Parent Resource & Family Reading
How Stories Can Encourage Curiosity in Children
Children are naturally full of questions. Stories can give those questions somewhere to go—through observation, imagination, conversation, and discovery.
A character notices something unusual. A question appears. A choice has to be made. A familiar place begins to look different. These moments can become invitations to wonder.
Do not turn every book into a lesson. Simply make room for curiosity.
Curiosity Often Begins With Noticing
Before a child asks a question, they usually notice something.
What did you notice?
Let Questions Stay Open for a While
Adults often know more about the story than the child does. That can create the temptation to answer every question immediately.
“Why did the character do that?”
“What do you think?”
Curiosity can grow when children have space to think before receiving an answer.
Ask Questions That Invite Imagination
These questions do not test memory. They invite imagination.
Follow the Child’s Interest
Not every page needs a discussion. Sometimes a child will stop on one illustration or notice a detail an adult assumed was unimportant.
What makes you interested in that?
Curiosity Does Not Require a Correct Answer
Stories Can Make Familiar Things Feel New
A Pond
What might live beneath the surface?
A Road
Where might it lead?
A Forest
What might be hidden beyond the trees?
A Home
How might it look different after a journey?
Encourage Children to Predict
“What do you think is going to happen?”
If the prediction turns out to be wrong, nothing has gone wrong. A surprising outcome can make the conversation more interesting.
Ask “What If?” Questions
Use Illustrations as Invitations to Explore
Let Children Ask the Questions
You get to ask the next question.
The question may be about the story, the illustration, or something completely unexpected.
Reading Can Lead to Real-World Curiosity
Try a Curiosity Walk
After reading, take a short walk and ask the child to notice three things they have questions about.
You do not need to know every answer. The activity is about noticing and asking.
Create a Family Curiosity Jar
Simple Family Activity
Save interesting questions instead of losing them.
Write questions on small pieces of paper and place them in a jar. Every so often, choose one to explore together.
Do Not Rush to Correct Imagination
“What do you think is beyond the hill?”
“A city made of clouds.”
“What would that city be like?”
Curiosity and Courage Can Connect
I want to know.
Am I ready to find out?
Can you be curious about something and still feel nervous?
Curiosity Can Lead to Choices
Try Not to Ask Too Many Questions
Sometimes the best approach is simply to read, enjoy, and let the story breathe.
Use the Child’s Questions to Guide Future Reading
Meet Eugene, a Frog Who Wonders Beyond the Familiar
Curiosity is one of the central approved themes in Eugene the Wayward Frog.
Eugene’s imagination and questions lead him to think beyond the familiar world of Lilypond. His story also explores courage, choices, dreams, perseverance, purpose, and discovery.
A story that leaves room for wondering.
Young readers can enjoy Eugene’s journey while adults can choose moments to talk about curiosity when it feels natural.
Curiosity Questions to Ask While Reading Eugene
- What do you think Eugene is wondering about?
- What catches Eugene’s attention?
- What would you want to explore if you were Eugene?
- What questions would you ask him?
- When does curiosity influence a choice?
- Does curiosity ever come with uncertainty?
- What might you notice that Eugene does not?
- What do you think Eugene might wonder about next?
Curiosity Can Be Encouraged Without Being Forced
Children already bring curiosity with them. Sometimes the most helpful response is simply: “That’s a good question.”
Wonder Begins With a Question
Ready to Wonder With Eugene?
Discover Eugene the Wayward Frog, an imaginative children’s story about curiosity, courage, choices, dreams, perseverance, purpose, and discovery.