Imagination Lab: Experiments in Creativity

Imagination Lab is an 80+ page activity book. A Wirecutter/New York Times "Best Gift for 10 Year Olds," it is built as a companion to The Story Seeds Podcast (The Week Junior Magazine's Podcast of the Year), where award-winning children's authors help kids ages 6-12 turn their own ideas into original stories.

Not just another fill-in-the-blank workbook, every chapter of Imagination Lab is built around a real podcast episode. Children scan the QR code inside to listen to that episode, then dive into writing prompts, STEAM projects, poetry challenges, and maker activities inspired by it. Each chapter of the activity book features exclusive tips from the bestselling authors themselves, including Chris Grabenstein, Veera Hiranandani, Tracey Baptiste, Carlos Hernandez, Aram Kim, and Jason Reynolds.

If you're looking for a screen-free way to fill the after-school hours, a hands-on classroom or homeschool supplement, or just a good rainy-afternoon activity, this is the activity book for you.

What Parents Say

"Diverse, portable, open-ended, screen-free, creative & cool! Packed with open-ended activities perfect for homeschooling." — Karen Alexander, mother of three

What Critics Say

"An activity book to inspire curiosity, inventiveness, and storytelling." — Wirecutter/The New York Times

"For reluctant readers or those who crave engagement, try this innovative activity book." — VeryWell Family

"The book Imagination Lab: Experiments in Creativity includes writing prompts and helpful story-writing tips from authors featured on the show. It also features free lesson plans and classroom ideas for educators."— Common Sense Media

The Story Seeds Podcast has been featured in Wired, The New York Times, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Sandhya Nankani is the creator and executive producer of The Story Seeds Podcast(TM). An award-winning producer, she is also the creator of award-winning literacy app HangArt, which was selected Best of 2016 EdTech by Common Sense Media. She is a member of the Education Committee of the Museum of Arts and Design and was a founding member of KIDMAP (Kids' Inclusive and Diverse Media Action Project), an interdisciplinary group that has developed best practices toolkits for children's media producers, in an effort to make products that are more equitable, diverse and inclusive.Her studio Literary Safari produces and publishes inclusive media children and adults inspired by the 4 C's of 21st century education-Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration. It is deeply committed to creating products that celebrate authentic voices, diversity, multiculturalism, global citizenship, and real-world learning.

Alicia Zadrozny is a literacy educator, curriculum designer, and children's writer, and former editor of Writing for Teens and Current Health magazines for middle schoolers.