Books like Neo Leo by Gene Barretta

Vashti doubts her drawing talent, but an art teacher’s encouragement sparks a confidence‑building journey that proves anyone can create a masterpiece.

Ada Twist, Scientist follows a curious young girl as she turns everyday discoveries into science experiments, inspiring readers—especially girls—to explore STEM with enthusiasm and perseverance.

Quiet by day, dazzling inventor by night, Rosie Revere strives to turn her aunt’s dream of flight into reality—learning that perseverance, not perfection, defines success.

When a child nurtures a shy idea, it blossoms into something wondrous, showing how confidence can grow the very dreams you hold.

From armored tanks and gliders to "plastic glass" and drawing machines, this interactive book explores the incredible mind of Leonardo da Vinci through hands-on building projects and activities. Most of Leonardo's inventions were never made in his lifetime and remained sketches in his famous notebooks; kids examine some of these original sketches and learn about the models he made of his inventions. From there they delve into detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for each project, which are interpersed with historical facts, biographical anecdotes, and trivia. Most of the building can be done using simple household supplies: construction paper, tape, markers, glue, cardboard tubes, aluminum foil, and cardboard boxes. Background about the Renaissance as a period of remarkable achievement in art and science appears throughout the book.

Meet Iggy Peck—creative, independent, and not afraid to express himself! In the spirit of David Shannon’s No, David and Rosemary Wells’s Noisy Nora, Iggy Peck will delight readers looking for irreverent, inspired fun. Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials—who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up! With Andrea Beaty’s irresistible rhyming text and David Roberts’s puckish illustrations, this book will charm creative kids everywhere, and amuse their sometimes bewildered parents.

A determined girl and her dog build a project, face setbacks, and learn that perseverance and perspective are the true keys to success.

Beginning in 1490 at the age of ten, mischievous young Giacomo serves Leonardo da Vinci, the artist, inventor, and dreamer, and gains insights into his life and genius.

Focuses on the childhood of the noted artist Leonardo da Vinci.

A tale of a boy who discovers a magical library of books from a different world.