I love when non fiction titles pop through the door. Both my children and I love dipping in and out of these books, choosing to read them when we have a spare few moments or just before bed. The titles shared today are so unique and cleverly designed. We highly recommend them all!
Above and Below, Dusk till Dawn by Harriet Evans, Illustrated by Nic Jones, Published by Little Tiger
This series is amazingly designed and fascinating to read. It’s wondrous use of illustrations and facts will keep readers completely engaged and learning while flipping through pages. As you flip one part of the page, you are introduced to life happening below the surface, animals, insects and plant life that thrive out of sight. If you flip the top part of the page you can see life in the heights, birds, nest, Northern Lights. This book is dusk till dawn, so not specific to one type of habitat which makes it hugely encompassing for readers. Ideal for KS1 but my children, in KS2 and KS3 both enjoyed this book.
Kaleidoscope of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life by Greer Stothers, Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Everything about this book has a very vintage feel to it, from the use of colours and illustrations to the very feel of the pages. Dinosaur loving readers will thoroughly enjoy delving into the history of life on Earth, millions of years ago. Everything from fossil formation to plants and modern marvels are covered within this book. Bold and colourful, each page is a feast for the eyes. I learned so much about prehistoric life while browsing each page and found myself sharing facts with the family, enticing them in to pick this book up. What I found really wonderful was the comparisons with modern animals, whether in talking about eyes, feathers or size. This helped me to better visualise these creatures.
It’s Her Story, Shirley Chisholm by Patrice Aggs, Illustrated by Markia Jenai, Published by Sunbird Books
What a fascinating story and woman. I admit to not knowing anything about this rule-breaking, forward thinking pioneer of American politics. What I learned is that she fought hard but did so with integrity and honesty. Representing Brooklyn, she looked to the community to see what they needed and worked her way up to Congress. Often fighting racism, old school political rivals and archaic rules, Shirley was a true role model. This series of graphic novels features well known historical figures and shares a bit about their childhood, adult life and their impact on the world around them. Graphic novels are such an accessible genre and by showcasing women of the world, this series is set to inspire the next generation of readers!
Talking History by Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, Illustrated by André Ducci, Published by Templar Books
Vibrant and bold, this is a unique book and one that would be ideal for KS2 and KS3 classrooms. We hear so much about historical speeches and their impact on the world. This book takes a close look at speeches from the past 150 years from important figures such as Lincoln, Malala and Obama. The entire speeches are not printed but vital parts are shared along with historical context and relevant timelines of events. The illustrations are incredible and fill the pages with images to bring history to life. They could almost be framed they are so artistic. This was such a brilliant book to dip in and out of, with so much to learn about the power of words.
It’s Her Story, Amelia Earhart by Kim Moldofsky, Illustrated by Alan Brown, Published by Sunbird Books
I am sure Amelia Earhart is a world renowned name but I admit to not realising just how big her legacy is. She self funded her life, from working hard to buying her own planes. She shared her enthusiasm and passion for flying, breaking records and rules for women. When new rules were imposed upon female pilots, Amelia was there to break them and change them, leading the way for women in this new field. She led an adventurous and exciting life, entirely fuelled by her passion for flying. When she disappeared in 1937, there were questions as to what happened and these remain unanswered today.
Lift the Flap Questions and Answers about Racism by Jordan Akpojaro, Illustrated by Ashley Evans, Published by Usborne
This book is the perfect introduction to racism. Simply explained and with the use of probing questions, this book will allow children the chance to understand, discuss and be part of a solution in tackling racism in all its forms. Children have honesty on their side and in being honest with them, we allow them the chance to make better decisions as they grow up and encounter different situations. The illustrations are diverse and wonderful, effective and colourful. This series is perfect for KS1 classrooms, though I know KS2 children love lifting the flaps too.
World of Food by Sandra Lawrence, Illustrated by Violeta Noy, Published by Templar Books
They say that food brings people together and if you look into the past, this does seem to be true. Celebrations, banquets, traditions and cultures all have a host of special food and recipes to share. The uniqueness of this book is its diverse look at food from history, the present day as well as foods of the future. There is something here for all foodies to enjoy, and my mouth was watering while browsing some of these beautifully illustrated double page spreads. A great book to have in the classroom,,whether studying a food related topic or just as a fantastic nonfiction book.
A World Full of Journeys & Migrations by Martin Howard, Illustrated by Christopher Corr, Published by FrancesLincoln Children’s Books
I think when we hear the term migration or journey, we think of animals covering thousands of miles distance. This book sets out to challenge that thought by highlighting the journeys of humans across the world and for various reasons. Divided into continents and reaching back far into history, this book will take readers on important journeys. “Inside you is a kaleidoscope of human history, and thousands of stories of travel and adventure”. I love this line and it certainly adds an interesting perspective when reading! The illustrations are unique, colourful and set each scene brilliantly.
Not your Average Maths Book by Anna Weltmann, Illustrations by Paul Boston, Published by Wide Eyed Editions
I love clever facts, those weird and wonderful pieces of our world. This brightly coloured and brilliantly illustrated book is a wondrous introduction to just how awesome maths can be. From everyday maths to math found in nature and animal arithmetic, there is so much to learn. What is fascinating about this book is the vast amount of our world that is ruled by math, or links to math, so when teachers encourage children to find math around them, this book is a how to guide to seeing math everywhere. Each page is full of information, clever facts and tidbits from history, making it an ideal book to have in classrooms. Classes learning about data collection, fractions or symmetry can boost their lessons by using this book. Simply but perfectly explained, readers will see just how fun math can be!
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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My Shelves Are Full 