Category: Resources for Kids & Parents

Love The Wingfeather Saga? Try These 6 Books and Series
For years, I heard about this series called The Wingfeather Saga.

But it wasn’t until I learned Angel Studios was adapting the books into an animated series that I took the time to read them for myself.

Wow.

I was initially a bit shocked. The situations these child characters found themselves in were horrifying. The Fangs and the Black Carriage were enough to make this grown woman a little extra jumpy at nighttime.

And yet, the world was charming and innocent. Sea dragons that dance, ridiculous creatures like Toothy Cows, and cheese chowder that makes you salivate just thinking about it.

I loved the children (Janner is my favorite). Uncle Artham’s transformation really touched me. And I was fascinated by the icy city of Kimera.

The Wingfeather Saga combines innocence and humor, rich worldbuilding, and emotionally deep character arcs into a very unexpected package.

The problem is that type of story is few and far between.

Or is it?

6 Books and Series for Readers Who Love The Wingfeather Saga

First up, we have a classic.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Lina and Doon have grown up in Ember, an underground city lit by enormous lamps that are beginning to fail. When Lina discovers part of an old message, the two children begin searching for a way to save their people—even when almost no one believes them.

I actually saw the movie first, which was a pretty good as book movies go. But the themes come across so much more deeply in the book. In this story, I found a beautiful representation of:
- Perseverance in the face of persecution
- Willingness to do what is right even if you are alone
- Faith in a future no one else believes in
- A child’s bravery
- Choosing hope and light for a future that appears dark
Much like the characters in The Wingfeather Saga, the children in The City of Ember have to choose to believe in something they have never seen and fight for a future no one believes is possible. It really encouraged me and has stuck with me since.

The Imagination Station Series by Paul McCusker

From the world of Adventures in Odyssey comes a magnificent time-traveling, faith-filled, action-packed series! Join cousins Patrick and Beth as they travel to various lands and times, meeting famous historical figures and seeing God at work across history.

My younger brother had a set of these when he was a newer reader. Intrigued by the cover, I picked one up and gave it a go. Wow, even though it was well below my reading level, I was immediately pulled into the story and found myself rooting for the characters.

I’m a sucker for history. I’m a sucker for time travel. I’m a sucker for a good adventure.

I liked these books so much that when I was leading a daycare class for 7-10 year olds, I chose this series for our afternoon reading time. Through these pages, we explored:
- History
- Science
- Geography
- Faith
Beautiful conversations and questions emerged while we discussed these stories.

While each book in this series is a faster read than The Wingfeather Saga, it deserves a similar place of honor for the quality of the reading experience.

The Cooper Kids Adventure Series by Frank Peretti

These books almost turned me into an archaeologist.

Teenagers Jay and Lila Cooper and their archaeologist father travel throughout the world solving mysteries both natural and supernatural in this popular series.

Warning: these are not for little kids, but are better suited for your older readers. This series covers spiritual warfare, time travel, plane hijacking, deadly toxins, and ancient paganism. Like The Wingfeather Saga, this series does not shy away from hard topics.

I’ve witnessed adults and kids alike sit on the edge of their seats while reading these books. Frank Peretti can pace a climax like no one else. Throughout the series, I was constantly reminded of:
- God’s power
- The importance of truth
- Bravery and resourcefulness
- How precious human life is
Mom and Dad, you might want to read these first (but you’ll thank me because they are such a great read). This series had such a huge impact on my childhood and stays with me even now.

Passages Vol 1-2 by Paul McCusker

These fantasy takes on classic Bible stories will help you see the stories you know in a whole new way. Children from our world are suddenly thrust into a fantasy reality where they experience battles, political conflicts, and life-or-death decisions.

The 6 books cover the stories of:
- Noah
- David
- Esther
- Joseph
- Elijah
- Moses
I picked these up randomly at a church library as a kid, and once I opened them I devoured them whole. Like The Wingfeather Saga, the children in these books have to rise to the occasion and become more than they thought was possible. I loved it, and so will your kids.

Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs by Laura Welch, Bodie Hodge, and illustrated by Bill Looney

This book is going to change your world.

Part of a series that also covers the numerous global legends of Noah’s Flood, as well as the myths and history of giants, this is one of my favorite books on the planet.

First, it’s crazy fun to read. There are pop-outs, pockets, and moving parts on almost every page.

Second, it explores dragon legends from cultures around the world and makes the case that some of those stories may have roots in real encounters with creatures we would recognize as dinosaurs. Whether you’re fascinated by the history, the legends, or the debate itself, there’s a lot here to explore.

Only read this if you love:
- History
- Geography
- Archaelogy
- Dragons
- Heroes
- Legends
- Amazing art
For those who wish the world of Wingfeather was real, you might find out that our world is more similar than you thought.

Willomina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City by me

Willomina Tip has spent her whole life dreaming of the day when she can join her father on his annual visit to the Imperial City, the largest floating island in the known world.

But when a shocking revolt turns the magnificent city into chaos, Willomina suddenly finds herself alone, stranded, and struggling to survive.

With danger spreading through the streets and no way home, she must navigate a city filled with secrets, strange allies, and unexpected enemies. If she hopes to return to her family, Willomina will need courage, quick thinking, and perseverance she never knew she had.

When I wrote Willomina Tip, I wanted to create the kind of reading experience I enjoyed with books like The Wingfeather Saga. My goal was to offer:
- Rich worldbuilding
- Legends, lore, and history
- High stakes
- Villains you love to hate
- Awesome animal sidekicks
- Strange creatures
- Secrets that unfold throughout the series
- Vivid sensory details
- A character you would cross the ocean (or sky) for
I believe we all deserve more books like The Wingfeather Saga – books that inspire children to dream and try, to believe in the light even when it’s dark, and to explore the world we’ve been given.

I worked hard, and according to my reviewers – I succeeded.

Good books are not as common as we wish they were. That’s why I operate by the principle that if you find a good thing, you should definitely share it.

I hope these books meet some of your cravings for adventure and light they way they have mine.

Take to the Skies Today!

Would you like to visit the Imperial City? Fly in an airship? Uncover the secret of a legendary thief?

Get a sneak peek into Willomina’s world by reading the first 7 chapters free.

Already set to take off? Get Willomina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City today!
October 1, 2026
Free Fantasy Worldbuilding Guide for Kids (Ages 8–12)
Have you ever watched a child build an entire kingdom out of LEGO bricks? Or draw a treasure map of an imaginary island with fantastical monsters?

I have. I was that kid, and I’ve taught those kids. Imagination and possibility hide around every corner of a child’s mind—they just need a little encouragement to bring those ideas to life.

Kids are Natural Worldbuilders

Before a child ever learns words like “setting” or “worldbuilding,” they’re already imagining underwater cities, hidden forests, talking animals, underground tunnels, and magical kingdoms.

Play Barbies with a group of five-year-olds for twenty minutes, and soon you have a nice mermaid, an evil queen, and someone using her freeze powers (when did she get those) to stop the bad guys.

Tell a group of seven-year-olds that their play equipment is a grand sailing ship, and watch as they invent sea monsters, a shocking number of tsunamis (not sure how we survived so many), and a wicked octopus.

Hand a group of eight- to ten-year-olds some aged paper, a list of questions, and the freedom to create whatever they want—and voilà! Worlds will be born. I did this with my students a few years ago, and their creativity absolutely delighted me.

Students proudly display the fantasy worlds they created during a classroom worldbuilding activity.

After experiencing the joy of worldbuilding with kids, I decided to create the Young Worldbuilder’s Starter Kit—a free printable activity guide inspired by the world of Willomina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City.

Whether your child dreams of writing stories, loves fantasy adventures, or simply enjoys drawing maps and inventing new places, this guide is designed to help turn imagination into something they can build, explore, and eventually write about.

What’s Inside the Young Worldbuilder’s Starter Kit?

The printable workbook is packed with creative activities that encourage kids to think like authors and explorers.

Inside, they’ll find:
- A welcome from Willomina herself
- A fantasy world questionnaire to spark ideas
- A guided map-building activity
- Character creation worksheets
- A character drawing page
- A fantasy vehicle design activity inspired by the airships of the Imperial City
- A personal letter from Willomina encouraging young creators
- A creative writing adventure page
- An Official Young Worldbuilder Certificate. (Like, very official; some might call it “frameable.”
Every activity is designed to encourage creativity without feeling like homework.

More Than a Writing Worksheet

I’ve always learned best by creating something. As a kid, that meant drawing characters and inventing stories. As an adult, I discovered my students learned the same way.

Think about it, worldbuilding naturally combines:
- Creative writing
- Reading comprehension
- Art
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Imagination
Instead of filling in blanks with “correct” answers, children become the author, cartographer, inventor, and explorer of their own world.

Kids are always being told how the world works, what can or cannot happen, and what to do. But when they become the worldbuilders, suddenly they are in charge, and there isn’t just one right answer. It’s whatever they can imagine.

Inspired by Willomina Tip

Many of the activities draw inspiration from the world of Willomina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City, a whimsical world of floating islands, airships, mysterious legends, and dangerous revolutions.

But the point of this workbook is not to copy my world.

My goal is to give young creators the tools and confidence to build one of their own.

Download Your Free Copy

If your child loves fantasy, storytelling, drawing maps, or imagining entirely new worlds, I’d love to share this free resource with you.

Join the Polaris Network newsletter below, and I’ll send the Young Worldbuilder’s Starter Kit straight to your inbox. (You have my solemn promise that I will never spam you.)

I hope it inspires many new adventures—and maybe even the first chapter of a story only your young author can tell.

Take Me to the Worldbuilder Guide

About Grace Gidman

Grace Gidman is the author of Willomina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City and a former elementary educator who loves encouraging children to read, imagine, and create. Through stories, printable activities, and fantasy resources, she hopes to inspire the next generation of young worldbuilders and storytellers.
July 29, 2026
What Is Steampunk? A Simple Guide for Kids + Parents
TL;DR

For those who don’t know, steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that features retro-futuristic technology and aesthetics prominently inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery and design. Often created as an alternative history, the Victorian Era and the American West are frequently the backdrops for this imaginative genre.

In this article, we will cover what steampunk is, how it’s used in culture, and how it’s the perfect genre to encourage kids to explore and create worlds of their own.

What is Steampunk for Kids?

Say the word “steampunk,” and you often get two reactions.

#1 – A blank stare of confusion

#2 – An image of someone wearing a top hat and aviator goggles (mustache or corset may or may not be included)

Steampunk has not been widely accepted or understood in popular culture for a long time, but it has thrived in smaller cultural niches, often with an edgier adult tone and darker aesthetic.

But that’s just one way to view the genre.

The actual definition of steampunk leaves it open to fresh (and kid-friendly) interpretations.

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retro-futuristic technology and aesthetics prominently inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery and design. Often created as an alternative history, the Victorian Era and the American West are frequently the backdrops for this imaginative genre.

Science fiction plus 19th-century steam technology plus alternate history = awesome.

Steampunk Examples in Movies and Books

Steampunk worlds often feature airships, inventions, and alternate history settings.

Without a doubt, one of the most appealing aspects of steampunk is the machines and technology. Mysterious submarines, floating islands, airships, automatons, and mechs? It’s an absolute Candy Land for an artistic mind, but mixed with the nuts and bolts of practical science and technology that keep this genre grounded.

Jules Verne, whose work helped inspire what we now call steampunk, was one of the most respected voices in science fiction. The monstrous Nautilus featured in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a prime example of making futuristic (for the time, anyway) technology the shining star of an alternative history.

Hugo, set in the more modern 1930s, features a boy living in a Paris train station, where he maintains the station’s clocks and attempts to repair a beautiful old automaton.

The City of Ember takes place in a steampunk-like environment featuring rich worldbuilding and a post-apocalyptic society on the brink of collapse. To escape a dying underground city, the main characters must decipher a set of instructions and follow a pre-engineered path of escape created hundreds of years before by The Builders.

Probably the best-known examples of this genre are Disney’s beloved classics, Treasure Planet and Atlantis: The Lost Empire. While Treasure Planet could be more correctly termed “space punk,” it still features airships, 19th-century technology in an alternative Victorian era, and the high-flying imagination steampunk is known for. Atlantis: The Lost Empire combines ancient history, alternative Victorian-era history, Atlantean magic, and magnificently futuristic technology into a hilarious adventure story.

What do all these stories have in common?
- Exploration
- Alternative historical settings
- Steam-powered technology
- Fantastical settings grounded in reality
That’s steampunk.

Why Steampunk Is Great for Kids

Kids are crazy smart. They can also be whimsical and will remain so if we nurture their creativity rather than squashing it.

Steampunk is the perfect intersection of creativity and intelligence. A world of floating islands = whimsical. Airship engines, water pumping systems, and factories = practical intelligence.

For your kids to understand steampunk, they need to engage their imagination and learn the practical realities of how and why things work. What propels the airship? How does it stay in the air? How could you manage an underground city with steampowered mechanics? What inventions would you need to make life work?

Your kids can also learn real history if they want to pull it apart to recreate it in their own steampunk worlds. What happened in the Victorian Era or American West in science, technology, and geopolitical spheres, and what pieces do you want to incorporate in your story? How can you take the grime and the glamor and make them your own?

Steampunk encourages an inventiveness that kids naturally possess and will grow in if we nurture them. (Seriously, have you ever tried to play a classic board game with a kid who ‘invented’ their own rules for it? No creativity lacking here!)

Before you know it, your kids will be building worlds and coming up with ideas that combine science, art, history, and their own imagination.

How Steampunk Inspires Creativity and Learning

As a fun way to engage with your kids, try these steampunk imagination activities.
- Ask: What powers your airship?
- Imagine: How does a floating city stay in the sky?
- Explore: What inventions would people need to survive?
- Create: What would your world look like?
Willomina Tip: My Steampunk World

I’ll be honest, steampunk wasn’t the genre I started with—but once I discovered it, I realized how powerful it is for building rich, imaginative worlds.

For Willomina, I turned my focus skyward. She is a child of the air, born of a world of floating islands, airships, and complex geopolitical forces.

Through her eyes, we are introduced to the practical realities of airships, trade agreements, coal-dependency, star navigation, and steam-powered water systems.

I also included whimsical elements, like the Gem Forest on Willomina’s beloved home island, and the Legend of Polaris, which tells the story of brave adventurers who saved the light of the Northern Star.

My world is one you can touch, taste, smell, feel, and imagine, familiar, and yet it’s entirely unique and unknown.

That’s the power of steampunk, and it’s a power you can harness to inspire your kids today.

Free Steampunk Writing Prompts for Kids (Printable PDF)

Creative writing prompts help kids build imagination and storytelling skills.

Spark your kids’ creativity with these prompts to help build their imagination, storytelling skills, and confidence.

Inside this free PDF, you’ll find:

An airship adventure prompt – Captain of the Skies

A mystery and stealth scenario – Hidden in the City

A high-stakes exploration – Treasure in the Sea

These prompts are perfect for:
- Parents and homeschool families
- Teachers and classroom activities
- Young writers who love fantasy and steampunk worlds
To get the most out of these prompts:
- Set a 10–15 minute timer.
- Let kids draw before they write.
- Encourage “what if” thinking.
- Focus on creativity—not perfection.
Download Your Free Steampunk Writing Prompts

Get started on your steampunk adventure!

Now that you know what steampunk is, it’s time to explore!

And there’s no better place to start than through the wondrous eyes of a child.

Begin Willomina’s Story

Fly well!

Grace (author of Willomina Tip)
March 6, 2026