I adore non-fiction books, more so now than when I was growing up! The NF books published today are so much bolder, more colourful and inventive than the boring old photographic archives I was given. Children are spoiled for choice and the books featured today would be perfect for sharing!
How to Make a Book by Becky Davies, Illustrations by Patricia Hu, Published by Little Tiger
A pair of students recently asked me about the process of getting a book published, and this book was on hand to deliver to them. For many, it seems unfathomable that books have so many steps and processes and this pair of students were equally impressed and stricken with just how challenging this can be. This boldly designed and colourful guide to getting a book published is ideal to shed some light on all the steps an author, agent and publisher will go through. Consider it a DIY guide for children aspiring to be authors or illustrators when they are older. The students were in awe and loved reading each page, and looking ahead to doing their own author “happy dance”!
The Extraordinary World of Birds by David Lindo, Illustrations by Claire McElfatrick, Published by DK Books
This is packed full of facts, information and photographs of birds alongside incredible illustrations of birds and habitats. Any young Twitcher will find this the ultimate guide to understanding birds, their habitats and habits. From learning about their behaviours, homes or food, each double page spread offers so much to the reader. David Lindo is the Urban Birder and this book proves his knowledge of and love for the wonderful birds of the world. I particularly loved the page about parrots as they are so colourful and noisy! This is a brilliant book to dip into and to use as a guide to bird spotting in your travels.
Once Upon a Big Idea, The Story of Inventions by James Carter, Illustrations by Margaux Carpentier, Published by Little Tiger
A snappy, rhyming story of inventions and creativity from award winning poet, James Carter. It reads like a poem yet the illustrations add a fun dynamic that changes it into a picture book and fact book rolled into one. Ideal for KS1 who may learn about inventions, materials or recycling, this is a fun and vibrant celebration of human inventions. The illustrations are bold, colourful and exciting, drawing the reader in to take a stroll through history. Ending with a challenge to be creative, imaginative and inventive- what could you invent?
Beyond Belief, The Science of the Future by Alex Woolf, Illustrations by Jasmine Floyd, Published by Little Tiger
In one of the opening paragraphs, the book states that, “Modern technology develops at a startling pace.” As you read through this book, some of the ideas and concepts are already in development while others still seem more cinematic than real but each page offers plenty of food for thought. Some of these futuristic ideas seemed imaginative and the stuff of movies even 30 years ago but as technology advances, so to does the human imagination. Colourful, bright and exciting, this book will provide so many brilliant discussions, perhaps even debates about whether we need or want any of these advancements.
Atoms by John Devolle, Published by Pushkin Children’s
If you want to create and inspire a new generation of scientists, then this is the book to share with them. Brilliantly and boldly illustrated, it breaks down much of what we know into the smallest thing we have- atoms! New vocabulary, perspectives and mind blowing concepts are shared in a style suitable for our youngest readers. The illustrations are so simple but effective, allowing for even our non-readers to grasp the fact that we are all made of atoms. I loved learning what an Octillion is, and seeing the Big Bang presented in such an accessible way. Ideal for budding scientists and suitable for all ages. Two more titles in this series are planned for Autumn and 2023!
Locomotion, A Visual History of Trains by Alastair Steele, Illustrations by Ryo Takemasa, Published by Bonnier Books
It is certainly the season for trains, with Adventures on Trains and Epic Adventures having just published as well. Locomotion is a superb tribute to the history of trains and the potential of trains in the future. Train lovers assemble, this is a spectacular book to travel through. With a handy timeline and Record Breaking double page spread, it is easy to see how far trains have come and their multiple and vital purposes over time. Wondrous illustrations truly allow the reader to gain an understanding of steam trains, funicular railways or something fast like the Shinkansen railway. It would be easy to spend hours delving into this book and to dream of journeys and adventures to be had.
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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