 As both a children’s author and someone who’s passionate about creating playful, purposeful stories, I wanted to take a moment to spotlight one of my own books, The Wonder of Under. This story was such a joy to write, and it held Amazon's #1 New Release spot for three weeks! But beyond the fun and whimsy, The Wonder of Under was written with intention—blending imaginative play with early STEM discovery and gentle SEL growth. About the Story At the heart of this story is Paxton—a curious little guy who decides to search under the everyday things in his house, hoping to uncover something extraordinary. And spoiler alert… he does! What begins as a hunt for hidden treasures turns into a creative quest to build a sailboat from overlooked “junk.” I wrote this story to celebrate those "what if?" moments that spark imagination and turn boredom into adventure. The STEM Element: Sailboat Building and Fun! I included step-by-step instructions in the back of the book for kids to build their own sailboat at home, using simple materials you likely already have. There are also STEM-friendly prompts and experiments to test what floats, sinks, or teeters in between. It's all about encouraging curiosity beyond the story. About the SEL Element: Teaching Kids About Emotion The Wonder of Under weaves in social-emotional learning as Paxton demonstrates perseverance, patience, and resilience. His journey is a gentle reminder to children that it's okay to feel bored or stuck, and that sometimes, the best way out of a rut is through imagination and a willingness to try something new.
The Secret Behind My Illustrator If you didn't already, here's a secret: My daughter, Andee Huxhold, illustrated this book because the original illustrator did not work out. Andee did such a beautiful job bringing Paxton’s world to life. The illustrations are vivid and inviting, with fun details that draw readers in. One of my favorite touches? A little frog who hides in every spread, adding an interactive element kids love. It turns every read-through into a scavenger hunt! Final Thoughts The Wonder of Under is more than just a picture book—it’s an invitation to play, experiment, and reimagine the “junk” around us. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who believes in the power of stories to inspire learning, I hope Paxton’s adventure encourages you and your little readers to look at the world with fresh eyes. Win a Free Copy + a Sailboat Kit! Want to add The Wonder of Under and a sailboat kit to your family reading adventures? I’m giving away a free copy! Simply comment below and you'll be entered to win. Winners for all of July's book reviews will be chosen Aug. 1. Step into Story: More Colorful STEM Activities Just a heads-up: some of the following links will take you outside of my website. Want more upcycling fun? Here are some great ways to create adventures with common items found around your home. Free Download The Wonder of Under sailboat instructions and activities 101 Recycled Kids Craft Ideas Michael Recycle: a rhyming picture book by Ellie Patterson TPT: The Yellow Brick Road Gets Upcycled Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Click here for more info. Get STEM/SEL book reviews and activities delivered to you once a month by signing up for my newsletter today! After subscribinb, you will receive a FREE download with tips on how to create your own fun-filled, family-friendly reading club.
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AuthorCindy Lynn Sawyer is an author with a passion for helping to build better futures for kids through STEM and SEL reading adventures. Subscribe
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