Coming January 2026
How do you work through a complicated idea, solve a tricky problem, or make a big discovery? Charles Darwin had a lot of ways to do it. He paced in circles and hit rocks with a stick. He studied the bones of his dinner. He even rode around the world on a boat called The Beagle.
Sibert Medalist Nicholas Day’s conversational text has all the charm of a true story told by your smartest, most interesting friend. With Hadley Hooper’s engrossingly textured illustrations, How to Have a Thought is both an introduction to Darwin and an invitation to live with brilliant curiosity.
“A masterful blend of biography, science, and philosophy that makes profound ideas feel wonderfully attainable.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Slyly chatty and insightful, it’s a fittingly meandering biography that introduces the work it can take to sort through difficult concepts—and invites readers to join in.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Day takes his considerable nonfiction talents into the picture book format here, yet again seamlessly pairing two seemingly disparate things—aimless walks and the development of an earth-shattering scientific theory—to create a witty, engaging, and at times silly exploration of big ideas and deep thoughts.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books