Whether your child loves science, storytelling, or problem solving, the right show, book, or podcast can reinforce essential skills and inspire new interests. Here are some of our top educational picks, along with reasons why you can feel confident recommending them to your children.
Ages 4 to 7
Shows
- Numberblocks
A long-running series that teaches early math ideas in a fun way. - Wild Kratts
In each episode, the Kratt brothers travel to a different part of the world to meet amazing new animals. - Super Simple Songs
Fun songs and videos that teach children about counting, animals, holidays, and many more topics.
Books
- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Encourages imagination and emotional understanding. Helps children explore perspectives in a fun, playful way. - Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Celebrates curiosity and experimentation. Supports early STEM thinking. - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
This award-winning book helps young children understand cause and effect through humour and repetition.
Podcasts
- Imagine This
Short, simple episodes that answer big science questions. Helps spark early curiosity in science. - Circle Round
Created by parents of young children, this podcast features folktales from around the world that explore themes of kindness and generosity. - But Why?
A show where children from all over the world submit questions about a wide variety of topics and have them answered.
Early exposure to storytelling, simple reasoning, and pattern recognition can help children build confidence and set the stage for future academic success.
Ages 8 to 11
Shows
- Odd Squad
Children use their skills to investigate strange happenings in their town. Makes history relatable by exploring real artifacts and kid-friendly investigations. - SciShow Kids
This show explains complex science concepts to young, curious minds.
Books
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Blends ideas about science, nature, and empathy in a way that sparks deeper thinking. Encourages discussions about technology and community. - Who Was…? by Various Authors
Helps children learn about interesting and influential people while building reading skills. - The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
A fun adventure series that boosts reading enjoyment and confidence.
Podcasts
- Tumble Science
Tackles questions about how things work in the world of science and STEM. Encourages curiosity and explanation skills. - Noodle Loaf – Music Education for Kids
An interactive music education podcast for children which teaches music concepts through songs, play, and comedy. - Book Cub for Kids
A podcast where young students meet with various guests and popular authors to talk about books and reading.
These options support growing readers who need both challenge and engagement, while strengthening critical thinking, vocabulary, and independent learning habits.
Ages 12 to 14
Shows
- SmarterEveryDay
Explores a wide variety of interesting topics using science. - Mark Rober
A former NASA engineer sets up fun and crazy experiments to teach children how to think like engineers. - How It’s Made
Classic show that explains how things are made, from jelly beans and glass, to tires and trains.
Books
- Refugee by Alan Gratz
This story, told through three different true experiences, builds empathy, global awareness, and deeper comprehension skills. - Bomb by Steve Sheinkin
This award-winning nonfiction book tells the story of how they created the atomic bomb. - The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
A fun, imaginative story that encourages logic, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. After you’re done with the books, you can watch the TV series with the whole family.
Podcasts
- The Past & The Curious
An amusing podcast for all ages that uses comedy to tell engaging, little-known historical stories. - Forever Ago
A fun, family-friendly look into the fascinating history of things you may think are ordinary. - Bust or Trust
A podcast for curious children who like to try to solve some of the world’s most interesting mysteries.
These selections will help stretch their thinking, support emotional growth, and build the academic stamina needed for high school.
Ages 15 to 17
Shows
- Veritasium
Educational videos about a wide variety of interesting topics, including space, science, math and much more. - Ancient Civilizations
A National Geographic show that explores the mysteries of past civilizations. - Ted-Ed
Award-winning animated short videos that feature “Lessons worth sharing”.
Books
- Atomic Habits for Kids & Teens by Michael Carter
Helps children and teens build productive routines and understand the importance of healthy habits and self-improvement. - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This #1 New York Times bestselling book builds empathy and introduces essential themes in society and civic awareness. - Sapiens: A Graphic History by Yuval Noah Harari
Based on the renowned novel “Sapiens”, this version presents world history in a visual, engaging way using illustrations.
Podcasts
- Why This Universe?
Theoretical physicists answer interesting listener questions about science and physics. - Stuff You Should Know
A popular and entertaining podcast that educates listeners on a wide variety of topics. - Hidden Brain
This podcast helps you understand your own mind by exploring the unconscious patterns that drive human actions.
These choices should be encouraged because teens need media that support independence, strengthen analytical skills, and prepare them for academic and personal challenges ahead.
The right media can entertain and educate at the same time. Whether it’s a book that sparks imagination, a podcast that answers big questions, or a show that brings math or science to life, children learn best when curiosity leads the way. Encouraging a mix of reading, listening, and watching gives young learners a balanced way to explore their interests while building essential skills for the future.