This summer has been amazing for non fiction titles being published. I have amassed quite a collection and have thoroughly enjoyed delving into the topics, learning plenty of new facts and appreciating the illustrative styles of each one.
Green Planet, Life in our Woods and Forests, written by Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Jonathan Woodward, published by Little Tiger
A couple of weeks ago, I read and reviewed Blue Planet and was hopeful more was to come from this series. Today, I present to you, Green Planet, all about life in the woods and forests on Earth. Beginning with a tree, the book explores the different forests and woodlands, their animal inhabitants and the uses of trees in the world. Gorgeous illustrations capture the wonders of this environment. Keeping this series aside, I wait anxiously for the next colour and focus. Perfect for young readers discovering the planet and nature!
Jumbo, the Most Famous Elephant Who Ever Lived, written by Alexandra Stewart, illustrated by Emily Sutton, published by Bloomsbury
The strong use of colour on the cover beckons a reader to pick this book up. Jumbo lived a hard life and it is because of him that we have learned valuable lessons about animal welfare. From his home in Africa, travelling across the desert and then oceans, Jumbo made his mark on the world. This gorgeously illustrated book is worth several reads, one reading the words and another just poring over the images. Though at times it is heart wrenching, this book is a beautiful story. Balanced with facts and the story of Jumbo, there is plenty to be fascinated with.
The Humans, written by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Charlie Davis, published by Little Tiger
This giant illustrated tome will have readers turning the pages and discovering new and familiar civilisations from history. This book aims to show what humans from different places and times have done for us today, perhaps inventions we still use, lessons we have learned or practices still in use. Entirely fascinating, I was captivated by the illustrations and learned plenty about people from each continent. An excellent book for any class studying historical time periods.
Sleuth and Solve History, written by Ana Gallo, illustrated by Victor Escandell, published by Chronicle Books
I loved the cover of this book and made a judgement that I would love it. It certainly needs time and focus to read and enjoy, though you could come back to this time and time again. Recommending the reader to use logic and imagination to solve the mysteries, there is a point system that could be used for a family competition. Different time periods are represented and a mystery is explained just enough to leave the reader solving and figuring it out. With varying levels of difficulty, this challenged my family and we had fun debating our answers. Superb!
Why, written by Billy Dunne, illustrated by Rhys Jeffreys, published by Maverick Books
That very special word, “Why” is the title and reason for this book. A daughter drills her dad on the science behind rainbows and as a reader, we can collect this knowledge and understanding for the next rainy day! With increasing technical language and explanations, the dad begins to sweat and dread the question. Boldly illustrated with all the science explained, this is excellent for those curious about rainbows, or just keen to see how much their parent knows!
Tree of Wonder, the many marvelous lives of a rainforest tree, written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Simona Mulazzani, published by Chronicle Books
A beautiful book sharing the multiplication of life in one Almendro Tree in the heart of a rainforest. From one tree, all the way to 8 howler monkeys, 64 agoutis and then 1024 leaf cutter ants. Each page is beautifully illustrated with the animals in their natural habitats alongside a visual representation of the number potentially living on the tree. With facts on the animals and tree accompanying each page, it is a brilliant way of learning about this abundance of life in this one tree.
Amazing Animal Earth, written by Alessandra Yap, illustrated by Anastasia Popp, published by Little Steps Publishing
Animal loving readers will delight in this tour of animal habitats around the world. Beginning on the African savannah, we see the familiar elephant, giraffe and lion before jetting off to Europe with badgers, foxes and reindeer. Entirely familiar animals, this book will help to identify habitats and continents on which they live. Adorable illustrations enhance the tour of the world!
I am a Bird, written by Isabel Otter, illustrated by Fernando Martin, published by Little Tiger
A stunning book perfect for teaching young readers about birds and how amazing they are! The colours and illustrations are wonderfully bright and bring a sense of fun to the book. Within the pages, children can learn about the anatomy of a bird, theirs homes and nests, and hatching eggs. Readers are also introduced to the smallest bird, the biggest and those unable to fly. As the blurb on the back says “a world of birds is waiting to be explored”.
Over and Under the Rainforest, written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, published by Chronicle Books
Another fantastic title in the Over and Under series, this takes you on a journey into the Costa Rican rainforest. The rainforest is a fascinating wonder on our Earth, filled with amazing animals, both below the canopies and above. Almost a day in the life of a rainforest, we travel along discovering animals and immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of this delicate world. The illustrations are works of art and will inspire readers to discover more and perhaps to read the other titles in this series.
Space Maps, written by Lara Albanese, illustrated by Tommaso Vida’s Rosin, published by What On Earth Books
This has gained considerable attention on social media and with good reason. A large hardback volume, this is to be savoured and enjoyed. From maps of the stars, galaxies, planets and space exploration, this book has everything a young space enthusiast could ever want. Filled with incredible illustrations and fascinating facts, this will fill hearts and minds with all things space! I spent days within the pages and still feel as though I need more time. A perfect gift book!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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1 Comment
These all look great. Might get Sleuth and Solve for my nephews for Christmas, that looks really fun!
My Shelves Are Full 
These all look great. Might get Sleuth and Solve for my nephews for Christmas, that looks really fun!
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