I have some incredible titles to share today! Non Fiction titles aim to teach, share facts and ideas and inspire children to find out more. The titles today do just that but they do it with more style than the NF books I had growing up. These books are bright, bold and colourful, they have unique features and illustrations that you will study for lengthy periods of time.
Nano, the Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Dr Jess Wade and Melissa Castrillón, Published by Walker Books
This wonderfully illustrated narrative helps young readers to understand atoms, materials and elements. Written in an easy to read style, this book is fascinating and exciting. It will surely inspire a new generation of nano scientists looking for ways to decrease pollution, increase water cleanliness and save the planet. The illustrations allow this non fiction book to feel like a story about science and technology. I spent ages looking at the illustrations and reading the short bursts of text that enhance the reader’s experience and understanding. I must admit that I learned a great deal from reading Nano and am sure it will be very popular in the library!
Look What I found in the Woods by Moira Butterfield and Jesús Verona, Published by Nosy Crow and The National Trust
Nosy Crow and The National Trust have formed a brilliant partnership to bring beautiful books to life. This book is a joyous celebration of a simple walk through the woods and the discoveries waiting to be found. Each page is a full colour depiction of a wooded area with plenty of items to search and find, descriptions of leaves, trees, seeds and creatures. This book should be pored over before any walk in the woods and then brought out along the way for closer inspection of real life forest treasure. Young scientists will appreciate learning more about the world around them and how to care and keep it safe for the next family to enjoy.
Standing on her Shoulders, A Celebration of Women by Monica Clark-Robinson and Laura Freeman, Published by Orchard Books
This inspirational book is poetic, important and celebrates the women who have forged difficult paths so that we may have freedoms. Made for women and for our daughters, we look to the past to appreciate the strength, soul and determination of women across history, cultures and race. We need to speak their names to keep them alive and respected, to honour their contributions and courage. This should be in every school and home where a daughter looks up first and foremost to her mother and stands tall on her shoulders. What will we do and who will stand on our shoulders? Beautifully written and illustrated, this will inspire young girls to fight for what they believe in and to forge their own paths!
Do you Love Dinosaurs? By Matt Robertson, Published by Bloomsbury Children’s
This bright and colourful book landed and I immediately loved it. A follow up of Do you Love Bugs?, this will be just as popular and loved. Full of fascinating Dino facts, illustrations and fun, Dino fans will come back again and again to read this fantastic book. From the terrifying T Rex to the the smaller and feathered raptors, there is likely to be a dinosaur for everyone! The comparisons to things we know today to help with size relation is an inspired choice as are the “Dinos Hall of Fame” cards in the back. I think the bold and fun illustrations will make this a firm favourite with young readers!
Why Do I Wash my Hands? By Madeline Tyler, Published by BookLife Publishing
This series of Why Do I…are incredibly popular and hard to find still on the shelves in the library. With 14 titles in the series, ranging from wee to sneeze to dribble. They appeal to all children who love just how funny the human body can be. With positive messages and an easy style of writing, these books simply explain some of the key functions of the body. Bright and simple illustrations make this series ideal for even the youngest of reader. Topical and relevant for our current worldwide situation, Why do I wash my hands is necessary and a great introduction to the reasons we need to stay so clean and germ free,
The Good Germ Hotel by Kim Sung-hwa, Kwan Su-jin and Kim Ryung-eon, Published by What on Earth Books
Another fantastically relevant book for our worldwide situation. This book cleverly explains how our bodies manage germs, bacteria and viruses, and how not all are bad! Almost story like, the book begins with meeting a bacterium living in a 5 star human hotel…and then we get to view a body from the inside out and all the gross bits. It moves in to talking about medicines, scientists and keeping clean as well. The unique illustrations give it an almost graphic novel style appeal and children will be reaching for this time after time.
Why Do I Wear a Mask by Madeline Tyler, Published by BookLife Publishing
Within the past year, around the world, masks have become mandatory, necessary and something we all need to get used to. They are no longer just the hospital issue ones, but colourful, fun and full of personality. As adults, we know and understand the reasons behind the mask but for younger children, this entirely new part of life may need some extra explanation. Told in simple, easy to understand language and with colourful illustrations, this will help all readers know how to wear a mask, when and why! Another fantastic addition to the Why Do I…series.
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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