The Little Thesis is a coloring book that teaches young children how research works. It has 100 coloring pages in six chapters, and each chapter matches one real step of research, from noticing something curious to sharing what you found. I made it for children ages 4 to 8, and the whole book is free to read on this website.
The six steps, one chapter each
I built the book around the same path a grown-up researcher follows:
- The Spark of Curiosity: noticing things and asking questions
- The Library of Leaves: finding out what other people already know
- The Great Guess: making a prediction, or hypothesis
- The Adventure Kit: planning a fair test
- Counting the Treasure: charts, patterns, and making sense of results
- Telling the Story: writing, checking, and presenting
Your child colors one scene at a time, and by the last pages they have practiced every step. Page 99 is a diploma that names them a Junior Researcher.
Who guides your child
Four friendly characters, the Subthesis Squad, carry the story. Curious Bunny asks "Why?", Professor Hoot knows books, Subby the Robot organizes ideas, and Detail Dog counts and checks. Each one stands for a real research habit, so your child has a face to attach to each idea.
Why I made it
My work in public health taught me that curious, questioning kids grow into healthier, more capable adults. I've taught children in the classroom, completed a fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and I'm earning a Doctorate in Public Health focused on the health of children and pregnant mothers. I also run Subthesis.com, a research platform for students and professionals. The Little Thesis brings those same research skills down to kid size. Young children already wonder about everything. The book gives that wondering a shape they can follow, with crayons in hand.
This is the first book, and more are on the way.
What you will find on the site
Every coloring page has its own web page with the artwork, a one-line story, a note for grown-ups, and a few questions to talk about while your child colors. There are no ads, no accounts, and nothing to sign up for. If you would like a printed copy, the paperback is sold on Amazon, with each coloring page facing its notes for grown-ups.