This program provides all caregivers (early childhood professionals and parents) with books, guided questions, and expanded learning resources to support literacy development, enhance relationships, and to make a connection with your local library. Each year the theme changes, but the imagination guides always include the following:
- Conversation Starters
- STEAM Connections
- Nature
- Creative Arts
2025 STEAM Imagination Guides
Color Your World
Brighten young minds by connecting storybooks and STEAM!
Children are naturally curious about the world and are continuously exploring various ways to express themselves. This year’s STEAM Imagination Guides focus on art and creativity as tools to inspire exploration and wonder.
10 Cats
Infant & Toddler Guide
STEAM Connection: Animal Portrait
Activities in this Guide:
- Animal Portrait
- Lights and Shadows
- Color Exploration
Where is the Green Sheep?
Infant & Toddler Guide
STEAM Connection: Sheep Round Up
Activities in this Guide:
- Spatial Awareness Sheep Round Up
- Color Scavenger Hunt
- Shear a Sheep
Beautiful Oops!
Infant & Toddler Guide
STEAM Connection: A Splash of Wonder
Activities in this Guide:
- A Splash of Wonder
- Nature Bracelet
- Oops Collage
It Looked Like Spilt Milk
Infant & Toddler Guide
STEAM Connection: Cloud Hide-And-Seek
Activities in this Guide:
- Cloud Hide-And–Seek
- Picture Match and Animal Sounds
- Light Table Silhouettes
Color and Me!
Preschool Guide
Activities in this Guide:
- Rainbow Science
- Rock Sculpture
- Magic Swirl Mix
Just Add Glitter
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Glitter Fireworks
Activities in this Guide:
- Glitter Fireworks
- Nature Magic Wand
- Glitter Paint
Maybe Something Beautiful
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Beautiful City Block Play
Activities in this Guide:
- Beautiful City Block Play
- Sidewalk Chalk Mural
- Beautiful Music and Movement
My Forest is Green
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Local Habitat Engineering
Activities in this Guide:
- Local Habitat Engineering
- Nature Walk
- Mysteries of Nature
Nature is an Artist
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Erosion Exploration
Activities in this Guide:
- Erosion Exploration
- Natural Paint
- Ephemeral Art
Not a Box
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Engineer It
Activities in this Guide:
- Engineer It!
- Found Art
- Cardboard sculpture
Oh, Olive!
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Engineering Structures
Activities in this Guide:
- Engineering Structures
- Shape Construction and Deconstruction
- Silhouette Art
Perfect Square
Preschool Guide
STEAM Connection: Square Sculptures
Activities in this Guide:
- Square Sculptures
- One Square Foot
- Mondrian Style Art
“The activities engage the children.
The connection between the activities and the book content is easy to grasp. These guides encourage play and the children are eager to participate.”
— Early Childhood Educator
4-H 2025 STEAM Imagination Guide Resources
2025 Library Commission Theme: Color Your World
Looking for engagement for school-aged children in your care? This program is available to youth development and early childhood professionals, afterschool clubs, summer school and camps, libraries, and parents. Resources provide engaging learning opportunities to spark an interest in STEM concepts and 4-H.
- Head: The Light Spectrum & Sun Safety
- Heart: Heartfelt Hues
- Health: Colorful Camouflage
- Hands: Foods that Color Your World
No endorsement of products or services by 4-H is intended or implied.
Want to request this program? Please send an e-mail to Jennifer Hansen.
