Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive

by Deborah Farmer Kris

A truly inspiring book for parents and caregivers, and for the kid inside us all.

What if helping boost kids’ mental and emotional well-being, strengthen their social ties, and support their curiosity and internal motivation were as simple as rediscovering awe? Through research, interviews, and personal stories, Deborah Farmer Kris explores how awe and wonder can and should be a part of every childhood, and how becoming an awe-seeker can change your life and your parenting in profound and concrete ways.

Plenty of parenting resources speak directly to the concerns facing children and teens, including intense pressure to achieve, how to navigate social media and the online world, struggles with focus and motivation, spiking rates of anxiety and disordered eating, and worries about climate change, political strife, global crises, and local injustices. Rather than focusing on the challenges or telling you how to raise kids, this book, structured around seven of the most common sources of awe identified by Dacher Keltner and other awe researchers, aims to reconnect you with something fundamentally human: the capacity to wonder.

With the curiosity of a reporter and the heart of a parent, and with plenty of humor, and honesty, Farmer Kris breaks down the science of awe, connecting the research to what we know about how kids learn and grow and anchoring it with four of her personal parenting tenets that dovetail with awe-seeking:

Slow down childhood
Embrace playtime, downtime, and family time
Practice radical curiosity
Become an awe-seeker yourself

In these pages, you’ll hear from experts, and read stories and observations from the author’s experiences as a parent and educator of two decades. Words from other parents and from young people themselves round out the chapters and underline the importance of bending kids’ worlds toward wonder. You’ll also find concrete strategies and resources—from activities to booklists—to help you take what you’ve learned, apply it to your parenting, and share your wonder with your children.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Deborah Farmer Kris is a child development expert and the author of "Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive,” the I See You board book series, and the All the Time picture book series. Her bylines include CNN, PBS KIDS, NPR’s Mindshift, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe Magazine, and Oprah Daily. Deborah is currently an expert advisor for the PBS KIDS show, “Carl the Collector,” and spent 20+ years as a K-12 educator. Mostly, she loves sharing nuggets of practical wisdom that can make the parenting journey a little easier.

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously loved, loved, loved this book.
Although parenting is implicit in the title, I highly recommend it also to non-parents like me, because awe truly is one of the most important human experiences there is. This book did a beautiful job of exploring what kinds of awe we can tap into as individuals or families and what impact they have on our well-being, whether it be emotional, mental, or even physical.
Perhaps you, like me, can readily name nature, the universe, and perhaps music and art, as sources of awe. This book goes a little further into other parts of life and humanity that can elicit awe in us, things that I hadn't necessarily thought about but that really resonated with me.
I was so reflective and enjoyably focused while reading this book that it almost came as a shock to me when it was finished. It would be worth revisiting - it's a beautiful subject to spend some time with.

Thanks to NetGalley and Free Spirit Publishing for this advance review copy. This title publishes May 27, 2025, and I hope you put it on your TBR for a dose of truly inspiring reading!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive by Deborah Farmer Kris

Overview
Deborah Farmer Kris’s Raising Awe-Seekers is a heartwarming yet rigorously researched ode to nurturing wonder in children. Merging developmental science with lyrical storytelling, Kris argues that awe—experienced through nature, art, and everyday moments—is a transformative force for resilience, curiosity, and emotional well-being. While the book’s optimism is infectious, its occasional idealism may leave pragmatic readers wanting more grounded strategies for screen-weary families.

Key Strengths
-The Science of Awe, Simplified: Kris masterfully translates neuroscientific and psychological research into relatable insights, showing how awe rewires young brains for creativity and empathy.
-Practical Magic: From “awe walks” to storytelling prompts, the book offers simple, playful activities to cultivate wonder without expensive tools or perfect conditions.
-Inclusive Lens: Celebrates diverse sources of awe—urban skylines, cultural traditions, or quiet backyard discoveries—making it accessible beyond nature-centric narratives.

Critical Considerations
-Idealized Scenarios: Some anecdotes assume idealized family dynamics or resources, glossing over challenges like time poverty or sensory sensitivities.
-Repetitive Themes: The central thesis (awe = good) is reiterated heavily, occasionally at the expense of deeper dives into mitigating obstacles (e.g., tech overload).
-Niche Appeal: Parents seeking hardline behavioral advice may find the tone overly poetic compared to more prescriptive parenting guides.

Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A fresh, science-backed take on child development that stands apart in the parenting genre.
-Research Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Well-cited but leans on broader studies over niche demographics.
-Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) – Inspiring ideas, though some require adaptation for real-world chaos.
-Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Warm and jargon-free, but assumes a baseline enthusiasm for “soft” parenting approaches.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A luminescent guide to parenting with wide eyes and an open heart—like a hug from science itself.

Who Should Read This?
-Parents and educators seeking to counterbalance achievement pressure with joy-driven growth.
-Fans of The Whole-Brain Child or How to Talk So Kids Will Listen who crave more whimsy.
-Anyone needing a hopeful antidote to dystopian narratives about childhood today.

Final Thoughts
Kris’s book is a beacon of light in the parenting canon, reminding us that wonder isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. While not a troubleshooting manual, its soulful approach lingers long after reading.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Deborah Farmer Kris for the advance review copy. This review reflects an honest appreciation for the book’s mission to re-enchant childhood through science and storytelling.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book! Honestly every family needs this book. I am so happy to share this book with you.

Our children are faced with more challenges than we  ever though they would have to face. Anxiety, depression, stress and such busy lives have taken over our time and our mental wellbeing. It makes finding happiness so hard. That is why we all need this amazing guide from Deborah Farmer Kis. This book is packed full of a variety of awe-inspiring ideas. Kis shows us how finding inspiration and wonder every day in childhood is so vital to their future. I love the focus of taking the time to slow down and enjoy every little moment. We learn ways to make more out of family time and every day moments like playtime and at meals.

 We find the importance of downtime as well as finding humor and heart in all that we do.

I love the way the book is broken down in easy to understand and follow. It keeps it simple and focuses on the importance of each thing in the book. I love the advice and ideas given like “the 5 Wonderful ways” sections found throughout the book with Ideas for music, art and experiencing belonging. I love that there is a section on hobbies and how important they are to individuals. I feel that is such a great way to experience awe and wonder.

My favorite part of all the book is the sections with 10 Awe - Inspiring Picture Books about so many different topics. I am a strong believer in the importance of literature creating awe and wonder in our children.

I truly believe this is a great and creative guide that every child and adult need in their lives.

Great for teachers and any caregivers with little ones and any ages child in their lives.

Enjoy discovering the awe and wonder adventure with your family.

A million stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Emily Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I trust Deborah Farmer Kris when it comes to parenting advice and was over the moon to read her debut parenting book - she writes for PBS, NPR and more on child development. I loved her children's book series and snagged an ARC of Raising Awe-Seekers. It was as much a reminder of slowing down and catching the awe-moments of the day for my kids as it is a reminder to myself to look for awe. I loved reading about the science of the emotion and how it's so important to helping our children's brains grow and developed, but it's also significant to their development as people with empathy and individuals within their communities. Tons of interviews with neurologists, educators, psychologists and other parents who also value this emotion and show how to "spark" awe and wonder every day.

Love, love, love this book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for parents and teachers. I appreciate its practical, specific suggestions, as well as its positive approach to raising healthy kids: going beyond just "keep them off of screens" and giving them something even better to enjoy! I highly recommend this book, and hope to use its advice many times in my parenting and teaching journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, Teacher Created Materials, and Free Spirit Publishing for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

[Kristen McBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you who is awe-inspiring? Deborah Farmer Kris. Her ability to see and relay awe induces awe in me. I've been fortunate enough to chat with her over email and via Substack, and I'd like to think that if we lived in the same city, we'd be friends. She makes me a better parent through her writing - this book, her Substack, her children's books - and I am so grateful for her.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized by reading this book that some of my best, most precious moments in life have been awe moments. Watching the sun trickle through the silhouette of my kids riding their bikes ahead of me on the sidewalk. Feeling community, or being moved by music, and being awed by human kindness. I loved Deborah’s takeaways and stories that I have been sharing with others in my life.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book for parents (or anyone who works with kids) written by a local author.

[Pcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminders

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen for book group. Such a worthy and timely read. All of us need more experiences with awe in our lives—regardless of age or station in life. Practicing awe can heal so much.

[Beth Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this parenting book’s combination of research, interviews, practical application and personal stories from adults, teens and younger children. Multiple examples helped drive messages home and I found several tips to incorporate into my own life and those of my children. Check out the reading guide at the end.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.