Daphne Draws Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic introduces young readers to the world of data visualization, math, and creativity through a fun, visual approach. The book blends art with data, using colorful illustrations to teach children how numbers and patterns can be transformed into pictures, charts, and stories. By simplifying complex concepts, it makes math and data accessible and engaging, sparking curiosity in even the youngest readers.
The story follows Daphne, who uses everyday examples to explain key ideas like algorithms and statistics. She explores how polar bears dive deeply or which spaceships can fly home by breaking data into colors. The book also encourages hands-on learning through activities such as creating charts or drawing data representations, helping kids build problem-solving skills while having fun. Daphne also learns that she can turn this data into brilliant stories and that throughout all of her adventures, she was gaining so much more than learning the data visualization process—she was learning who she was.
“Then she realized she was making friends by being herself.”
— Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Daphne Draws Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic offers a delightful introduction to the world of data visualization, artistry, math, and data science for young readers. The book successfully breaks down complex concepts into playful ideas, encouraging children to view math and data through the lens of creativity.
A Fun, Visual Approach to Learning
Daphne Draws Data excels at blending art with data. Its colorful illustrations not only captivate children’s attention but also serve as powerful teaching tools. Through these visuals, kids learn how data can be transformed into pictures, charts, and stories. The book makes numbers and patterns accessible and fun, sparking curiosity in even the youngest readers. This dynamic approach helps children grasp essential math and science concepts through creativity.
Simple Explanations of Big Ideas
Rather than overwhelming young readers with jargon, Daphne Draws Data introduces key topics like data visualization, algorithms, and statistics through relatable and fun examples. The explanations are clear, concise, and designed to inspire curiosity and further exploration.
Hands-On Learning and Imagination
Interactive activities, such as creating charts to visualize how many books a child has read or drawing pictures to represent different types of data, give kids the opportunity to apply their new knowledge. These exercises are more than just fun—they reinforce critical ideas and help build problem-solving skills. By blending learning with play, the book provides an engaging and hands-on approach that deepens understanding.
Encouraging Critical Thinking
Another strength of Daphne Draws Data is its ability to promote critical thinking. Throughout the book, the author poses questions that challenge children to think more deeply about data and its uses. This active engagement empowers young readers to take charge of their learning journey, rather than passively absorbing information.
Potential for Development
Overall, Daphne Draws Data is an excellent resource for introducing children to data visualization, math, and art, providing an enjoyable and educational experience by simplifying complex concepts through creativity and play. With a few additional resources for continued learning, this book has the potential to become an even more valuable tool for budding data scientists, artists, and problem-solvers alike. To support long-term engagement and deeper exploration, enhancements such as a companion deck of challenge cards or a workbook could enrich the experience, offering a range of activities at varying skill levels that encourage children to deepen their understanding of data and math. Also, an interactive journal or sketchbook where readers can document their experiments and progress would solidify the lessons learned and provide an opportunity for reflection and growth throughout their learning journey.
To End
Daphne Draws Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic offers a delightful introduction to the world of data visualization, artistry, math, and data science for young readers. The book successfully breaks down complex concepts into playful ideas, encouraging children to view math and data through the lens of creativity. There is so much more here than just numbers, graphs, and data—this is a true journey and adventure through not only Daphne’s life, but the life of a child discovering who they really are through the joys of discovering data visualization.
You can purchase Daphne Draws Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic on Amazon or on the official website.
Meredith Kiljan
Dr. Meredith Kiljan is a professor of Digital Media and Communications. She also works in data visualization and design within the government consulting sector, focusing on enhancing creativity, usability, and driving improvements
