Spin a Story

Perfect for National Non-Fiction November, ‘Spin a Story’ offers a wonderful mixture of true tales, riddles, poems, fun facts and jokes with the added enjoyment of a spinner on the cover to help you choose which category- Wonder, Explore, Laugh or Ooh- to select!

Spinning ‘Explore’ could lead readers to information about wild homes, explain why Christmas Island turns red every year between October and December or take you on holiday somewhere in the universe. Landing on orange will give you a giggle as you find out how to tell a joke or discover the colour of a brown bear’s poo. Blue is the colour of the ‘ooh’ category full of surprising stories about remarkable robots or some mysteries from the past whilst yellow will make you wonder at kangaroos or the brilliance of butterflies.

A collection of authors have contributed to the book so that each concise entry has a different feeling, giving variety of both subject matter and style, engaging readers afresh with each twirl of the spinner. The concept makes this an excellent book for sharing with siblings or friends, each taking a turn to spin and choose the next entry to be enjoyed. The colourful, often humorous, illustrations add to the book’s appeal, making this a treat to be returned to again and again!

Spin a Story

Various authors, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa

Red Shed ISBN: 978-0008685973

The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge

‘The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge’ may be big and full of science knowledge, but it is far from useless! It is, in fact, jam-packed with nuggets of information and fascinating facts which are sure to intrigue and inspire readers!

Divided into nine sections, the book tackles a wide range of scientific areas. In the Nature section, readers learn (amongst other things) about exploding fruit, ticklish rats and zombie ants. The information is clearly presented, using the appropriate scientific terminology where appropriate, yet adopting a light-hearted, ‘chatty’ tone, making it very easy to read. Each spread is full of attractive, generally humorous, illustrations, adding to the book’s appeal.

A page of introductions to the authors and illustrators show the wide range of people who have contributed to the information in the book and their backgrounds. Although it says on the cover that these are facts ‘you won’t be taught in school’, there is much here which could be used by teachers to enrich, or add interest to, the science curriculum. However, this is, above all, a book for browsing, enjoying, dipping in and out of, and impressing your friends by quoting the unbelievable- and useless?- facts that you have learned!

The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge

various authors and illustrators

Neon Squid ISBN: 978-1838993405

NNFN2024: 42 Artists Everyone Should Know

For day seven of National Non-Fiction November 2024, a book which is perfect for interesting children in works of art- and those who create them!

Presenting a selection of artists from all over the world, this book offers a wonderful introduction to both the people and their creations. With short fact files for quick reference, a time line locating their place in history and various examples of their work, the artists are presented in chronological order.

The book is beautifully presented. The contents pages show a small image of the artist (apart from Banksy!) alongside their name and relevant dates, making it easy to browse and select or locate a specific artist quickly. Each artist is explored through a mixture of concise biography and what makes their work special or unique. Additional information is included about the pictures which have been selected, often including questions to challenge readers and encourage them to think.

Alongside world-familiar names such as Monet and Rembrandt, the book includes artists like Maria Sibylla Merian, Jacob Lawrence, Leonora Carrington and Yayoi Kusama whose work might not be as familiar to so many people, allowing children to engage with the work of a wide range of styles, offering a starting point for further investigation, to compare and contrast works and to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of creativity.

‘42 Artists Everyone Should Know’ would make an excellent resource for teachers in need of some inspiration as well as a wonderful addition to home and school libraries. ‘Word explanations’ and brief descriptions of some of the most important eras and styles of art (which include page references for relevant artists) are provided at the end of the book, supporting and developing understanding. It is a wonderfully engaging and informative book.

42 Artists Everyone Should Know

Various authors

Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375700

Bedtime Stories…

In this vibrant collection, Rachel Pierce explores some events from Ireland’s remarkable history. Each story is told in its own chapter, beautifully illustrated by a range of talented Irish illustrators. Just the right length for a bedtime story, ‘Incredible Irish Tales from the Past’ is perfect for dipping in and out of anytime, for sharing or for reading alone.

The stories feature a great range of characters and events, each richly told. The reader can learn how Lorcán Ó Tuathail started out in life, how Colonel Thomas Blood tried to steal the Crown Jewels and how two pioneering young women became barristers. Each section ends with an idea for how to ‘Explore the Story’. This suggests a place to visit, a website to explore, a film to watch- ways of extending understanding of the people and places in the story.

Each illustrator brings their unique style to each story, making the book as attractive as it is informative. The collection would be an interesting choice for Guided Reading sessions, offering challenge and interest with plenty to investigate and explore whilst enjoying each story.

Bedtime Stories: Incredible Irish Tales from the Past

Rachel Pierce, illustrated by Donough O’Malley, Erin Brown, Eva Bryne, Jennifer Davison, Linda Fahrlin, Lydia Hughes, Roisin Hahessy and Una Woods

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702318542

This stunning collection of stories has been written and illustrated by those with heritage from across the Asian continent. As with the previous collection, each story is the perfect length for sharing at bedtime, but also to be enjoyed independently.

Each author brings their own style to the work just as each illustrator’s individuality shines through their art work. Here, the reader can learn about a Korean King- Sejong- who invented an alphabet, a monk who collected manuscripts and one of the most influential women in the Mongol Empire. It is a fascinating and engrossing collection of tales, full of inspiration.

A glossary at the end of each section supports the reader with unfamiliar vocabulary and terms. Like the previous book, this is a collection which would work so well for Guided Reading, full of some incredible stories, brilliantly told. Perfect for school or home!

Bedtime Stories: Amazing Asian Tales from the Past

Sufiya Ahmed, Maisie Chan, Shae Davies, Saima Mir, Bali Rai, Annabelle Sami, Rebeka Shaid, Cynthia So and Rekha Waheed.

illustrated by Ginnie Hsu, Aaliya Jaheel, Jocelyn Kao, Jennifer Khatun, Hannah Li, Debby Rahmalia, Abeeha Tariq, Kubra Teber, Tika and Tata and Amanda Yoshida.

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702316012