Finding new non fiction for younger primary aged children can sometimes be a challenge so as we start the new school year I would like to draw your attention to three new information books pitched at an audience aged approximately 5-8 years. These titles all relate to the natural world, a subject often popular with this age group, and would also be interesting for children a little older. All are designed to appeal to children and would, I think, be excellent purchases for primary school libraries and classrooms.
The award winning non-fiction partnership of Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker return with the third title in their Nature Investigator series. In Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! they explore in detail the world of creepy crawlies in a book that will delight and fascinate young bug lovers.
This engaging book is pitched at readers of about 5 upwards and is full of fascinating information presented in an appealing style with bright, attractive illustrations which encourage browsing. After an introduction to the bug world the reader explores a wide range of minibeasts including beetles of different types, spiders, grasshoppers, butterflies, moths, millipedes, centipedes, bees, wasps and more. The facts are conveyed using subject specific language such as, larvae, antennae, proboscis etc. with explanations provided within the text and the detailed illustrations. The pictures are labelled and important words highlighted with definitions also provided in the helpful glossary.
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! answers every possible question a child may have on the subject and works well as both a reference book and as a lovely book to explore, browse or read for pleasure or general interest too. It also highlights that although some bugs may be viewed as a pest or spread disease they are an essential part of life on Earth and have important roles as pollinators, food, and recyclers. Finally, a few tips on how children can help protect bugs that may be endangered are included.
A lovely book to share both at home and in school this would be an excellent addition to primary school libraries and classrooms. Published on 24th July by B Small Publishing. I should like to thank the publishers and Naomi Weeks for my review copy.
Written by forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni, The Tree of Life is a captivating introduction to the extraordinary role trees play in our world. Drawing on her expertise, Nadkarni takes young readers on a journey across continents, highlighting a wide variety of tree, from familiar species to more unusual ones, and showing how each contributes to the well being of its ecosystem.
Kendra Binney’s clear, detailed illustrations are a perfect match for the text, with vibrant depictions of trees, animals, and habitats that invite children to linger on each page. The addition of interactive lift-the-flap elements encourages exploration, transforming the book into a enjoyable, immersive experience as young readers uncover hidden details about the lives supported by trees. Lifting the flaps young readers will discover colourful birds, busy insects and interesting animals who depend on the different trees in many ways.
An additional element is the way the text relates not just to nature, but also to culture and community. For example readers learn that the Banyan tree is of spiritual importance to the people living near them and is the national tree of India. Nadkarni also includes information detailing which of the trees included are currently endangered, highlighting the importance of conservation.
This book balances scientific accuracy with accessibility conveying ecological concepts in a way that is engaging and easy for children to grasp. This combination plus the interactive design ensures the book has strong child appeal while also offering plenty for adults to appreciate. I discovered things reading this book too and am looking forward to sharing it.
The Tree of Life is a beautiful celebration of trees as providers of food, shelter, and inspiration. It is both an educational resource and a work of art—an ideal choice for classrooms, libraries, or families eager to spark curiosity about the natural world and nurture a love for trees. Published by Neon Squid on 1st July and I should like to thank the publishers and Malu Rocha for my review copy.
Another award-winning duo return in this stunning picture book exploring the fascinating world of an underwater volcano. Saxby and Racklyett had previous collaborated on the books Iceberg and Tree and Volcano, their latest title, uses the same blend of scientific research, lyrical language and beautiful illustrations to convey information to young children.
Deep down in the ocean at the sea bed the earth quakes and creatures scatter as lava pillows flash and fade as a mountain forms. Slowly a chimney pushes upwards and new creatures appear as the mountain pushes upwards towards the light. As it breaks the sea surface a wonderful gatefold opens so children can see the volcanic island that has emerged. Then new life begins as seeds sprout and branches spread, birds hover and eggs hatch. Below the sea yet more volcanoes erupt. This beautiful book explores a relatively unknown part of the natural world and provides a glimpse of this underwater environment and the ecosystems within in. On the final page there is a helpful note mentioning hydrothermal vents, the processes of photosynthesis and, the recently discovered, chemosynthesis where chemical create food energy far beyond the reach of light.
This would be a valuable addition to primary school libraries being suitable for a wide age range in that younger children who many not fully grasp the information will enjoy the poetic text and the stunning pictures. It is an interesting approach to traditional non-fiction and will be an enjoyable way to learn for many. Published by Allen and Unwin in April and I should like to thank the publishers and Laura Smythe for my review copy.
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Susan Martineau illustrated by Vicky Barker
The award winning non-fiction partnership of Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker return with the third title in their Nature Investigator series. In Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! they explore in detail the world of creepy crawlies in a book that will delight and fascinate young bug lovers.
This engaging book is pitched at readers of about 5 upwards and is full of fascinating information presented in an appealing style with bright, attractive illustrations which encourage browsing. After an introduction to the bug world the reader explores a wide range of minibeasts including beetles of different types, spiders, grasshoppers, butterflies, moths, millipedes, centipedes, bees, wasps and more. The facts are conveyed using subject specific language such as, larvae, antennae, proboscis etc. with explanations provided within the text and the detailed illustrations. The pictures are labelled and important words highlighted with definitions also provided in the helpful glossary.
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! answers every possible question a child may have on the subject and works well as both a reference book and as a lovely book to explore, browse or read for pleasure or general interest too. It also highlights that although some bugs may be viewed as a pest or spread disease they are an essential part of life on Earth and have important roles as pollinators, food, and recyclers. Finally, a few tips on how children can help protect bugs that may be endangered are included.
A lovely book to share both at home and in school this would be an excellent addition to primary school libraries and classrooms. Published on 24th July by B Small Publishing. I should like to thank the publishers and Naomi Weeks for my review copy.
The Tree of Life by Nalini Nadkarni illustrated by Kendra Binney
Written by forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni, The Tree of Life is a captivating introduction to the extraordinary role trees play in our world. Drawing on her expertise, Nadkarni takes young readers on a journey across continents, highlighting a wide variety of tree, from familiar species to more unusual ones, and showing how each contributes to the well being of its ecosystem.
Kendra Binney’s clear, detailed illustrations are a perfect match for the text, with vibrant depictions of trees, animals, and habitats that invite children to linger on each page. The addition of interactive lift-the-flap elements encourages exploration, transforming the book into a enjoyable, immersive experience as young readers uncover hidden details about the lives supported by trees. Lifting the flaps young readers will discover colourful birds, busy insects and interesting animals who depend on the different trees in many ways.
An additional element is the way the text relates not just to nature, but also to culture and community. For example readers learn that the Banyan tree is of spiritual importance to the people living near them and is the national tree of India. Nadkarni also includes information detailing which of the trees included are currently endangered, highlighting the importance of conservation.
This book balances scientific accuracy with accessibility conveying ecological concepts in a way that is engaging and easy for children to grasp. This combination plus the interactive design ensures the book has strong child appeal while also offering plenty for adults to appreciate. I discovered things reading this book too and am looking forward to sharing it.
The Tree of Life is a beautiful celebration of trees as providers of food, shelter, and inspiration. It is both an educational resource and a work of art—an ideal choice for classrooms, libraries, or families eager to spark curiosity about the natural world and nurture a love for trees. Published by Neon Squid on 1st July and I should like to thank the publishers and Malu Rocha for my review copy.
Volcano by Claire Saxby illustrated by Jess Racklyett
Another award-winning duo return in this stunning picture book exploring the fascinating world of an underwater volcano. Saxby and Racklyett had previous collaborated on the books Iceberg and Tree and Volcano, their latest title, uses the same blend of scientific research, lyrical language and beautiful illustrations to convey information to young children.
Deep down in the ocean at the sea bed the earth quakes and creatures scatter as lava pillows flash and fade as a mountain forms. Slowly a chimney pushes upwards and new creatures appear as the mountain pushes upwards towards the light. As it breaks the sea surface a wonderful gatefold opens so children can see the volcanic island that has emerged. Then new life begins as seeds sprout and branches spread, birds hover and eggs hatch. Below the sea yet more volcanoes erupt. This beautiful book explores a relatively unknown part of the natural world and provides a glimpse of this underwater environment and the ecosystems within in. On the final page there is a helpful note mentioning hydrothermal vents, the processes of photosynthesis and, the recently discovered, chemosynthesis where chemical create food energy far beyond the reach of light.
This would be a valuable addition to primary school libraries being suitable for a wide age range in that younger children who many not fully grasp the information will enjoy the poetic text and the stunning pictures. It is an interesting approach to traditional non-fiction and will be an enjoyable way to learn for many. Published by Allen and Unwin in April and I should like to thank the publishers and Laura Smythe for my review copy.