Meet
Hand
, the curious construction glove who's always ready to dig, build, and learn something new! But in
Hand Digs In: Gets His First Bad Grade
, things don't go quite as planned. For the first time ever, Hand faces a challenge he can't fix with a hammer or a tape measure - a bad grade at school.
When Hand struggles to understand new lessons and gets a disappointing mark on his report, he feels embarrassed and frustrated. But with a little help from his friends - Brain, who loves to think things through, and Wrench, who reminds him that mistakes are part of the job - Hand learns that effort, practice, and asking for help are just as important as getting things right.
This heartwarming story teaches children ages 5-9 about
resilience
,
growth mindset
, and
the power of persistence
. Through Hand's relatable experience, kids discover that learning takes time, mistakes are part of growing, and that grit matters more than perfection.
Blending bright, construction-themed illustrations with down-to-earth storytelling,
helps children see that real builders - and real learners - keep showing up, even when things get tough. Parents and teachers can use the story to open conversations about emotions, problem-solving, and confidence in both school and life.
The book also introduces early
STEM and trades awareness
, connecting classroom learning to hands-on problem-solving. Hand's world of hammers, rulers, and hard hats gives children a fresh way to understand how math, reading, and curiosity all come together in real-world construction projects.
Each page combines humor and heart with educational value, making it a perfect pick for read-aloud time, social-emotional learning lessons, or family discussions about trying again after setbacks.
is part of the beloved
Hands Over Tech
series - a collection of picture books that inspire kids to explore the building trades, STEM, and character development through playful storytelling. These stories remind readers that success isn't about being perfect; it's about having the courage to keep learning.
Key Features:
Encourages resilience, perseverance, and growth mindset
Connects everyday classroom struggles to real-world learning
Introduces early STEM and construction trade concepts
Ideal for social-emotional learning programs (SEL)
Supports parents, teachers, and homeschoolers seeking screen-free learning
Perfect For:
Young readers ages 5-9 who are learning how to handle mistakes, deal with frustration, and keep trying when things don't go their way. A great addition to school libraries, classrooms, and homes that value stories about hard work, honesty, and self-confidence.
Themes:
perseverance - problem-solving - self-confidence - construction for kids - teamwork - emotional intelligence - STEM learning - trades awareness - screen-free learning