Book an Adventure in Problem Solving

In our fourth instalment for Book Week 2025, we're taking you on an a literary adventure in Problem Solving and showing you which books we love to share with children to support their ability to work collaboratively to find solutions.

Books that support Problem Solving: Grades K-2

The Day the Crayons Quit

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

When Duncan opens his crayon box, he finds letters—and nothing to colour with. Each colour has a different complaint! What can Duncan do to smooth things over to get them working again?

Drum Dream Girl

Author: Margarita Engle

Illustrator: Rafael Lopez

A Chinese-African-Cuban girl secretly plays the congas, bongos, and timbales. But

on her island, only boys are allowed to play drums. What happens when she lets her

secret out is poetic, magical—and inspired by a true story.

How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends?

Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: Mark Teague

Would a stegosaurus hog the toys? Would a triceratops take over the whole swing

set? Or would a T. rex be a good friend and give you a boost or his turn at the slide? Even the most intimidating dinosaur can play nice.

Books that support Problem Solving: Grades 3-5

Aani and the Tree Huggers

Author: Jeannine Atkins

Illustrator: Venantius J. Pinto

Aani lives in a village that is protected and sustained by a forest. When loggers show

up to cut down the tress, she throws her arms around her favorite tree, and the women of the village follow her lead, saving the forest. This book is based on a true story.

Full of Beans

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Beans Curry is a mischievous kid trying to help support his family during the Great

Depression. He has been known to bend the law a little, but when he comes across

some grown-ups who don’t tell the truth, things change for Beans.

Hello, Universe

Author: Erin Entrada Kelly

Four very different middle schoolers’ lives become entwined when one of them gets stuck in the bottom of a well. Filipino folklore figures prominently in this suspenseful story.

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Positive Pieces Education is the Australian and New Zealand publisher of the Second Step social-emotional learning program. Learn more