Birds of a Feather

Produced in collaboration with the National Trust, ‘Birds of a Feather’ combines information about ten beautiful birds with the interactive element of creating 3D models. Perfect for children interested in nature or for encouraging imaginative play, this book is an excellent addition to any shelves.

The models are constructed by pressing out the sturdy card pieces which then slot together. Illustrated on both sides, string can be added to each bird so that they can hang as a flock either as decoration or as a constant talking point, the focus for much learning. However, there is the added bonus of being able to press the pieces back into their spaces ready to be used again and again unlike many books of this ilk where bits are easily lost, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Behind the sturdy board pages is a beautifully illustrated information section with a section about each of the birds. Not only does this offer facts about the bird’s appearance, diet and habitat, but there is a wealth of folklore and legend here as well, all sure to ignite curiosity and inspire further research. It’s a great way of engaging children with nature and developing their observational skills as well as their reading! ‘Birds of a Feather’ would make an excellent gift this Christmas!

Birds of a Feather

Lauren Fairgrieve, illustrated by Kate Read

Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust

ISBN: 978-1839942723

Gross FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Foul Facts

Highly entertaining, completely absorbing and utterly disgusting, ‘Gross FACTopia!’ is a brilliant read. Every fact is linked to the next in ingenious ways, creating a trail of information which sometimes branches out allowing the reader to choose their own path through this cornucopia of revolting facts!

The colourful layout of each spread, combining photographs and cartoons, is instantly appealing and the trail of facts linked by dotted lines is easy to follow (or not!), presented in accessible chunks. The book is perfect for dipping in and out of or for inhaling at speed as curiosity and strength of stomach dictate!

Some of the information here is truly disgusting- the sort of facts which children are curious about and yet have that ‘yuck!’ factor like caterpillars which can shoot poo pellets, how one chicken survived a whole year without a head and how the Surinam toad gives birth. Although the table of contents and index allow readers to locate specific facts, this is one of those books best enjoyed by browsing!

‘Gross FACTopia!’ would make an excellent addition to any book corner (home or school) or library as well as being a brilliant stocking filler this Christmas!

Gross FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Foul Facts

Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith

Britannica Books ISBN: 978-1913750671

Wild Animals of the World

‘Wild Animals of the World’ is a beautifully illustrated book, the perfect gift for any animal lover. Combining Dieter Braun’s ‘Wild Animals of the North’ and ‘Wild Animals of the South’, it takes the reader from continent to continent, admiring a selection of the incredible animals that live there. The text has undergone some revisions from the previous editions and offers information in a concise synopsis.

Each picture is clearly labelled with both the English name and the Latin binomial classification which Y6 children enjoy applying their learning from science lessons to! The index allows animal specific information to be quickly located; however, for some, there are only a named illustration rather than additional text. This lends itself perfectly to further research where children could write their own entry for these animals, using Braun’s text as a model.

The illustrations are simply stunning. The Northern bald ibis seems to fix you with a steely glare whilst the Asian elephant seems to move through the water, trailing bubbles in its wake. A Malayan tapir drinks from a river as its young waits by its side; ermine, alpine hare and Arctic fox share a snowy spread and Japanese macaques enjoy the hot springs. There is so much to enjoy and explore in these pages and children never stop marvelling at the pictures, returning to them again and again.

This book would make a lovely gift for a nature loving child (or adult!) who also enjoys beautiful illustrations.

Wild Animals of the World

Dieter Braun

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741143

Mathematics for Beginners

Part of the very popular ‘For Beginners’ series, ‘Mathematics for Beginners’ is a fascinating introduction to the history of the subject as well as the different stands it covers, such as numbers and probability. It is the perfect book for those children who want to know why they have to learn about mathematical concepts, encouraging them to see the possibilities and connections of the subject, perfect for budding maths boffins who thrive in this area- and perfect for reflective teachers who might want to deepen their own understanding of the subject and add a little something extra to lessons.

Each double spread is both attractive and easy to navigate with text sectioned into manageable chunks. Contents, index and glossary are included, allowing children to use their reference skills or dip in and out of the text as interest is piqued. The use of speech bubbles is engaging as characters either discuss certain points or speak directly to the reader to explain or comment on something. El, Nina and Marcus 3.0, a robot, act as guides through the book with El ending up convinced that maths is ‘vast and varied’, not ‘boring’ as she maintained at the outset.

The book could also be used for Guided Reading sessions and offers links to other subjects. The history section obviously could be used alongside work in other subjects and the computing section explains many things we might just take for granted. Much of the mathematical content is relevant to the primary curriculum with teachers easily able to guide children to relevant sections if they wish to, but there is plenty here for older children as well. A great addition to library and book corners, this is one for home and school!

Mathematics for Beginners

Sarah Hull and Tom Mumbray, illustrated by Paul Boston

Mathematics expert: Dr Audrey Curnock

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474998543

Am I Made of Stardust?

Dr Maggie combines passion for her subject with an engaging and accessible style of presentation, making this an excellent book for finding answers to all the questions you might have about space. In this book, she has collected some of her ‘all-time favourite’ questions and answered them, grouping them in to three chapters- the universe, our solar system and humans in space.

The book is perfect for dipping in and out of as browsing turns up some fascinating questions. However, it also makes a useful research tool as a comprehensive index and glossary support locating information and understanding terms. Dr Maggie is pictured throughout the book along with IQ, her robot assistant, whose initials stand for ‘Interesting Question’.

Each page offers a good amount of information, balancing a clear explanation and achievable chunks of texts, making the book appealing to reluctant readers and those who struggle with ‘text heavy’ books as well as anyone interested in this topic. There are clearly labelled activities to look out for which can be tried at home- making a rainbow, using a balloon to show how the stars move as the Universe expands, for example.

Astro facts are also scattered throughout the book. Fun extra snippets of information relating to the topic of the page, these encourage the reader to think as well as learn. The layout is very attractive with lots of photos, diagrams and illustrations, sure to tempt readers in and keep them! This is a real gem of a book- a must for topic boxes and collections to support learning about space as well as the perfect gift for astronauts in the making!

Am I Made of Stardust? Dr Maggie Answers the Big Questions for Young Scientists

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, illustrated by Chelen Ecija

Buster Books ISBN: 978-1780557540

India, Incredible India

India is an incredibly diverse, vibrant country, a unique mix of ancient and modern, and this book does an amazing job of conveying the size, variety and richness of this intriguing sub-continent. ‘India, Incredible India’ takes the reader on a journey whilst telling the story of each of the many special objects the Nanijee of a little girl called Thara has in her special trunk.

As Nanijee shares each object, the reader is taken to a beautifully illustrated double page spread which focuses on one location in India. A stamp on a letter reminds Nanijee of the statues created by Nek Chand at the edge of the city of Chandigarh whilst some dice encourage her to tell Thara all about the Indus Valley civilisation. Other objects lead them to places such as the Punjab, West Bengal and Rajasthan- each spread packed with information and evocative illustrations. So many marvels to wonder at and inspire further investigation- or sow the seeds of a desire to travel and explore.

These sections are interspersed with pages focusing on different topics such as sports, food and religious festivals. This is a book which is perfect both for using in school or for having at home, a must have for every library and book corner, offering plenty to discuss and explore. A detailed index makes it an excellent research tool and there is a ‘Find Out More’ section at the end to aid those wanting to extend their knowledge.

I was lucky enough to hear Jasbinder and Nina talk about their book at Cheltenham Literary Festival this year, inspiring young (and older!) readers to find out more about Incredible India!

India, Incredible India

Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406395426

Take a Bite

Full of fascinating facts and recipes from around the world, ‘Take a Bite’ is all about food, glorious food! The Mizielinskis visit twenty-six different countries, exploring global food and cultural traditions. A map on the endpapers identifies the places which the book visits taking the reader from the first wheat fields to the space age meals astronauts eat. The following index introduces the recipes which can be found throughout the book, offering plenty of treats to try and enjoy!

The book starts with Turkey, the ‘crossroads of culture’, discussing the importance of its location for, including other things, the combining of the customs and cuisines of many nations. Here, readers are encouraged to make ‘imam bayildi’ whose name literally translates to mean ‘the imam fainted’. Further on in the book, a visit to Japan discusses the ingenuity of Japanese chefs who used a few local ingredients to create dishes which are both beautiful and delicious whilst the stop in America shows how their food reflects the great diversity of its people- bagels invented by Polish Jews, donuts based on Dutch olykoeks, popcorn inspired by the native inhabitants of North and South America.

The book includes recipes which appeal to those with a sweet tooth as well as those which are savoury. Melomakarona are honey biscuits served in Greece at Christmas and honey gingerbread is a spiced treat from Poland. Pastries from France will come as no surprise and the book offers recipes for both mille-feuille and croissants.

In addition to all the recipes, there is a wealth of information on every page, making this book perfect for dipping in and out of or for focusing on a particular place or culture. It would be an excellent introduction to a country’s cuisine before a holiday or offer an opportunity to try something from a country or culture being studied. It is a fascinating read, including timelines and a comprehensive index to help readers locate information if required.

Take A Bite: Eat Your Way Around the World

Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinski and Natalia Branowska

Translated by Agnes Monod-Gayraud

Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1800782884

Blog Tour: National Non-Fiction November

National Non-Fiction November is the FCBG’s annual celebration of the factual side of life. It started life as National Non-Fiction Day, the brain child of Adam Lancaster, a former Chair of the Federation and has been growing in popularity year on year. This year’s theme is Communication, a wonderfully inclusive theme and I am delighted to be taking part by reviewing two very special books from Greystone Kids. ‘Luminous’ is a picture book introduction to bioluminescence and ‘I Hear You, Ocean’ is a picture book that celebrates the sounds of the ocean.

‘Luminous’ is a remarkable book which clearly explains bioluminescence, light produced by a chemical reaction within a living organism, through lyrical text, sections of information and evocative artwork. Used to hunt, defend against predators, find mates, this fascinating phenomenon is used to communicate warnings and attraction as well as luring other creatures to their end!

Combining the poetic text with factual information means that ‘Luminous’ is a book which can be shared with children of differing ages and interests. Starting with a simple black spread, the art work shows a young child and adult using a torch to help them see in the dark (accompanied by an explanation of light and light sources) and discovering different bioluminescent creatures. Sure to spark interest and lead to further research and investigation, this book shows the joys of pausing to look- ‘really look’- and discover the wonders of nature when it’s dark outside.

Luminous Julia Kuo

Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771648882

‘I Hear You, Ocean’ is the second book in the ‘Sounds of Nature Series’ for young children. When a family visit the ocean, the older child whispers to the younger, ‘The ocean has lots to say…if you listen.’ Together, they listen and hear the wonderful sounds of nature as they play on the beach until it is time to go home.

The book is a joyful celebration of imaginative play, the natural world and sharing time with siblings. Although not strictly speaking non-fiction, there is much in this story which could act as a stimulus for further investigation as well as its developing awareness of the senses. The engaging illustrations complement the onomatopoeic nature of the text perfectly and encourage an interactive element to sharing the story.

I Hear You, Ocean Kallie George, illustrated by Carmen Mok

Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771647397

Two very special books to celebrate as part of National Non-Fiction November 2022! A post from Julia Kuo, the author/ illustrator of Luminous, about the process involved in writing and illustrating the book was featured yesterday on the FCBG website and a giveaway on Twitter of both this title and ‘I Hear You, Ocean’ will be taking place today so make sure you investigate both of these things as well as following on with all the wonderful posts, reviews and give-aways that have been organised.

Many thanks to the amazing Chris Routh, who not only invited me to take part in this Blog Tour, but is responsible for tirelessly organising and promoting NNFN22.