"This is a great addition to STEM collections, maker spaces, and
elementary- through middle-school graphic-novel collections." -
Booklist
"Fine, fabulous stuff" - School Library
Journal
Lurking in the corners of your garage, on the dusty shelves
of hardware stores, and in your own trashcan are the tools and ingredients for
creating your own adventures. Follow Celine and Tucker as they learn through
play with over 50 DIY projects! Challenged to make something "other than
trouble," this brother-and-sister pair use everyday objects to invent toys that
readers can build. Combining comics and real-life science and engineering
principles, Howtoons are designed to encourage kids to become active
participants in the world around them.
"...perfectly tuned to inspire
creativity as well as promote good work habits in budding inventors and
mechanical engineers alike." - Kirkus Review
"Geeks aren't born,
they're made... and here's the instruction manual." - Wired
Magazine
"Geeks aren't born, they're made... and here's the instruction manual." —Wired Magazine
Fun How-To, DIY projects and activities to teach kids STEM & STEAM fundamentals and spark curiosity through play!
Unlock the power of hands-on learning with Howtoons—an award-winning, comic-style guide that blends storytelling, science, and engineering. Perfect for homeschooling families, Montessori-inspired classrooms, and STEM/STEAM-focused classrooms, this book features 50+ exciting, kid-tested projects that transform everyday household items into engaging learning adventures.
Join siblings Celine and Tucker as they're challenged to “make something other than trouble”—sparking a journey of discovery through play-based learning, critical thinking, and creativity. Each project is packed with real-life science and engineering principles designed to inspire gifted learners (GATE students) and curious minds alike.
Whether you're teaching physics through paper rockets, exploring kinetic energy with DIY toys, or promoting independent thinking through tinkering, Howtoons is your go-to resource for turning trash into tools and ideas into action.
This unique collection of projects empowers children to:
- Build and invent using recycled and household materials
- Understand real engineering and science principles
- Explore STEAM learning through comics, art, and play
- Foster independence, problem-solving, and creative thinking
- Engage in project-based learning ideal for co-ops and family units
Why trust Howtoons? Author
Dr. Saul Griffith is a globally recognized
engineer, inventor, and
STEAM education advocate. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT in materials science and information theory, and has led cutting-edge research for
NASA,
DARPA,
ARPA-E, and the
National Science Foundation. He is also the founder of
Rewiring America, a nonprofit focused on climate solutions through electrification and education. His companies—including
Instructables.com,
Makani Power, and
Otherlab—reflect a lifelong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Select praise for HOWTOONS: “This is a great addition to STEM collections, maker spaces, and elementary- through middle-school graphic-novel collections.” -
Booklist "Fine, fabulous stuff" -
School Library Journal "...perfectly tuned to inspire creativity as well as promote good work habits in budding inventors and mechanical engineers alike." -
Kirkus Review "Geeks aren't born, they're made... and here's the instruction manual." -
Wired Magazine
