderful way to explore the IB Learner Profile. Through read-aloud moments, thoughtful discussions, and inquiry-based activities, children can connect with characters, reflect on their own choices, and develop the skills and attitudes that shape them as global citizens.

Creating a PYP library is about so much more than collecting beautiful books — it is about choosing stories that inspire curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and help children see themselves as lifelong learners.

This carefully selected collection of picture books has been chosen to support classroom discussions, connect with transdisciplinary themes, and bring the IB Learner Profile to life through the magic of storytelling.

Let's start!

1) INQUIRER 🌱

These books encourage children to ask questions, explore possibilities, investigate independently, and develop a mindset of curiosity and discovery.

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
The Most Magnificent Thing	Ashley Spires	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Form, Function, Change, Reflection	How do we create and improve something? What can we learn from mistakes? How does perseverance help us grow?	Invite students to design their own invention. Explore the design cycle: Imagine → Create → Test → Improve. Discuss how failures can become learning opportunities.
What Do You Do With an Idea?	Kobi Yamada	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Form, Perspective, Connection, Change	Where do ideas come from? Why are ideas important? How can we turn an idea into action?	Ask students to draw or write about an idea they would like to explore. Create an “Idea Wall” where questions and possibilities are collected.
Ada Twist, Scientist	Andrea Beaty	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Causation, Connection, Form, Function	Why do we ask questions? How can investigation help us understand the world? What makes someone a scientist?	Encourage students to become researchers by creating a class Wonder Board with “I wonder…” questions and planning simple investigations.
Rosie Revere, Engineer	Andrea Beaty	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Function, Change, Causation, Reflection	How do engineers solve problems? Why is it important to try again? How can we improve our designs?	Provide recycled materials for students to create prototypes. Reflect on the process: What worked? What changed? What would you improve?

2) THINKER 💡

These stories encourage children to develop creative and critical thinking skills, explore different perspectives, solve problems, and understand that challenges and mistakes are valuable parts of the learning journey.

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
What Do You Do With an Idea?	Kobi Yamada	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Form, Perspective, Connection, Change	Where do ideas come from? How can we nurture and develop our ideas? Why are new ideas important?	Invite students to create an “Idea Journal” where they collect questions, inventions, and creative thoughts. Discuss how ideas can grow when we believe in them.
What Do You Do With a Problem?	Kobi Yamada	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Causation, Perspective, Reflection, Change	How can problems help us learn? What strategies can we use to solve challenges? How does our perspective change the way we see problems?	Present students with a classroom challenge and guide them through problem-solving steps: identify, wonder, test solutions, and reflect.
The Dot	Peter H. Reynolds	Early Years – Grade 3 (Ages 4–8)	Form, Perspective, Reflection, Connection	How can creativity help us express ourselves? Why is it important to take risks? How can one small action create change?	Ask students to create their own “dot” artwork and transform it into something new. Reflect on creativity, confidence, and personal expression.
Going Places	Peter H. Reynolds & Paul Reynolds	Kindergarten – Grade 3 (Ages 5–8)	Function, Perspective, Connection, Reflection	How can imagination help us find new solutions? Why can different ideas lead to different outcomes? How do we collaborate and innovate?	Challenge students to redesign a familiar object or vehicle using their imagination. Compare different solutions and celebrate creative thinking.
The Book of Mistakes	Corinna Luyken	Kindergarten – Grade 4 (Ages 5–9)	Change, Reflection, Perspective, Causation	How can mistakes become opportunities for learning? Why do we need to reflect on our choices? How can mistakes lead to new discoveries?	Create a “Beautiful Mistakes” display where students share examples of mistakes that helped them learn or create something new.

3) OPEN-MINDED 🌍

These stories help children appreciate different cultures, identities, and perspectives. They encourage learners to listen with empathy, respect diversity, question assumptions, and understand that the world is enriched by the experiences and ideas of others.

Book Title	Author	Suggested Grade	PYP Key Concepts	Inquiry Questions	Inquiry Spark
Same Same But Different	Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw	Kindergarten – Grade 4 (Ages 5–9)	Perspective, Connection, Culture, Form	How are people around the world connected? How can we appreciate similarities and differences? How does where we live influence our experiences?	Invite students to create a “Same but Different” classroom book showing similarities and differences between their lives, families, traditions, and communities.
The Name Jar	Yangsook Choi	Kindergarten – Grade 4 (Ages 5–9)	Identity, Perspective, Connection, Culture	Why are names important? How do names connect us to our identity and culture? How can we make others feel welcome?	Create a name investigation activity where students explore the meaning, origin, or story behind their names and celebrate the diversity of the class.
All Are Welcome	Alexandra Penfold	Early Years – Grade 3 (Ages 4–8)	Connection, Perspective, Responsibility, Community	What makes a community inclusive? How can we show respect and kindness to others? How do our actions help others feel they belong?	Design a class “Welcome Charter” with ideas and actions that make everyone feel valued, included, and respected.
The Sandwich Swap	Kelly DiPucchio & Queen Rania	Kindergarten – Grade 4 (Ages 5–9)	Perspective, Culture, Reflection, Connection	Why might people have different traditions and preferences? How can we learn from differences? How can misunderstandings be resolved?	Organize a “Food Around the World” inquiry where students share family foods, traditions, and stories while exploring different perspectives.
Last Stop on Market Street	Matt de la Peña	Grade 1 – Grade 5 (Ages 6–10)	Perspective, Connection, Reflection, Responsibility	How can we see beauty in everyday experiences? How do different people experience the same place in different ways? How can we contribute to our community?	Take students on a “noticing walk” around the school. Encourage them to record and share the people, places, and moments that make their community special.