Picture This…

In this episode of Picture This, host Adam is joined by celebrated children's author and 4th-grade teacher Nick Solis. Discover how Nick's manuscript for his book, The Staring Contest, was born in Adam's class and went on to become a published work!

Nick, a 25-year teaching veteran, reveals how he uses picture books to create an engaging, inclusive classroom environment and why he considers them the ultimate tool for teaching everything from history to social-emotional learning. We delve into:

• The power of saying "yes, and..." and how it applies to both improv and teaching.
• Why picture books are the perfect "sparks" for quick, high-impact lessons.
• Actionable, teacher-tested activities you can use in your own classroom tomorrow.

Hey educators and librarians! Nick and I want to know: *Do you prefer one picture book example per activity, or would you like to see multiple examples for different learning styles?* Let us know in the comments below! 👇

*Chapters*
00:00 Intro: The Power of Yes, and...
01:06 From Student to Published Author: The Story Behind "The Staring Contest"
03:55 Improvisation and the "Yes, And" Mindset
05:27 Using Picture Books for All Ages (Even High School!)
06:50 The Power of Picture Books for Social-Emotional Learning
12:33 The Importance of Narrative and Ambiguity in Storytelling
13:22 Why Picture Books are Better Than Curriculum Books
18:35 Teacher-Approved Classroom Activities (Like the Bio Box!)
24:18 Go-To Picture Book Recommendations for Growth Mindset
27:28 Sparking Creativity with "Memoir Heart" and "Interest Journals"
32:05 Pairing Picture Books with History Lessons

#PictureThisPodcast, #NickSolis, #PictureBooks, #ChildrensAuthor, #ElementaryEducation, #Librarians, #ClassroomActivities, #LessonPlanning, #Literacy, #GrowthMindset, #TeacherTips, #Improvisation, #TheStaringContest, #TheColorCollector, #TheLittlestGrito

What’s the difference between reading a story and truly seeing it?
In this captivating episode of the Picture This Podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt welcomes award-winning author and Disney animator Benson Shum for an unforgettable conversation!

Benson shares his creative journey and pulls back the curtain on how he blends research, imagination, and animation magic to create picture books like Anzu, Great Kaiju and Imagine You and Me.
Perfect for elementary teachers, librarians, and aspiring authors, this episode gives you:

• An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a Disney animator’s creative process
• Practical ideas for building lessons around research, even for the most imaginative stories
• Insights on how picture book illustrations add a second layer of meaning
• Strategies for using mistakes as opportunities for creative growth and teamwork in the classroom
• Tips on teaching empathy and perspective using giant monsters (kaiju!)

Whether you're seeking fresh ways to teach visual literacy or simply crave inspiration from a master storyteller, this episode is a must!

Guest Spotlight

Benson Shum is an acclaimed author, illustrator, and Disney animator, winner of the Sakura Medal and other honors for his whimsical books and art. Discover Benson’s books, teaching activities, and free resources at his Website.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

2:12 – Researching Sloth Went: Creating believable worlds
4:35 – Sparking creativity with "what if" questions
5:36 – Why make a "cute" kaiju?
7:00 – Teaching empathy and perspective with Anzu, Great Kaiju
8:52 – Turning stories into classroom “choose your own adventures”
10:30 – Alex’s Good Fortune: Sharing cultural storytelling
13:37 – Integrating family traditions into classroom lessons
17:23 – Using the “Disney method” outside the studio
18:00 – Character development tips from an animator
20:31 – We Are Lion Dancers: Teaching teamwork
25:37 – Book Bag: The Book of Mistakes
28:17 – Creative prompts for your classroom
29:21 – The big value of visual literacy
34:49 – Find Benson Shum online

📚 Books & Authors Featured

Support your local bookstore, but if you must order online, you support our show by using links below!

• Sloth Went by Adam Lehrhaupt and Benson Shum
  Sloth Went (Amazon)
• Anzu, the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum
  Anzu, the Great Kaiju (Amazon)
• Alex’s Good Fortune by Benson Shum
  Alex’s Good Fortune (Amazon)
• Imagine You and Me by Benson Shum
  Imagine You and Me (Amazon)
• The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
  The Book of Mistakes (Amazon)
• We Are Lion Dancers by Benson Shum
  We Are Lion Dancers (Amazon)

🎒 Free Resources for Teachers & Librarians

• Download your FREE Visual Literacy Toolkit & classroom activities: Get free teaching resources
• Stay in the loop! Sign up for teaching tips and podcast updates in your mailbox

🚀 Join the Conversation!

Like, follow, comment, and share this episode with fellow educators and book lovers—your participation helps us reach and inspire others!

Tell us in the comments: What’s a picture book you use to teach a specific concept, and how has it worked in your classroom?

What is the true purpose of a library beyond just books? In this inspiring episode of the Picture This Podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with award-winning librarian and children's literature advocate Matthew Winner.

Matthew shares invaluable insights from his two decades in education, revealing how he curates a library collection that reflects every student. This episode is a must-listen for elementary teachers and school librarians seeking to:

• Go beyond just reading a book to using it as a springboard for creative activities.
• Engage reluctant readers with graphic novels, non-fiction, and compelling narratives.
• Understand the vital role of professional reviews in building a diverse and impactful library collection.
• Learn how to use picture books to teach essential skills like sequencing stories and understanding audience.
• Hear a powerful reminder of why every book choice we make for children matters.

Discover practical strategies, surprising book recommendations, and the deep "why" behind one educator's mission to make every moment count for students.

Guest Spotlight:
Matthew Winner is an award-winning elementary school librarian, a White House champion of change, and the host of The Children's Book Podcast. He is a passionate advocate for children's literature and the community it creates.

Find Matthew's work here: https://matthewcwinner.com
Listen to The Children's Book Podcast.

Timestamp Breakdown:
1:20 – Why books are more than just stories
3:50 – The librarian’s role in curriculum and skill-building
5:00 – Creating impactful presentations for students
7:10 – Mo Willems' "51% to the reader" philosophy
9:30 – The magic of a collaborative approach to reading
10:45 – Using Narwhal and Jelly to teach sequential storytelling
14:00 – The power of creating comics in a no-fail environment
17:00 – The legacy of a great book and author studies
24:30 – The importance of making every book choice count
31:40 – Librarian's Corner: Tips for curating a diverse collection
42:30 – Finding trust in publishers
46:00 – The multifaceted role of a librarian
51:00 – Every book must count

Books & Authors Mentioned:
I always recommend shopping a local independent bookstore, but if that's not an option you can support the podcast by using the Amazon links below.

• Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton 
• Dogman by Dav Pilkey 
• Book Comes Home by Rob Sanders 
• Jacob's Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman 
• Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers  
• Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex 
  
  

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Picture This Podcast for more expert interviews on integrating picture books into your curriculum.  

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How can you transform story time into a powerful tool for literacy, engagement, and empowerment? In this inspiring episode of the Picture This Podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with award-winning author and educator, JaNay Brown-Wood!

JaNay shares her incredible insights on how to connect students to literature through interactive storytelling, rich cultural representation, and innovative cross-curricular strategies. We explore her work on new titles like Scientists Like Me and On Our Way: What a Day, and discuss how educators can leverage rhythm, rhyme, and call-and-response to create a classroom where every student finds themselves in the story.

This episode is a must-listen for elementary teachers and librarians looking for practical ways to:

• Integrate STEM and social studies with language arts.
• Build a diverse classroom library that reflects all students.
• Model dialogic reading and foster critical thinking.
• Spark creativity through personal and cultural narratives.

Guest Spotlight:
JaNay Brown-Wood is a passionate advocate for diverse children's literature, a prolific author, and an expert in early literacy. Her work focuses on creating books that help young readers feel seen and celebrated.

🔗 Explore her work and find resources at her website: https://www.janaybrownwood.com
🔗 Get inspired with her "Jammies" story-start resources: https://www.janaybrownwood.com/jammies

⏱️ Timestamp Breakdown:
0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood
1:20 – Using rhythm, rhyme, and onomatopoeia for engagement
3:30 – The influence of oral storytelling and the griot tradition
5:00 – Real-life emotional connections to Imani’s Moon
6:00 – STEM meets storytelling: Coding Maasai warriors
8:30 – Intentional cross-curricular lesson planning
10:00 – Hands-on STEM activities from Scientists Like Me
13:00 – How picture books inspire creativity and critical thinking
14:45 – Using fractured fairy tales to spark cultural storytelling
18:30 – Modeling dialogic reading with adult learners
22:00 – Interactive reading as a foundation for literacy
23:30 – Behind the scenes: Jammies with JaNay and story-start resources
25:00 – Author-editor collaboration stories
30:00 – Centering diversity: Who gets to tell the story?
33:00 – Curating a classroom collection that reflects every student

📚 Books & Resources Mentioned:
I always recommend shopping a local independent bookstore, but if that's not an option you can support the podcast by using the Amazon links below.
Scientists Like Me by JaNay Brown-Wood
On Our Way: What a Day by JaNay Brown-Wood
Imani’s Moon by Janay Brown-Wood


✅ Action Items for Educators:

• Try using rhythm and call-and-response during your next read-aloud to boost student engagement.
• Explore new titles for your classroom that include diverse characters and cultures.
• Consider using a picture book as a jumping-off point for a STEM or social studies lesson.

📣 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Picture This Podcast for more expert interviews on integrating picture books into your curriculum. 

 
Download your FREE Toolkit! Get exclusive activities and resources to integrate visual literacy into your curriculum.

Sign up for our newsletter for more teaching tips and podcast updates.
Listen to other episodes, get resources, book recommendations and more at

Join Adam Lehrhaupt on Picture This as he sits down with award-winning author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen to explore the magic and craft behind creating captivating stories for young readers!

In this illuminating conversation, Sudipta shares her unique insights from years of writing and connecting with students. We dive into:

* **Picture Books vs. Chapter Books:** The fundamental differences in approach, world-building, and emotional exploration for each format.
* **Leveraging Non-Fiction Research:** How a science background informs even fictional stories, ensuring believability and depth.
* **Teaching Writing to All Ages:** Sudipta's powerful techniques for guiding elementary, high school, and adult writers, including her popular "Character & Plot" graphic organizer exercise.
* **The Power of Revision:** Why authors (yes, even professionals!) embrace the challenging but essential editing process.
* **Tips for Educators:** How to use Sudipta's books—like 'Duck Duck Moose,' 'Chickens Run Wild,' 'Chicks Rule,' and 'Cats in Construction Hats'—for engaging classroom lessons on literacy, language, and self-understanding.
* **The Art of Collaboration:** Insights into the dynamic partnership between authors and illustrators, and how it enriches the storytelling.

**Adam's Book Bag:** Sudipta shares her love for "We Love Fishing" by Ariel Bernstein and how it perfectly illustrates friendship and embracing differences. Discover a fun writing assignment based on this gem!

**Story Spark:** Sudipta reveals a surprisingly effective source of creative ideas for aspiring writers (and teachers seeking prompts!).

**Chapters**
00:00 Welcome Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen!
01:08 Picture Books vs. Chapter Books for Authors & School Visits
03:52 How Science & Research Inform Writing (Fiction & Non-Fiction)
08:55 Teaching Writing to All Ages: Adults to Elementary
10:04 Graphic Organizer: Character & Plot Exercise
13:17 The Importance & Pain of Revision
16:47 Sudipta's Tips for Educators & Using Her Books
19:07 The Power of One Word & Rhyme
20:00 Illustrator Collaboration & Art Details
24:34 Adam's Book Bag: "We Love Fishing" by Ariel Bernstein
28:18 Story Spark: The Rule of Threes in Writing
31:43 Story Spark: Graphic T-Shirt Puns for Ideas

**Connect with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen:**
Website: https://www.sudipta.com/

**Connect with Adam Lehrhaupt & Picture This:**
Download the FREE "teaching activity pack": https://adamlehrhaupt.com/teachers-guides-2/
* Check out Adam's books: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/adam-lehrhaupt-books/
* Sign up for our newsletter for more teaching tips and podcast updates: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/newsletter-signup
* Listen to other episodes of the Picture This Podcast: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/podcast/

Don't forget to **Like, Comment, and Subscribe** for more strategies that turn stories into classroom success! What's your favorite tip for teaching writing? Share below using #PictureThisPodcast!

#SudiptaBardhanQuallen #AdamLehrhaupt #PictureBooks #ChapterBooks #WritingProcess #AuthorVisits #Literacy #EducationPodcast #TeachersOfYouTube #WritingCommunity #KidsLit #BookRecommendations #SEL #Storytelling #ChicksRule #CatsInConstructionHats

In this episode of Picture This, join Adam Lehrhaupt as we explore the incredible power of picture books to address tough topics and spark meaningful conversations in the classroom and beyond. Discover how these seemingly simple stories can help navigate complex themes like grief, identity, environmentalism, justice, and anxiety, providing a safe space for emotional growth for all ages.

We dive deep into:

• Why picture books are perfect for discussing difficult subjects with students of all ages (from elementary to high school and even adults!).
• How stories like "There Was a Hole" by Adam Lehrhaupt and Carrie O'Neill help children (and adults) explore big emotions and deal with what's missing.
• The insights "The Blue House" by Phoebe Wall offers on change, displacement, and emotional safety.
• "What If Pig" by Lindsay Hunter's approach to anxiety, worry, and the importance of friendship.
• "The Proudest Blue" by Ibtihaj Muhammad & SK Ali, illustrated by Hatem Ali, for exploring identity, confidence, and sibling relationships.

Download your FREE "Big Ideas Teaching Pack" today! This valuable resource includes activity ideas, a complete list of the books discussed, and reflection prompts to help you integrate these powerful picture books into your teaching.
➡️ Get your teaching pack here: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/teachers-guides-2/

What tough topic have you successfully explored with a picture book? Share your experiences in the comments below using #PictureThisPodcast!

Chapters
00:00 Welcome: Picture Books for Tough Topics
00:46 Why Picture Books Aren't Just for Kids
01:38 Deep Dives: Big Ideas for All Ages
02:27 The Safety & Speed of Picture Books
03:52 Book 1: There Was a Hole by Adam Lehrhaupt
06:21 Activity: Create Your Own Emotional Metaphor
07:44 Book 2: The Blue House by Phoebe Wall
08:44 Activity: What Makes You Feel Safe?
10:52 Book 3: What If Pig by Lindsay Hunter
11:51 Activity: The "What If" Wall for Worries
13:17 Today's Sponsor: Tissues & Teaching Pack
14:04 Book 4: The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad & SK Ali
15:15 Activity: Great Things About Me Gallery
16:16 Story Spark: What Part of You Matters Most?
17:34 Listener Challenge: Start a Tough Conversation
18:17 Closing: Giving Kids the Language
18:50 Free Download & Connect With Us

Explore More & Connect:
Check out Adam's books: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/adam-lehrhaupt-books/
Sign up for our newsletter for more teaching tips and podcast updates: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/newsletter-signup
Listen to other episodes of the Picture This Podcast: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/podcast/

Subscribe to Picture This for more strategies that turn stories into classroom success!

#PictureBooks #ToughTopics #SocialEmotionalLearning #ClassroomStrategies #Grief #Identity #Anxiety #SEL #EducationPodcast #AdamLehrhaupt #Literacy #ChildrensBooks #TeachingResources

How can you inspire boundless creativity and strengthen evidence-based teaching using the magic of picture books? In this illuminating episode of the Picture This Podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with acclaimed author and educator Carmen Oliver!

Designed specifically for **elementary teachers** and **librarians**, this conversation is a treasure trove of actionable ideas. Carmen shares her expertise on seamlessly integrating picture books into your curriculum to boost **student engagement**, enhance **literacy skills**, and support the **science of reading**.

Discover innovative strategies like:
📖 Sensory writing activities with "The Twilight Library"
🎶 Building instruments from recycled materials inspired by "Building an Orchestra of Hope"
✍️ Fostering young writers through student-created class books
🌍 Using picture books to discuss social issues & activism with "My Voice Is a Spirit Bear"

Whether you're looking to deepen social-emotional learning, ignite a passion for STEM, or simply find new ways to connect with your students, Carmen Oliver provides practical, evidence-based methods to transform your teaching.

Guest Spotlight:
Carmen Oliver is a passionate advocate for children's literature, founder of The Booking Biz, and an expert in connecting authors with young readers. Her insights will empower your teaching!
🔗 Learn more about Carmen Oliver's work: https://www.carmenoliver.com

📚 Picture Books Featured in This Episode:

Note: I’ve included an amazon affiliate link for each book mentioned below, but I always recommend shopping at your local independent bookstore whenever possible.

• Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver (Reading comprehension, social skills)
• Building an Orchestra of Hope by Carmen Oliver (STEM, music, environmental studies)
• Twilight Library by Carmen Oliver, illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora (Sensory writing, descriptive language)
• A Voice for the Spirit Bears by Carmen Oliver (Social studies, environmental activism)
• Grandfather Gandhi by Bethany Hegedus and Arun Gandhi, illustrated by Evan Turk (3–5: History, art, social-emotional learning)

💡 Actionable Takeaways for Educators:

• "The pictures really are the story." - Carmen Oliver
• "If you write, you’re a writer. The only difference between me and you is that I’ve been published." - Adam Lehrhaupt
• "Picture books are perfect conversation starters." - Carmen Oliver

Try this with your class this week: Implement the Five Senses Game using 'Twilight Library'.
Add to your lesson planning: Student-created class books to promote creativity and ownership.
Consider for your next unit: Design a STEM project where students build instruments from recycled materials.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Download your FREE Visual Literacy Toolkit! Get exclusive activities and resources to integrate visual literacy into your curriculum: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/teachers-guides-2/
• Explore more of Carmen Oliver's work and books: https://www.carmenoliver.com
• Sign up for our newsletter for more teaching tips and podcast updates: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/newsletter-signup]
• Listen to other episodes of the Picture This Podcast: https://adamlehrhaupt.com/podcast/

How can you help young readers truly *see* the story? In this insightful episode of the Picture This Podcast, we dive into the incredible power of **visual literacy** in picture books. Join us as we explore how illustrations aren't just pretty pictures, but powerful tools that convey emotions, build critical thinking skills, and tell stories just as profoundly as text.

Perfect for **elementary teachers** and **school librarians**, this episode with Adam Lehrhaupt uncovers the hidden depths of picture book illustrations. Learn practical strategies and engaging activities to foster a deeper understanding of visual cues in your classroom or library. We reveal how children can infer meaning, create suspense, and connect with stories on a richer level, even before they master complex texts.

Discover:
* Why **visual literacy** is a foundational skill for all students, especially **reluctant readers**.
* How diverse **illustrator techniques** enhance storytelling and foster empathy.
* **Engaging classroom activities** to encourage students to "read" images.
* The connection between noticing visual details and **deeper learning** across subjects.

Empower your students to become more observant, empathetic, and critical thinkers by unlocking the magic within every illustration.

**Ready to enhance your students' visual literacy?**
📚 **Download your FREE Visual Literacy Toolkit** packed with activities and resources for your classroom or library: [https://adamlehrhaupt.com/teachers-guides-2/]

**Explore More & Connect:**
* Check out Adam's books, including "I Will Not Eat You": [https://adamlehrhaupt.com/adam-lehrhaupt-books/]
* Sign up for our newsletter for more teaching tips and podcast updates: [https://adamlehrhaupt.com/newsletter-signup]
* Listen to other episodes of the Picture This Podcast: [https://adamlehrhaupt.com/podcast/]

**Sound Bites:**
"The pictures really are the story."
"Create a visual suspense story."
"What do you think just happened?"

**Timestamps:**
0:00 - The Power of Visual Literacy (Introduction to Visual Storytelling)
09:58 - Exploring Picture Books and Their Illustrators (Techniques & Examples)
19:33 - Connecting Emotions Through Illustrations (Visual Cues for Empathy)
24:27 - Engaging Activities for Visual Literacy (Practical Classroom Ideas)

#VisualLiteracy #PictureBooks #ElementaryEducation #Teachers #Librarians #ReadingSkills #CriticalThinking #Empathy #ClassroomActivities #Storytelling #AdamLehrhaupt #PictureThisPodcast #EducationResources #EarlyLiteracy #LiteracySkills #BookIllustrations

What if your students could paint with emotions, write with memory, and hear music in everyday sounds? In this first-ever guest episode, Adam chats with award-winning author and library teacher Lisa Rogers about how nonfiction picture books spark creativity across the curriculum.

If you're looking for authentic, project-based learning that builds background knowledge, vocabulary, and student confidence—this one’s for you.

Guest Info

Name: Lisa Rogers
Bio: Lisa Rogers became inspired to write for children during her career as an elementary school librarian. She is the award-winning author of Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage, illustrated by Il Sung Na (Random House/Anne Schwartz Books); 16 Words: William Carlos And “The Red Wheelbarrow”,” illustrated by Chuck Groenink (Random House/Schwartz & Wade), and Hound Won’t Go, illustrated by Meg Ishihara (Albert Whitman), inspired by her rescue dog.
Website: lisarogerswrites.com

Instagram: @LisaLJRogers

BlueSky: @lisaljrogers.bsky.social

Chapters

• 0:00 – Welcome + Adam’s mission for the show
• 1:30 – Lisa’s journey from daydreaming kid to nonfiction author
• 6:00 – Building background knowledge through nonfiction
• 9:00 – Art, poetry, and music as entry points for self-expression
• 11:10 – Mining memories with Joan Mitchell + sensory writing prompt
• 14:00 – Picture books as powerful writing mentors
• 18:45 – 📚 Adam’s Book Bag: Max, wants vs. needs, and Where the Wild Things Are
• 20:50 – Revision lessons + juicy verbs with Watercress and 12 Kinds of Ice
• 22:57 – 💡 Story Sparks: Personal connections to history + second-person POV
• 26:30 – Synaesthesia, color as emotion, and emotional trust in picture books
• 29:45 – How to connect with Lisa + free activity guide download

Books Mentioned:

• Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony – Lisa Rogers (Amazon) | Art, poetry, emotional expression, sensory writing
• Beautiful Noise – Lisa Rogers (Amazon) | Music, creativity, second-person POV writing
• 16 Words – Lisa Rogers (Amazon) | Poetry, imagery, mental pictures
• Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak | Character development, SEL (wants vs. needs)
• Watercress – Andrea Wang | Word choice, sensory writing, SEL
• 12 Kinds of Ice – Ellen Bryan Obed | Imagery, anticipation, descriptive writing
• One Girl’s Voice – Vivian Kirkfield | Biography, social studies, women’s history
• Hiding in Plain Sight – Beth Anderson | History, problem-solving, creative empathy

If you loved this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teacher friend or librarian who needs a spark this week. Subscribe to Picture This for more creative classroom ideas, free resources, books, and author visit options. And hey—drop us a review or tag us on social to tell us your favorite picture book lesson!

Spark creativity & problem-solving in your elementary classroom!

Welcome to Picture This… with Adam Lehrhaupt, the podcast that helps educators and librarians bring picture books to life across the curriculum! In this inaugural episode, join award-winning author Adam Lehrhaupt as he dives into the dynamic intersection of picture books and STEM education.

Discover creative ways to transform your STEM lessons into imaginative adventures! Adam shares actionable teaching strategies and lesson ideas to integrate engaging stories like Chicken in Space and The Most Magnificent Thing with hands-on activities. Learn how these books can serve as catalysts for engineering challenges, design thinking, and fostering a growth mindset where curiosity thrives and failure is a stepping stone to innovation. Perfect for elementary educators, school librarians, and literacy coaches looking for fresh classroom activities!

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How picture books can be "launchpads for the classroom."
• Practical ways to connect literature with hands-on learning in science, math, and beyond.
• Strategies for fostering perseverance and problem-solving in young learners.
• The importance of makerspaces and creative exploration.

📚 Featured Picture Books & Their Connections:

We recommend purchasing through your local independent bookseller whenever possible, but if that isn't an option, use the Amazon affiliate links below:

• Chicken in Space by Adam Lehrhaupt (K–3) Buy Now >>
  • Curriculum Connections: Design thinking, engineering principles, growth mindset
  • Why Adam Recommends It: Encourages students to dream big and view everyday materials as tools for innovation.
• The Floating Field by Scott Riley (3–5): Buy Now  >>
  • Curriculum Connections: Real-world engineering, teamwork, environmental adaptation
  • Why Adam Recommends It: Demonstrates how determination and creativity can overcome environmental challenges.
• Invent-a-Pet by Vicky Fang (1–4): Buy Now  >>
  • Curriculum Connections: Cause and effect, iteration, basic programming logic
  • Why Adam Recommends It: Introduces the concept of inputs and outputs in a fun, accessible way.
• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (K–3): Buy Now  >>
  • Curriculum Connections: Problem-solving, perseverance, engineering design process
  • Why Adam Recommends It: Highlights the importance of resilience and learning from failure.
• How to Build a Hug by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville (2–5): Buy Now  >>
  • Curriculum Connections: Biography, neurodiversity, empathy, invention
  • Why Adam Recommends It: Provides a real-life example of innovation driven by personal experience and need.

⏰ Episode Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Welcome to Picture This: The Power of Picture Books in Education
• 2:15 – Chicken in Space: Designing Imaginative Flying Devices
• 6:30 – The Floating Field: Real-World Engineering & Teamwork
• 9:45 – Invent-a-Pet: Intro to Programming Logic through Play
• 13:00 – The Most Magnificent Thing: Embracing Failure for Innovation
• 16:20 – Why Makerspaces Are a Magnificent Match for Literacy
• 18:50 – Adam’s Book Bag: How to Build a Hug & Inspiring Invention
• 22:10 – Recap & Final Thoughts: Integrating Picture Books with STEM

💡 Curriculum Connections & Action Items:

• Try this with your class this week: Read Chicken in Space