When I’m choosing books for my kids, I always reach for the storybooks first – that’s what I grew up loving to read. But experts say children will thrive if they read more non-fiction too. Factual texts teach children about the world we live in, about amazing animals, people, events and inventions. Extending children’s knowledge helps them to understand new concepts and to put them into context. It also expands their vocabulary, in turn enriching their own writing. I’ve made an effort to seek out engaging non-fiction for my kids and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the clever, engaging books I’ve found – and that my kids like them too.
During May the @kidlitpicks book club featured non-fiction picture books, a theme chosen by Books Kids Love and compiled by letstalkpicturebooks.com
“An exceptional biography … must read, and even better if followed by a trip to the museum, nature study, or maybe a nature crafting session.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
This Bridge Will Not Be Gray, by Dave Eggers and Ticker Nichols
“There’s a lot of of it going on this month in terms of holidays, but I want to discuss something else worth celebrating: love.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope
Disappearing Acts: A Search-And-Find Book of Endangered Animals, by Isabella Bunnell
“A colorful seek-and-find book for young readers looking to learn more about the world’s endangered animals.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope
Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space, by Dr. Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman
“The range of facts is so wide that everyone will learn something from it and makes it a great purchase as it will continue to be relevant and interesting as your child grows.” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit
Howl Like a Wolf!, by Kathleen Yale and Kaley McKean
“Not only do you learn fascinating facts about animals, their habitats, and their special skills, you get to climb inside the minds of animals through creative play.”— Leah from @astoryaday
The Book of Beas, by Piotr Socha and Wojciech Grajkowski
“Packed full of fascinating facts about my favourite little creatures. It’s a beauty! ” — Kim from @bookbairn
The Big Book of the Blue, by Yuval Zommer
“And this masterpiece, packed with underwater wonders, is especially mesmerizing; not to mention a special sardine hidden throughout these aquatic spreads!” — Miranda from @bookbloom
Tree and Moon, by Britta Teckentrup
“These two books provide an exquisite introduction to the genre.” — De from @books_and_babycinos
Amazing Australians in their Flying Machines, by Prue and Kerry Mason and Tom Jellett
“It’s been expertly designed to draw readers in, with a just-right mix of illustrations, photographs and facts.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
“I love that this book celebrates a woman mathematician – the world’s first computer programmer – and that my children can read about her accomplishments and grow up with the belief that girls can do anything.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
The Colours of History, by Clive Gifford and Marc-Etienne Peintre
10 Reasons to Love a Turtle, by Catherine Barr and Hanako Clulow
“I want all the books in the “10 reasons to love” series. They’re pitched perfectly at young readers with colourful, full-page illustrations and snippets of interesting facts.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
First Big Book of the Ocean, by Catherine D Hughes
“There are so many amazing animals that live in the ocean!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Book of Bones, by Gabrielle Balkan
“Ten animal skeletons are presented against black backgrounds and framed as a “Who am I?” guessing game. Perfect for budding paleontologists!” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Birthdays Around the World, by Marģriet Ruurs
“This is a great book for exposing children to different birthday customs and traditions around the world.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Counting Lions, by Katie Cotton
“Being an oversized book, the drawings are startling and serves as a reminder that these animals should be cherished and protected.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover, by Markus Motum
“Are your kids and students non-fiction fans? Do they love STEM and space?” — Lauren from @happily.ever.elephants
Camille and the Sunflowers, by Laurence Anholt
“A sweet tale based on real life events!” — Angelique from @heads.shoulders.knees
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris
“The true shining moment is when they discuss the title of the book and link it to a message of inclusion.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
Fur, Feather, Fin: All of Us Are Kin, by Diane Lang and Stephanie Laberis
“This lovely bit of nonfiction is a celebration of life and the uniqueness of all that is animal.” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
Drawn from Nature, by Helen Ahpornsiri
“Helen Ahpornsiri’s new nonfiction book, Drawn from Nature, is an absolute marvel. Full of fascinating text, each illustration is painstakingly created by hand with pressed plants.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder: Adventures in Science Round the Kitchen Table, by Alom Shahaand and Emily Robertson
“This brilliant text shows you how Science is all about embracing wonder, getting excited about the “I-Don’t-Knows” and seeing failures as super opportunities for learning.” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday
