We talk a lot about the Golden Age of Children’s Fiction…but what are we saying about the remarkable non fiction titles being published for children? I have been completely fascinated by the titles I have read recently and can’t wait to get them into schools for children to enjoy them.
A Day in the Life of a Poo, A Gnu and You by Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley, Published by Buster Books
I was sent a sampler of this which went down a treat with my kids so when the proper book arrived, we all dove in together and loved exploring the pages. It is a unique look into animal lives, the human body and the physical world. Illustrated using comics, diary style pages and with bright bold colours, there is so much to appeal to children. Not shying away from technical vocabulary or the sometimes gross things that happen to our bodies- children will learn plenty of interesting facts while investigating each page. I could see this being a favourite for Christmas gifting!! A new and fun way of learning!
Sounds of the Wild by Moira Butterfield and Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Published by Little Tiger
This is the second book in this series and it is as much fun as the first. The first book Sounds of the Skies- features bird sounds from around the world. In this noisy compendium, animals from islands around the world have their “say”! From Madagascar to Flores to Sumatra- there are some amazing islands and animals to discover. Hear the noises made by the Komodo Dragon and Marine Iguana- like nothing I had imagined. This series of book is such a fasntastic way to introduce younger readers to the noises of the world they live in. Wonderful illustrations add a greater depth to the descriptions of the animals on each page.
Home, Where Our Story Begins by Patricia Hegarty and Britta Teckentrup, Published by Little Tiger
Patricia Hegarty and Britta Teckentrup are the dream team for illustrative nonfiction books. With a simple and lovely rhyming text to accompany Britta’s gorgeous peek through pages, this will enchant all readers! We follow little bear as he discovers the clever homes of woodland creatures, from the beaver building a dam to the rabbits living underground in a warren. With themes on migration, hibernation and the importance of having a home. “Wherever we may choose to roam, We need a place to call our home.” A beautiful way to begin and end a book.
Seasons by Hannah Pang and Clover Robin, Published by Little Tiger
I am feeling all the seasons this week as Summer turns to Autumn…it has been warm and sunny, cold and rainy and the leaves are beginning to fall. I love a season change and “Nature is like a magical picture that changes with the seasons”. There are magical scenes of nature in this book that will draw your eye and captivate you entirely. As you fold over parts of each scene, there are excellent descriptions of nature and of the animals who live through each change in season. Incredibly illustrated, this is a brilliant companion to any class studying weather and seasons!
The Journey, Nature’s Greatest Adventure by Jonny Marx and Hanako Clulow, Published by Little Tiger
Migration of humans and animals is a huge part of our world. It is a matter of life and death for many, scary but necessary! In this book, we take a look at animal herds crossing great plains and great danger in Africa. Zebras, in particular, travel massive distances in Namibia leaving behind poor weather and hunting for lush grass nearly 240km away. With a rhyming and easy text to tell the story, the illustrations lead the way for the herds crossing in front of big cats and crocodiles. A brilliant book highlighting the importance of animal migration.
Hide and Seek History, The Egyptians by Jonny Marx and Chaaya Prabhat, Published by Little Tiger
I must admit that I love a Lift the Flap book and this is the ultimate Lift the Flap book. With over 80 flaps to open, this is a fun and colourful way to learn more about Egypt and the lives of Egyptians in the past. When you lift a flap, you are treated to even more delightful illustrations and extra text to help understand what lies beneath the sand. There are some intriguing flaps to lift and I can imagine the awe with which each one is peeled open for the first time. Looking at excavating Egyptian lands, the expanse of the Pyramids and Mummies lying within each tomb! Bright, bold and colourful illustrations ensure this is one to spend time with.
Human Journey by Professor Alice Roberts and James Weston Lewis, Published by Red Shed (Egmont)
Humans, throughout history, have been forced to journey vast distances for various reasons. The book begins with early humans evolving from large apes and crossing into thinking and reasoning people. Survival instincts were strong and the need to hunt, build shelter and find protection from large predators was a huge motivator for travel. Weather and the arrival of rival societies was another. Each double page spread is full of brilliant facts and phenomenal illustrations which bring the human journey to life once again.
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
Fantastic post, I want all to add all these books to my shelves! They look fantastic and are all about topics I am interested in. 🙂
My Shelves Are Full 
Fantastic post, I want all to add all these books to my shelves! They look fantastic and are all about topics I am interested in. 🙂
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