NNFN2023: Andy Seed
Andy Seed is a great champion of non-fiction, author of many books for children. According to his website his books include:
Fun information books for children
Books of things to do, again for kids
Stories for children
Memoirs for adults
Non-fiction books for children
Jokes
His books are often humorous, lovely and engaging, making them a pleasure to share with children. Andy was involved with last year’s National Non-Fiction November with his ‘Interview with …’ books being the focus for the competition. We are thrilled that Andy is able to join us for our conference next month.
‘The Clue is in the Poo and Other Stuff Too’ is an amazing treasure trove of facts about nature! It is a fabulous blend of information, things to do and delightful illustrations, all perfect for engaging even the most reluctant reader.
The book starts with information about being a ‘nature detective’, with rules of tracking and the tools needed explained. There is a lot about poo as might be expected from the title- how to use it to identify which creatures have been around, for example- as well as plenty of ‘toilet trivia’.
However, the book is about ‘other stuff too’ and the reader is shown different animal and bird tracks and given advice for what to look for when spotting possible animal homes. Throughout the book, there are quizzes to keep the reader on their toes and test their new found knowledge. Presented with the light, humorous touch which Andy is so well-loved for, ‘The Clue is in the Poo and Other Stuff Too’ is both fascinating and informative- the perfect accompaniment for getting a class outside and seeking out the creatures which inhabit their local environment.
‘A Giant Dose of Gross’ is in the same vein, full of the world’s most disgusting animals- and some are really disgusting! From parasites to creatures that produce revolting amounts of gas, there is certainly something to amuse, entertain and educate the most curious between these covers.
The illustrations are just as entertaining with little speech bubbles adding humorous comments. Fact boxes add more details about yet more revolting animals and their habits. It is a cornucopia of things that some children will love!
There are two quizzes at the end of the book and a comprehensive index which help you locate the animals and the disgusting stuff! Try page 46 for the top piddle fact…
Completely absorbing, 'Wild Facts about Nature' offers page after page of fascinating facts about nature. Published in partnership with the RSPB, the book offers all the fun facts, jokes, quizzes, things to do, puzzles and so on you might expect from the one and only, Andy Seed!
Organised into clear sections with headings like 'Places with Tales to Tell', 'Peculiar Plants' and 'Nutty Nature', the book is crammed with information, brilliantly presented in bite sized chunks. Each page is carefully laid out to allow the maximum information to be as easily accessible as possible. And there is so much to learn...
Can you say 'otter' in Maori? Or any of the other 14 languages featured on page 83? Did you know that three new types of hairy spiders that feast on birds and bats were reported by Brazilian researchers in 2017? Do you know what a 'caracal', a 'kodkod' or a 'serval' is? And what about an 'axolotl'? Find out all about them on page 76.
There are jokes, riddles and puzzles...
Why are rhinos wrinkly?
They don't like being ironed.
Brilliantly illustrated by Scott Garrett, 'Wild Facts about Nature' is an absolute must have for anyone who is nuts about nature, fascinated by facts or likes a laugh!
The ‘Interview with…’ series of books is on its fourth title, with ‘Interview with a Panda and Other Endangered Animals Too’ being published today. You can talk to Andy about any of his books at the Conference as well as listening to him speak. Make sure you book your ticket here!