Want to teach your littles to value the amazing things our country makes and the people who keep it running? Check out these books!
Confession: My kids have become label hunters. But it’s not Nike, Alo, or Ugg that catches their eyes (at least not yet). Rather, they’ve taken to flipping products over to find country-of-origin labels. Wonder where they got that habit from? At times, that’s led to a war between emotion and reason, as happened when my daughter read the “Made in China” label on a “My Little Pony” kite she dug out of her dentist’s treasure box and insisted was indeed marked “Made in USA.” However, it’s also cultivated a deep appreciation for how things are made and the value of labor.
Showing my own interest in country-of-origin labels certainly models the behavior for my kids, but I venture to say that the books I’ve stocked their library bags with have made a difference, too.
Here are some of the books on manufacturing that are sure to entertain your children while offering a peek into our country’s manufacturing industry.
“The Crayon Man: The Inspiring Illustrated Picture Book Biography of the Inventor of Crayola Crayons” by Natascha Biebow (Author) and Steven Salerno (Illustrator)
Beloved by kids, parents and teachers alike, the Crayola crayon needs no introduction, but its backstory definitely deserves a brighter spotlight. “The Crayon Man” illustrates the true story of inventor Edwin Binney, who saw the need for a safe, affordable, durable and colorful drawing medium. The project was an instant success when it hit the market, but it took a lot of trial and error to get there — a valuable lesson for all readers. (Binney also invented the world’s first dustless chalk, which he presented at the 1904 St. Louis World Exhibition.) Pairing this book with a visit to Crayola’s factory tour in Pennsylvania would be perfection!
“Mr. Ferris and His Wheel: An Illustrated Biography about the Engineer Who Invented the Ferris Wheel for Kids” by Kathryn Gibbs Davis (Author) and Gilbert Ford (Illustrator)
In 1891, the directors of the Chicago World’s Fair challenged American engineers to design a monument that would surpass the Eiffel Tower for the 1893 exposition. George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. heard the call and decided that an enormous wheel that allowed visitors to view the fair would do the trick. The structure would have been impossible to make without “an amazing new metal—steel.” Luckily, Ferris had a deep understanding of steel physics and specialized in large-scale steel structures. Looking for more than a kid’s book on this epic? Check out our blog.
“Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane’s Bright Invention Makes a Splash” by Kate Hannigan (Author) and Sarah Green (Illustrator)
This illustrated biography, which won the National Science Teaching Association’s Best STEM Book in 2024, is far from dull as dishwater! Discover the story behind the female inventor of the dishwasher, Josephine Cochrane, and the manufacturing company she founded to make it. My family especially appreciated the inclusion of diagrams throughout the book, which also shares an introduction to 16 other female inventors, so your reader can keep exploring inspiring role models. Want a deeper dive into Cochrane’s story and the biographical details she allegedly fabricated? Read it here.
“Glitter Everywhere!: Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s Going” by Chris Barton (Author) and Chaaya Prabhat (Illustrator)
Whether it’s the bane of your existence or a craft essential, glitter is ubiquitous among the grade school crowd. Take a seriously fun, but thought-provoking look at the history and science of glitter production, going all the way back to Ancient Egypt and then to its modern manufacture, with this book. We especially appreciate that it highlights two New Jersey manufacturers, Meadowbrook Glitter, which the author credits for commercializing plastic glitter, and Glitterex. (The companies are still some of the world’s leading makers of the gleaming confetti.)
“Curious George Goes to the Chocolate Factory” by Margaret Rey and H.A. Rey
The idea of a pet monkey set loose in a chocolate factory triggers the worst of my O.C.D., but Curious George always wins two thumbs up from my five-year-old boy. And, putting Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations aside, this loveable little monkey’s hijinks introduce young readers to assembly line teamwork and the joy of a factory tour, all with a dose of chocolate.
“How It’s Made: The Creation of Everyday Items” by Thomas Gerencer
Spark your child’s interest in manufacturing and appreciation for the labor and expertise that goes into making the objects around them, from basketballs to airplanes, with this awesome chapter book version of the Science Channel’s “How It’s Made.” Engaging graphics and photos help engage readers of all ages.
Did we forget your favorite children’s book about manufacturing? Email us at [email protected].