This column includes activities inspired by children's literature. Through two different stories, students are introduced to the process--including the frustrations--of designing something to solve a problem. The experiences of the books' characters are brought into the classroom by having students engage in an engineering and design process. The activities support the development of these practices and assist students in acquiring and applying scientific knowledge. This months trade books are: (1) "The Most Magnificent Thing" (Ashley Spires); and (2) "Papa's Mechanical Fish" (Candace Fleming). In the first activity students will solve a problem through the design and engineering process. In the second activity students will participate in a design challenge that requires them to construct a boat that can cross a distance of water the quickest.