Embarking on the adventure of robotics doesn't necessarily require wires, sensors, and software right off the bat—sometimes, it begins with the turn of a page. The best robotics books for kids come in an impressive variety, each tailored to different age groups and learning stages, from picture-packed beginners' guides to novels that stoke the imaginative potential of robots. Learning about robotics through reading lays down a fundamental understanding of the science and the boundless creativity behind these intelligent machines.
To learn robotics with live expert instruction in a fun class, join our award-winning online robotics classes for kids. Most beginners start with our popular Junior Robotics class.
Discover Robotics Books for Kids
Whether it's through step-by-step instructional guides, thrilling narratives, or visually rich encyclopedias, these books open up the world of robotics to kids, showing that it's not just accessible, but a playground for their imagination and ingenuity.
1. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Wall-E meets Hatchet in this #1 New York Times bestselling illustrated middle grade novel from Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown. While not a manual, this novel captures the imagination of children, blending storytelling with themes of robotics, nature, and survival. It's a heartwarming tale that can spark interest in robotics through narrative.
2. Robotics: Everything You Need to Know About Robotics from Beginner to Expert by Peter Mckinnon
This book is a more educational tome, taking readers on a journey from the basics of robotics to more complex concepts, suitable for older kids who have a serious interest in the subject. "I was very happy to find this book when I decided to undertake a robotics project with my children. This is a book ideal for someone who really needs a step-by-step for each component, with a full explanation of what it is, how to read the markings, how to test it, how to install it and so forth." shared a parent.
3. Making Simple Robots: Exploring Cutting-Edge Robotics with Everyday Stuff by Kathy Ceceri
This hands-on guide is perfect for teens and beginners. It focuses on creating simple robots from everyday materials, encouraging learning through doing. It's great inspiration and projects progress from beginner to slightly more complex.
4. STEM Starters for Kids Robotics Activity Book: Packed with Activities and Robotics Facts by Jenny Jacoby
In these illustrated pages, your child (ages 6-10) will be immersed in the world of STEM through technology and robotics. Filled with activities such as mazes, spot the difference, drawing, puzzles, pattern identifying, quizzes, and more, this book will introduce your child to the fascinating science of robotics. Kids will learn about different robot jobs, machinery, circuitry, coding, and more.
5. Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids: 20 Original STEAM Robots and Circuits to Design and Build (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids) by Bob Katovich
From scribblebots to two-legged walkers, this book walks kids through robotics, one beautifully-photographed project at a time. The robots start out simple and get more advanced as you go, helping you boost your skills (and your confidence) at the same time. Plus chapters are divided based on the functions of robots, showing students how they can be used to help in their day-to-day life.
Check out additional coding books for teens and coding books for kids.
Read the Best Robotics Books for Kids and Teens
In a world that's increasingly shaped by automation and innovation, understanding robotics goes beyond a mere hobby—it's a key that unlocks future opportunities. For kids, learning about robotics nurtures a symphony of valuable skills, from logical thinking and problem-solving to creativity and persistence. As children turn the pages and dive into the mechanics and stories of robots, they're also building the confidence to navigate and shape the digital world.
Beyond books, many beginners learn robotics with toy robots because they work in the physical world. But it is pretty difficult to get a robot under $250 that has more than the most basic intelligence of moving, talking, and sensing. So a more effective way for beginners to learn robotics is to take classes and develop an understanding of robotics more systematically.
For instance, in our live online Junior Robotics and Robot Adventure classes, students not only learn to drive robots and control their movement, but also solve puzzles and compete in virtual environments. Discover more of the best robotics classes for kids.
