NNFN2023: Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure

Day five of National Non-Fiction November 2023 and we’re cooking on gas!

There are cookery books for children - and then there is this cookery book! ‘Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure’ is a highly engaging, creative approach to cooking and baking which allows the reader to choose (or chews!) their own culinary adventure.

My son used to love the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ series when he was younger which called upon the reader to make decisions at key points of the story, giving him a sense of involvement. This cookery book works along similar lines, challenging the reader to take make choices which will alter the final dish! The book starts by introducing the ingredients used in the book, starting with flour. Having offered a bit of historical background, a fun fact or two and a little rhyme about each, the reader is then asked to either make a choice- hot or cold, sweet or savoury- or at a point where they have all the required ingredients, to head to a recipe.

There are sweet and savoury treats included here, each a vegetarian recipe. A short introduction offers a little background information- perhaps how to pronounce a name, a little about their origin and the ingredients, all building a young cook’s knowledge of the ingredients and recipes they are using and encouraging them to engage with food, have fun with cooking and enjoy the experience. There are tips and bonus recipes to discover along the way and at the end of each recipe are are page numbers for the reader to choose the final element of their recipe!

A comprehensive glossary, an index of recipes and a recipe index (covering the ingredients) make this a very user-friendly book as well as something exciting and different- a great gift to give- not just for a child, but for a whole family to explore and share. The use of fun, bright illustrations is another stroke of genius as the usual photographs of unattainable perfection in a cookery book can be really off-putting!

A really fun and engaging way of encouraging an interest in, knowledge and enjoyment of the food we eat, ‘Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure’ is a real winner!

Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure

Dr Sai Pathmanathan, illustrated by Lucia Vinti

Faber ISBN: 978-0571370641

You can read more from Dr Sai Pathmanathan in the piece she wrote as part of the NNFN2023 celebrations on the FCBG website.

NNFN2023: Let’s Play

The importance of play, both free and imaginative and guided, cannot be underestimated - and yet, it seems to be something on the decline. Developing teamwork, independence, resilience, empathy… there are so many reasons why it should be encouraged and this fabulous book is perfect for home or school.

The fact that these games are taken from across the world only adds to its appeal. Some may be familiar or a twist on those already known whilst others might be completely new. Each game is carefully explained with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Some are for playing independently, others for playing with friends- all could be adapted with a little imagination! Extra challenges and suggestions are also included, extending the fun. Children can be encouraged to look at a map of the world to locate the country of origin for the game, making connections and realising how much people have in common!

This is a brilliant resource, not only for home, but also school. Encouraging dinner staff as well as anyone on playground duty to organise a few games is always a brilliant thing to do, making playtimes more enjoyable for the staff on duty as well as engaging children. There are activities here which could also be used during wet playtimes or indoor play. A spread at the end of the book encourages children to think about developing their own games.

A brilliant, inspiring book!

Let’s Play!

Nancy Dickmann, illustrated by Monica Andino

Words and Pictures ISBN: 978-0711283756

NNFN2023: Human 2.0

Day three of National Non-Fiction November 2023!

Celebrating the almost unbelievable achievements which have been made in medical engineering, ‘Human 2.0’ is a completely fascinating read! It presents this complex subject clearly, from the first prostheses to future possibilities.

The developments are interspersed with the real-life stories of people who have benefitted from them. Claire Lomas, foe example, became the first person to finish the London Marathon using a ReWalk exoskeleton whereas Keith Hayman became one of the first people in the UK to receive the Argus II Bionic Eye. Each development is clearly described with technical vocabulary carefully explained. But the book also poses the question, ‘How far are we willing to go?’, considering the risks and rewards as technology moves ever onwards.

Author, Patrick Kane, is a triple amputee and became the youngest person to be fitted with a bionic arm. He has created an absorbing text, enlightening readers on this topic and no doubt inspiring them to find out more and perhaps to investigate a career in this field. Attractive illustrations add to the book’s appeal, making it a book which will be returned to and re-read!

Human 2.0

Patrick Kane, illustrated by Samuel Rodriguez

Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1800781689

NNFN2023: The Story of Conservation

Long ago, our planet was blanketed with dark forests, dripping rainforests, frozen deserts, mighty mountains, sun-baked grasslands and rich blue seas.

Called ‘The Story of Conservation’ for good reason, this lovely book explains the changes in the human relationship with the planet and how we have come to better understand our relationship with, and responsibility for, our planet. Clearly written in accessible language, the text does indeed tell a story, which, although not shying away from the damage being done, ends on a note of hope for the future.

Laid out chronologically with the date clearly shown on each spread, the story moves from prehistory to the present day. Throughout the book, respect is shown for Indigenous peoples, living in traditional ways and keeping in harmony with nature, who were often moved from their lands to make way for ‘development’ and even for conservation when Yellowstone became the world’s first national park. The book also celebrates actions being taken by local communities- those in Japan which blocked coal-fired power stations which polluted the environment, those in Ghana which keep snails, rabbits and bees instead of hunting, those in Oslo who have created bee-friendly gardens- offering inspiration for those reading the book.

The glossary at the end of the book is perfect for supporting children’s understanding of the terms used in the book. This attractive and informative book is perfect for reading multiple times, allowing children to take something more from it with each read.

The Story of Conservation: A First Book About Protecting Nature

Catherine Barr and Steve Williams, illustrated by Amy Husband

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711278035

‘The Secret Life of Oceans’ written by Moira Butterfield is a perfect book for this year’s Wonderful Water theme and a guest post by Moira is being shared on the FCBG blog today. As well as celebrating life in ocean, it also shares some watery traditional tales from around the world.

The Secret Life of Oceans

Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Vivian Mineker

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711278691

You can read my review of ‘A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue’ by Catherine here and ‘The Secret Life of Bees by Moira here.

NNFN2023: Celebrate

Today kicks off a month of non-fiction reviews to celebrate National Non-Fiction November! There are so many fantastic information books on offer that it has been very hard to choose, but here we go!

‘Celebrate!’ from Nosy Crow and the British Museum is a joyful book, offering an introduction to 50 festivals from around the world. The bright red cover with its tumbling letters just invites readers to discover more about the little illustrations surrounding the title.

In terms of traditional non-fiction text features, the book has an excellent contents page which organises the festivals into those which are Worldwide and then by continent, a clear glossary and a comprehensive index, making it easy to locate information quickly and with ease. As it says in the introduction, ‘It would be impossible to include every festival from around the world…’, but the author, Laura Mucha, has done an amazing job of including a very diverse and fascinating range, making this book a joy from start to finish!

Each festival is given two pages, bursting with appealing illustrations which reflect the spirit of the occasion. The date and location of each festival is given and information is presented in accessible chunks, spread across the pages with an explanation of why and how celebrations take place. Touches of humour are added through speech bubbles and the pictures where appropriate.

I learned so much from reading this book and would happily add it to any school, class or home library, confident that children would both enjoy it and gain much from it. Beautifully presented, it is a real celebration of celebrations- a lovely gift!

Celebrate!

Laura Mucha, illustrated by Hannah Tolson

Nosy Crow and the British Museum ISBN: 978-1839940415

You can read my review of ‘Welcome to Our Table’ here- another book from Nosy Crow which celebrates the diversity of food around the world- and the 2023 Nature Month-by Month: A Children’s Almanac here, a lovely book which guides you through the year!

Blog Tour: How to Chat Chicken

With the help of this book, you can become like Dr Doolittle and talk with the animals-gossip gorilla, babble bee, gab gecko or chat chicken as the fancy takes you!

The lively introduction from author, Dr Nick Crumpton, sets the tone for the book perfectly, encouraging readers to listen to, and observe, their pets and other animals carefully so that they can communicate with them.

Six sections- Prattling with Primates, Noisy Neighbours, Murmuring Minibeasts, Commotion in the Ocean, Wild Words and Wild on the Wing- are bursting with descriptions of how creatures communicate. Cats use chirruping noises when they are excited, croaking gourami fish make frog-like sounds to attract a potential partner and adult crows use a cooing noise to calm their young. It’s a fascinating read and sure to have everyone attempting to chat to the animals around them- and sharing their new found knowledge with anyone who will listen! A wonderful range of creatures is covered with careful explanations, not shying away from the use of technical vocabulary such as stridulation and pheromones which is explained in the glossary. The book also considers how some animals communicate in other ways, such as by the use of smell- and even the use of dialects in some species.

The bright, cartoon-style illustrations are very appealing and easy to dip in and out of. An index makes it easy to locate specific animals, but it is very easy to find yourself reading this one from cover to cover! As National Non-Fiction November approaches (but also at any time of the year!), it is great to remember that there are all styles of information texts to appeal to all styles of readers of all ages. There is as much to engage the 70 year old as the 7 year old here! Any book which encourages children (or any reader!) to really understand their fellow creatures and develop a sense of empathy and understanding can only be a good one!

How to Chat Chicken

Dr Nick Crumpton, illustrated by Adrienne Barman

What On Earth Books ISBN: 978-1804660423

Make sure you take a look at the rest of the stops on the Blog Tour! Many thanks to What on Earth for inviting me to be part it!

Drawn to Change the World

It is more important than ever to use our voices and our strengths and join as communities to make change, even when those in power don’t want us to do so.

In her introduction to this fascinating book, Emma Reynolds explains why she decided to write this book, as a celebration of those who are striving for change and as inspiration for others who might follow their example. Her words set the scene perfectly for the stories of the sixteen youth activists from around the world included in the book, each beautifully illustrated by sixteen different artists.

An introduction offers an overview of the climate change crisis. I learned a great deal from this section, part of which is written by Matthew Shribman, cofounder of AimHi Earth. Key factors, like carbon sinks are carefully explained and the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable highlighted.

Each graphic story is introduced by a map showing where in the world the subject lives, who the story is about and who illustrated it. The stories are powerfully told, vividly sharing the individual’s concerns and the actions that they took to change things for the better for their community. For example, Autumn Peltier’s fight for clean water for her people is truly inspiring- and the treatment of First Nation communities shocking. The ‘What are they doing now’ section at the end of each section allows the reader to discover more about each individual, including where to find them on social media. The graphic format makes each story very accessible and the different illustrative styles offers pleasing variety.

This is such an impressive, inspiring collection of individuals, who are so courageous and dedicated to their beliefs, that it makes a very enjoyable as well as informative read. Highly recommended!

Drawn to Change the World

Emma Reynolds

HarperAlley ISBN: 978-0063084216

History Factopia!

The Factopia! series is excellent fun, connecting a whole host of facts in fantastic- and often unexpected- ways! By following ‘ye olde trail of 400 facts’, readers will discover so many things about the history of the world.

There are so many ways to enjoy the book, making it incredibly accessible and readable. Some will be tempted to read it from cover to cover, fascinated by the bright illustrations and snippets of information. Others will follow the trails laid from one page to another, unearthing the link between a louchaun and Fasil Ghebbi or a cat-sith and the oldest known ghost story.

Light-hearted in tone, these books are perfect for sharing and children are sure to enjoy fact swapping as they discover the weird and wonderful, trivial and tantalising, gross and gripping facts about history they never knew they needed to know!

History Factopia!

Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith

Britannica ISBN: 978-1804660409

You can read my review of Animal Factopia! here and Gross Factopia! here

A World of Dogs

This beautifully illustrated book would make the perfect gift for any dog lover. Carlie Sorosiak’s passion for pooches is evident on every page as she shares a wealth of fascinating facts and amazing tales (or should that be tails!) about our canine companions.

Having unwittingly adopted an American Dingo, Carlie set out to find out as much as she could about her new pet so that she could properly care for her- and this sets the tone for the whole book. There is so much respect and care shown for dogs in this book- so much to learn- that is it sure to be as fascinating for those who know little about dogs as it is for those who share their lives with them. Having grown up with Retrievers- Flat Coats and Goldies- I read the whole book from cover to cover, frequently exclaiming or pausing to bore my husband with anecdotes sparked by the information and stories contained here.

As well as explaining how dogs have come to be loyal human companions and explaining how their doggy senses work, the book includes real-life stories about the bravery and devotion of heroic dogs and the many ways in which they support humans every day. Each spread is beautifully illustrated, and the information clearly presented in easily digested sections of text. A comprehensive index and glossary make the book very easy to use for research as well as an excellent text to be read for pleasure!

A World of Dogs

Carlie Sorosiak, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839948497

You can read my review of ‘I, Cosmo’ here.

Glow: a child’s guide to the night sky

This beautifully presented book offers a fabulous combination of ancient and modern, science and story, resulting in a completely absorbing and informative read. The opening note from the author instantly fires the reader with her enthusiasm for, and interest in, the night sky and all the wonders it contains.

A clear table of contents makes it easy for the reader to locate the fifteen different topics covered, each with a sub-heading referring to it as the ‘hero of…’ something. This intriguing note is sure to spark curiosity in itself and once the reader has located the pages they have chosen, there is so much to discover! Information is clearly presented in accessible sections with clear headings and plenty of attractive illustrations. The reader is treated to a ‘brief history’ of each planet/star/celestial body where they can discover some of the fascinating myths, legends and beliefs from around the world which it has inspired. The book also offers guidance on how to locate the planet in the night sky- there is so much to enjoy here!

Written in a chatty, engaging tone, ‘Glow’ makes a challenging subject completely accessible and enjoyable. It would make an excellent addition to any book collection to support children learning about space in school, but is also perfect non-fiction to inspire reading for pleasure.

Glow: A Child’s Guide to the Night Sky

Noelia Gonzalez, illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520786

We Are All Astronauts

Luna Scope, aged seven-and-a-bit Earth years is determined to be an astronaut. Full of enthusiasm, she is about to launch herself into her ambition, but fortunately, her granny is on hand to guide her with some excellent advice. Luna learns about spacesuits and telescopes, stars and space rocks, gravity and gravity. Granny also introduces her to some space heroes and over-looked animal pioneers whose achievements paved the way for the humans who followed.

Written in the same fun-filled, highly illustrated style as the ‘Fantastically Great Women’ series which Kate Pankhurst is so well known for, ‘We are All Astronauts’ is packed with information, sure to engage and fascinate. The author’s note explains her inspiration for writing the story came from the real-life story of the Mercury 13, a group of female trainee astronauts who never reached space because they were women. The book is brimming with positivity and inspiration, shining a light on the contributions of women, and proudly shouting the message that anyone can be an astronaut- or anything else- if they reach for the stars!

The joy of this book is that it will appeal to children of different ages who will read it in different ways. There is much to explore in the illustrations, Granny and Luna’s story to follow, biographical information, labelled diagrams, fact boxes… it is possible to read it in small snippets or as a whole, thoroughly enjoying it however it is tackled. Asterisks are used to indicate definitions of some of the technical vocabulary used, clearly explaining words to support the reader’s understanding without spoiling the flow of the text.

Perfect for using as a guided reading text, to support learning about space, as the basis for investigative play or as a basis for a book group session full of fun activities, ‘We Are All Astronauts!’ makes an excellent addition to any bookshelf!

We are ALL Astronauts Kate Pankhurst

Bloomsbury ISBN: ‎ 978-1526615435

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

The Magic of Forests

Join Mimi cat as she leads the reader into the fascinating world of forests, learning about their secrets and their treasure. Starting by defining what a forest is and looking at the differences between woodlands, forests and jungles, the author then introduces the reader to the different types of forests which can be found. There is much to discover on each page!

The beauty and magic of trees, the abundance of nature which they sustain and the wonderful benefits they offer people are all celebrated in this lovely book. There is plenty of scientific information for those with a passion for finding answers- the detailed index and glossary making location information very easy- but the book also explores some of the fabulous folklore and fairy tales told about these magical places.

Each spread is beautifully illustrated with the information presented in accessible sections with clear side headings to tempt and guide. Quizzes and ideas for activities add yet more to what is a really lovely, fascinating book.

The Magic of Forests:

A Fascinating Guide to Forests Around the World

Vicky Woodgate

DK ISBN: 9780241625880

You can read my review of ‘The Magic of Seasons’ here.

Lessons from our Ancestors

Every object tells a story.

This is a fascinating book which seeks to offer a fresh perspective on people from the past. From the introduction to the ‘Ask an Archaeologist’ section at the end, the author’s enthusiasm for her subject is both evident and inspiring, making the book an enjoyable and informative read.

It also seeks to give readers a different perspective, ‘casting a spotlight on forgotten histories and misrepresented stories’. The story of each of the civilisations included here are considered in the light of the evidence yielded by the objects that have been discovered there. In the ancient city of Çatalhöyük, men and women held equal status indicated by evidence about their diet and lifestyles whilst Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, was a sustainable city, constructed on a grid plan, with an underground sewage system. There is so much to learn and explore here!

The book also addresses how racist and sexist views have affected how the past has been both presented and viewed, challenging stereotypes and encouraging readers to ask their own questions about the past. Each spread is fully illustrated, complementing the text and supporting comprehension, as well as making it a very attractive book. This is sure to inspire future generations of archaeologists, igniting interest in past civilisations and people beyond those explored in the school curriculum. Essential reading!

Lessons from our Ancestors:

Equality, Inclusivity and Sustainability in the Ancient World

Raksha Dave, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520946

Please Don’t Bite Me

Buzzing with irritating insects, this fascinating book allows the reader to find out more about mosquitoes, lice, wasps, cockroaches, fleas, and bedbugs, creatures which have annoyed people for centuries. Starting with an introduction which defines what an insect is and explains what entomologists (those who study insects) are, the book then investigates each insect in turn.

From their appearance to their life cycles, the book offers a detailed look each of these insects, including their relationship with humans through the ages. I have only ever once seen a cockroach when in Greece- and am even more determined never to see one again having read the information in the book! Despite all their irritating and disgusting ways, the author manages to sound quite fond of them, certainly piquing the reader’s curiosity!

Owen Davey has worked his magic with the illustrations once more, making the book as visually appealing as it is fascinating. Each spread is beautifully presented, colourful and engaging, making this a very tempting and informative read with a glossary, index and content making it useful for locating information. An excellent read!

Please Don’t Bite Me: Insects that Buzz, Bite and Stong

Nazzy Pakpour, illustrated by Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740900

Blog Tour: Curious Creatures Talking Together

I am delighted to be taking part in the Book Review Blog Tour for this wonderful book. In fact, I was so keen to share my thoughts that I jumped the gun with my review- but am delighted to share it again - with some additional thoughts - as part of the tour!

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys. It would be fascinating to use for Guided Reading sessions, with succinct sections of text, full of specific vocabulary, offering plenty to discuss and explore. Sections might also be used as models for children’s own writing of non-fiction whilst the varied habitats included might inspire some map work, locating the places mentioned. The nature of the series- being curious about the curiosities of the animal kingdom- might also lead to researching the most curious facts that can be found, like why wombats have cube- shaped poo!

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and relish in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Many thanks to the lovely Maryam at Flying Eye Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. I look forward to reading the other reviewers thoughts about the book!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys.

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and enjoy in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Published on the 3rd August 2023

You can read my review of Curious Creatures: Working with Tools here.

Bonkers About Beetles

With a paperback edition being released in August, it’s time to remind everyone why we should be ‘Bonkers About Beetles’. In his wonderful ‘About’ series, Owen Davey has inspired children to learn more about cats, octopuses, sharks, penguins, monkeys, crocodiles and frogs with each book full of his fabulous illustrations, gentle humour and fascinating facts.

The book is perfectly pitched to engage and inform primary aged children. Text is presented in short, accessible sections, with clear side headings to help navigate each spread. Having defined what is meant by ‘beetle’, the book goes on to explore their structure, lifecycle, habitats and diets amongst many other things. Headings like ‘You can run but you can’t hide’, ‘Love You and Leaf You’ and ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ are sure to catch the eye and pique interest and there are some completely fascinating details included!

One of my favourite things about this series is the inclusion of a section on the mythology of the focus creature. Here we learn about the sacred scrab beetle of the Ancient Egyptians, the Irish Devil’s coach horse beetle, Maya folklore about the maquech beetle and superstition surrounding the death watch beetle.

Although the hardback editions are gorgeous, the paperback edition is sure to be popular with schools and is a wonderful addition to bookshelves and libraries! Perfect for budding coleopterists!

Bonkers About Beetles Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741532

Paperback out on the 3rd August 2023

You can read my review of ‘Passionate about Penguins’ here , ‘Fanatical about Frogs’ here, ‘Obsessive about Octopuses’ here and ‘Crazy about Cats’ here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River

Like the other books in the ‘Earth’s Amazing Places’ series, ‘Amazon River’ is a beautifully illustrated text, perfect for supporting working in KS2/3 or for browsing independently. Starting with an introduction that gives an overview about this amazing river, the book is then divided into four clear sections: From Source to Sea, Wildlife of the Riverbank, People of the Rainforest and Life on the River.

Clear side headings and succinct, accessible section of text make this a very readable and engaging book and an index and glossary help to make it a useful resource for research as well. Additionally, there are notes at the end of the book to support teachers with ideas for four possible topics for investigation and suggestions for further reading.

The book is a fascinating read from start to finish, celebrating the diversity and wonders of the Amazon, including the indigenous people of the area and some of their myths and legends. Each spread is stunning with colourful illustrations bringing the detailed text to life. Completely absorbing, there really is something for everyone to learn and enjoy here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River

Sangma Francis, illustrated by Romolo D’Hipolito

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741464

You can read my review of Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone here, Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest here and The Great Barrier Reef here.

Thirty Trillion Cells

When it comes to answering the questions children love to ask, Isabel Thomas is the person with the answers! In this amazing book, she takes complex scientific concepts and presents them in an amusing, lively way which is accessible to all.

One of the things I love best about teaching is that you are constantly learning- not only in an effort to keep up with the constantly shifting curriculum, but because children are such wonderfully inquisitive beings who pose fabulous questions about everything and anything. And books like this are an essential ingredient in satisfying their insatiable curiosity! For the teacher without a science background, ‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ is an absolute God-send in helping them understand some of the concepts they are expected to teach!

As one example, in Y6 children are expected to be able to identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system, and describe the functions of the heart, blood vessels and blood. A double spread about blood cells clearly explains what blood does and explores the different types of cells it contains. Side headings and labelled diagrams are used to support the text, making it easily understood. This could easily be used for guided reading sessions to support learning across the curriculum or as part of the body of a science lesson.

Scientific terms are used throughout the book, but these are also explained in very down to earth, child-friendly ways! The ciliated epithelial cells (hairy lining cells to you and me) in the tubes leading to your lungs form part of a ‘snot elevator’, ridding the respiratory system of all the tiny particles of pollution taken in with air. This is very easy- and yucky- to visualise, understand and remember! A glossary and comprehensive index make the book useful for locating specific information if used for research, but the book is perfect for browsing. There is so much to discover in these pages- learning without realising!

‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ is a brilliant read, combining informative and attractive illustrations with fascinating, clearly explained text.

Thirty Trillion Cells

Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Dawn Cooper

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380131

You can read my review of ‘Moth’ here.

She Sold Seashells

On the 21st May 1799, a little girl was born in Lyme Regis. named Mary by her parents, Richard and Molly Anning, she was a bright, curious child, who, although not fully recognised in her own lifetime, is now one of the best known names in the field of palaeontology. In ‘She Sold Seashells’, author, Wolfgang Grulke, has reimagined her story.

Named after the nursery rhyme which she inspired, the book explores Mary’s life, looking at how both her position in society and being a woman denied her the recognition she deserved during her life time. Only one image of Mary was made in her lifetime, showing her in her forties. Grulke has used AI to create illustrations which are not supposed to be accurate portraits, but to support her story.

The book has been created in partnership with the Lyme Regis Museum which is built on the site of Mary Anning’s home and is perfect for sparking interest in this iconic figure who defied the preconceptions of her age, making an excellent addition to library and classroom shelves. Only recently- in May 2022- was Mary recognised with a statue in her home town: this book will help to bring her story to a new generation.

She Sold Seashells Wolfgang Grulke

@one ISBN: 978-1916039452