📚 Recommended Ages: 5-9

Okay, Sawyer’s Big Idea is one of those books that kind of threw me off at first. It bounces around a lot, which I think is the point—Sawyer’s got a super creative brain and a million ideas flying around, and the story tries to capture that. But it made it kinda tricky to follow, especially when I was reading it with my five-year-old.

That said, once we read it a few more times, the story made more sense. It just takes a minute to get used to the rhythm of Sawyer’s scattered but fun thought process.

The real star of the book, though? The illustrations. Oh my gosh—they are absolutely stunning. Bright, whimsical, and full of fun little details that totally bring Sawyer’s story to life.

All in all, it’s a fun book for encouraging creativity and embracing that big, bouncy energy kids bring to the table. Just maybe be ready to read it a couple of times before it really clicks.

Sawyer’s Big Idea will be published September 9, 2025.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, American Psychological Association | Magination Press — American Psychological Association, Kimberly Horch (Author), and Sayani Mukherjee (Illustrator) for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

At first read, I was feeling like the story was a bit too jumpy--flitting from one idea to the next, but then, after a second read, and more importantly carefully reading the reader's note, that was the entire point! So many books about maker culture focus on the creative process, but they're largely showing a linear process. Sawyer's Big Idea really sheds light on a much needed other: the creative kid who spends their energy on alllllll the things. In an educational system that relies so heavily on the product, it is refreshing to recognize the process, and all the different ways that might look. This is a book I would definitely add to my teacher collection.

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This a fantastic book. The pictures are really cute and the book would be so helpful for a child who struggles with focusing their thoughts and action!

This is the story of Sawyer, who has flight of ideas. He has scattered thoughts and gets distracted easily. There are some tips in the end if you have children who would benefit from mind organizing techniques.

This is a great book for teachers to read during science class. I enjoyed reading about all of Sawyer's ideas throughout the day. Students could easily relate to this book during their science class when its time to get designing and building their projects. I liked how the book talked about the planning, sketching and testing out the ideas!

Great illustrations!

Thanks for letting me read a copy of this book!

Mother of two here! We loved following Sawyer on his journey, as he followed his passion for inventing. Although the story was a little tough to follow, at times, the illustrations were absolutely beautiful! My kids got a kick out of the pet hedgehog and spotting all the fun items around Sawyer’s bedroom. As a mother, I love the idea of a book that encourages kids to follow their passions and use their imagination to create and play. Overall, we loved this book and would recommend it! We look forward to looking for more Kimberly Horch books!

Thank you to NetGalley and APA Publishing for this eARC!

Thank you for the advanced copy! This was a great story for young readers and very well written! The pictures were entertaining!

Sawyer is an excited little boy who, throughout the day has many great ideas. The only thing is, the ideas come to Sawyer faster than he is able to complete them! By the end of the day, Sawyer has started many projects, and now it is time for bed. When he wakes up in the morning, will he finish his projects? Or come up with a new idea?

Sawyer’s Big Idea includes discussion points as well as tips and tricks to support excited kids with lots of big ideas!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.