Children’s nonfiction is not what it used to be – thank goodness! Today’s nonfiction is exciting, fun, and full of vibrant illustrations, as well as informative. Here are some appealing choices for all levels of readers and explorers:
Animal Science:
Caribou Crossing: Animals of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, by Andrea Helman; photographs by Art Wolfe
Take a journey to the Alaskan wilderness to find out what a red fox eats for lunch, or how far a whimbrel can fly, nonstop. Breathtaking photographs and brief text make this a great introductory book for young naturalists.
Down, Down, Down: Journey to the Bottom of the Sea, by Steve Jenkins
Award winning author/illustrator Steve Jenkins has created yet another outstanding picture book. This time around, he has used his amazing cut-paper collages to explore the deepest depths of ocean life.
Life in the Boreal Forest, by Brenda Z. Guiberson; illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Most children have been alerted to the beauty and plight of rainforests, but there is another type of forest – one more familiar to Pacific Northwest dwellers – that is in just as much danger of disappearing. Stunningly detailed illustrations and a story-like text will enchant elementary school conservationists.
Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember, by Steve Jenkins
There are certain things that wild animals just won’t tolerate. This dynamic picture book lists intriguing creature rules of etiquette, alerting young readers to potentially harmful faux “paws”.
Biography:
The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, by Dan Yaccarino
Bold, bright illustrations highlight the life of the famous undersea explorer, Jacques Cousteau. Minimal text and quotes from Cousteau, himself, make this a supremely enjoyable first biography.
The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum, by Candace Fleming
P.T. Barnum was as fascinating and eccentric as the spectacles he exhibited. Original photographs, playbills, circus posters and interesting facts make for a winningly engrossing biography that will appeal to older children. You might even want a copy for yourself!
More About Boy: Roald Dahl’s Tales from Childhood, by Roald Dahl
If you have read Roald Dahl’s biography, Boy, you know that the stories about his childhood are as strange and wonderful as the worlds he created in his children’s books. This new tome pairs the original text of Boy with photographs, trivia and Dahl’s reflections on becoming a writer.
Sports:
The Greatest Moments in Sports, by Len Berman
This action-packed collection of statistics, photos and stories by the famous sportscaster, Len Berman, has something of interest for all sports fanatics, young and old.
Poetry and Music:
Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World, by Marilyn Nelson; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Music and poetry dance across the pages of this remarkable book. Part history, part biography, this is the inspiring story of an all-female, interracial band that performed throughout the nation during World War II.
History:
109 Forgotten American Heroes (Plus 9 or So Villains), by Chris Ying and Brian McMullen
This collection of unsung historical heroes, chock-full of trivia, little-known stories and photographs, reads like an eclectic zine. The entire family will enjoy this fascinating and quirky history book.
Peaceful Heroes, by Jonah Winter; illustrated by Sean Addy
This visually striking tribute to fourteen historical role models demonstrates the power of individuals to lead and influence change, with the goal of making the world a better place for everyone.
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