Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
NNFN2023: Ultimate Dinosaurs
Day 28 of National Non-Fiction November!
Endlessly fascinating to many young children, dinosaur books will always be popular. This series builds an extremely collectable library of pocket sized books introducing the reader to different dinosaurs in an extremely readable mix of science and humour.
Each book has been carefully researched, clearly presenting information in accessible chunks, supported by plenty of diagrams and cartoons. Each book starts by defining what a dinosaur is and a section of this chapter offers the same information from book to book, ensuring consistency. The following chapter, Dinosaur Detectives, then focuses in on the subject of the book. Here the reader finds a description and a family tree which explores relationships between dinosaurs. Helpful diagrams illustrate the size of these creatures in relation to a human and there are pronunciation guides for how to say each name.
Other chapters look at the discoveries relating to the named dinosaur, their anatomy and habitat. ‘New Science’ explores the latest ideas and ‘the battle’ looks at how the ‘evolutionary arms race’ would have played out, supported by a cartoon depiction.
Packed with fascinating facts, these small books are a wonderful resource for dinosaur lovers, old and young.
Ultimate Dinosaur: Microraptor
Ben Garrod, illustrated by Scott Hartman, Gabriel Ugueto and Ethan Kocak
Zephyr ISBN: 978-1804548301
Ultimate Dinosaur: Ankylosaurus
Ben Garrod, illustrated by Scott Hartman, Gabriel Ugueto and Ethan Kocak
Zephyr ISBN: 978-1804548271
NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour: The Fossil Hunter
Today’s review for the NNNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour is ‘The Fossil Hunter’ by Kate Winter. As her contribution to the story of modern science is becoming more recognised and valued, biographies of her life and work for children are starting to appear- and this is a real gem!
There is so much to recommend this book that it is hard to know where to start! Initial attraction might be the stunning illustrations. The cover is wonderfully tactile, inviting the reader to run their fingers over the vertebrae of a dinosaur and the stones it lies amongst whilst a bonnetless Mary points to the wonders of the ancient sky above her. The opening end papers show a sepia scene with Mary, her father, brother and little dog, Tray, seeking the fossils which became their livelihood whilst the back end papers show modern fossil hunters, following in her footsteps. Throughout the book, the illustrations form an integral part of Mary’s story, bringing scenes to life and creatively supporting the text. A number of fold-out pages are cleverly used to deepen the reader’s understanding of events in Mary’s story.
By putting Mary’s life, experiences and achievements in context, the author has emphasised the extent and significance of her achievements. Throughout her life, she (and her family) experienced grinding poverty and her place in society as both a woman and a member of the working classes meant that her work was barely acknowledged in her lifetime- and beyond. Her passion and determination are fully recognised, but so are her struggles and frustrations.
‘The Fossil Hunter’ is packed with fascinating information, presented in a very appealing, accessible manner. Quotes from Mary herself, background information about fossils and dinosaurs, contextual information about her times and other fossil collectors and fossil finds around the world all combine to make this an essential read for anyone interested in the life and work of Mary Anning. Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
The Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Unearthed the Truth about the Dinosaurs
Kate Winter
Puffin ISBN: 978-0241469880
Blog Tour: Start Small Think Big
I am delighted to be taking part in Blog Tour which celebrates not only lovely books, but also National Non-Fiction November! ‘Start Small, Think Big’ is a fabulous series which is designed to engage and inspire young readers- and they certainly do!
‘Small, Speckled Egg’ follows the life cycle of the Arctic tern. The egg can be seen through the die-cut on the cover, engaging youngest readers from the outset. A clever mix of simple, easy to read text and more detailed information allows the book to be read and shared in different ways. This offers a text which can both support emergent readers and offer more challenge for those who need it, making it the perfect accompaniment for teaching parts of the KS1 Science or Geography curriculum. The same format is used for ‘Little, Brown Nut’ just as successfully.
Neither book shies away from using the ‘technical’ vocabulary connected with its subject, which is clearly explained and used. Thus the reader learns about the ‘agouti’, what ‘photosynthesis’ is and how long it takes the seed to ‘germinate’. All the information is supported by engaging illustrations, offering plenty of detail. A fold-out page at the end of the book offers a useful pictorial summary of the life cycle, a map of the world/ country relating to the topic, an I-Spy section and a ‘Think Big!’ fact box which includes additional information.
There is so much to learn and enjoy packed into each of these books, showing how essential high quality non-fiction texts are for young children to feed and inspire their natural curiosity about the world around them. The fact that these also offer plenty to interest older children- and adults- make them perfect for sharing and encouraging discussion with others.
Start Small, Think Big: Small, Speckled Egg
Mary Auld, illustrated by Anna Terreros Martin
Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1739774875
Start Small, Think Big: Little, Brown Nut
Mary Auld, illustrated by Dawn Cooper
Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1739774882
Many thanks to the team at Mama Makes Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour!
NNFN2023: The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers
Like many young children, my son was fascinated by dinosaurs when he was little. We spent many happy hours at the Natural History Museum in London and the one in Oxford, collected hundreds of plastic models and books and could identify many different types! This fascinating and absorbing book would have delighted him.
Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor engage in a lively discussion about how old-fashioned T-rex is looking and how much he needs a make over. Together, they go on a journey of discovery to match his appearance to the most recent evidence. Notes alongside their conversation help to develop understanding and the use of ambitious vocabulary is something which young dinosaur lovers seem to thrive on and enjoy!
The combination of humorous banter, the illustrations which change in response to this and the abundant scientific information makes this a real winner of a book. Additional pages at the end of the book offer the ‘latest evidence’, reminding the reader that there are always more discoveries to be made! A brilliant addition to any bookshelf!
The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers
Dr Adam S Smith and Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Stieven Van der Poorten
UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235596
You can read my review of ‘The Plesiosaur’s Neck’ here.
NNFN2023: Stones and Bones
Always a source of fascination for children, ‘Stones and Bones’ is an attractive book, bursting with facts and the amazing stories which fossils can tell us about the past. The book is divided into five sections, using case studies to develop understanding. Starting with a section entitled ‘What are fossils?’, the book explains what paleontology is and the work of people, including Mary Anning, who have helped develop understanding of fossils and what they can tell us.
A clear explanation of how fossils are formed is supported by diagrams and the ‘Fossil Record’ sets out the specific eras in the earth’s history each layer of fossils relates to. These eras are then explored in more detail in the subsequent chapters.
Concise sections of text clearly explain the different concepts and every spread is attractively illustrated with plenty of details to notice and discuss. The book finishes with a look at paleontology today, how to become a paleontologist and why this subject is so important. A comprehensive glossary develops the reader’s understanding. Perfect for supporting work in the curriculum as well as reading for pleasure!
Stones and Bones: Fossils and the Stories They Tell
Rob Wilshaw, illustrated by Sophie Williams
Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660427
NNFN2023: One Tiny Treefrog/ So You Want to be a Frog
Day 23 of NNFN2023 and today has a frog theme! Each book takes a different approach, but both are bursting with froggy facts!
‘One Tiny Treefrog’ is both beautiful and informative. For younger children, it offers a lively counting down book as ten tiny tadpoles fight to survive in the tropical rainforest; for older children, it offers plenty of scientific information about life cycles, habitats, predators and prey, including Latin classifications.
The illustrations are full of details to notice and discuss, offering a tropical feeling which is sure to encourage curiosity about Costa Rica and the lowland wet forest which forms the habitat for all the creatures introduced on these pages. Additional information is included at the end of the book, offering more detail on the lifecycle of the red-eyed treefrog and Costa Roca.
This is a stunning information book which works on different levels for different children. A real must-have!
One Tiny Treefrog: A Countdown to Survival
Tony Piedra and Mackenzie Joy
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529509694
In ‘So you want to be a Frog’, readers are invited to become members of the Frog Club. It’s light-hearted tone makes it a very accessible, entertaining read, but without compromising the wealth of factual information the book contains. Fabio Frog appeals directly to the reader- Let’s take a look at you! Hmm. You’re not exactly green, are you?- and then chats away, sharing all manner of details about how frogs behave. At one point, he challenges readers to Wiggle like crazy! in an attempt to move like a tadpole!
Beautiful illustrations add much to the text. Fabio is drawn in a cartoon style whilst the representations of other frogs are more realistic and there are plenty of humorous touches. This is a book which children will return to again and again -either independently or as a shared experience with an adult or older sibling. Clever, informative and enjoyable! See you on the lily pad!
So you want to be a FROG: Everything there is to know about frogs!
Jane Porter, illustrated by Neil Clark
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406399714
NNFN2023: Great Minds
Presenting quite challenging material in a very readable, accessible format, ‘Great Minds’ offers a look at some of the greatest philosophers ever known. The introduction poses the question ‘What is philosophy for?’ - and concludes that it is a ‘tool to change the world’. The following chapters then tell the story of a philosopher, a group of philosophers or a collective philosophy, considering the time and place where they originated and what caused them to pose their questions and ponder their answers. The graphic style format works perfectly, framing the information in clear sections, making the text easy to navigate.
The book starts with Confucius, looking at his life and the development of his thinking. It raises the point that there are many sayings attributed to the man with no evidence of this being the case, pointing the reader in the direction of where to find the truth and highlighting other thinkers who have been influenced by his work. From this well-known name, the authors move to ‘the mysterious philosopher’, Zeno of Elea, details about whom might be sparce, but whose ideas ‘shook the world of philosophy’. The reader is introduced to his ‘paradoxes’ which are (once again) clearly explained. Philosophers from across the world are included- women and men- and readers are sure to return to this book again and again, dipping in and out as interest is piqued or honing in on a specific section to support learning in other areas.
As the book continues, each thinker is carefully introduced and their philosophy thoughtfully explained and explored. There is so much to learn here, so much to encourage questioning and reflection. The book clearly shows that philosophical ideas have developed across the world, throughout history and how these ideas can be key to change. The illustrations are bold, colourful and appealing; however, in places some of the background colours can make the text harder to read. That said, there is so much to recommend this to readers young and old!
Great Minds: 2500 Years of Thinkers and Philosophy
Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, illustrated by Andre Ducci
Templar ISBN: 978-1800783539
Also from this team is ‘Talking History’ which features the ‘stirring words’ of 16 speakers whose speeches have changed the world. From Jawaharlal Nehru to Helen Keller, Emmeline Pankhurst to Pearl Gibbs, the book is full of inspiring and passionate words and the impact that they had.
Talking History: 150 Years of Speakers and Speeches
Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, illustrated by Andre Ducci
Templar ISBN: 978-1787417328
NNFN2023: The Handbook of Forgotten Skills
Packed full of engaging and stimulating ideas and activities, ‘The Handbook of Forgotten Skills’ would make a wonderful gift for any child. There is much here which reminds me of my own childhood- and anything which encourages children to spend time away from computer screens and engage in simple, purposeful pursuits is surely a good thing!
The book is beautifully presented with a short introduction to each topic setting the scene and offering a little background on the subject. Clear, step-by-step instructions accompany each activity with illustrations to support the reader’s understanding. The book is brimming with the simple pleasure gained from spending time with family making, mending, exploring -and learning without realising!
Whether you enjoy- or fancy having a go at- baking, gardening, skipping stones or a multitude of other skills, this book is invaluable! Perfect for dipping in and out of , there is so much fun to be had in these pages!
The Handbook of Forgotten Skills
Elaine Baptiste and Natalie Crowley, illustrated by Chris Duriez
Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520847
NNFN2023: The Magnificent Book of Treasures Ancient Rome
This stunning book is a treasure trove of information about life in Roman times. Each spread focuses on an historical artefact , offering a wealth of details including a fact file giving the current location of the object, where it was discovered, its size and the materials its made from.
The main body of the text is presented as bullet points, making it easy to pause and refer to the picture between reading each one and fully absorb the information. A wonderful range of objects covers all aspects of Roman life from the army to emperors from goddesses to music. A map at the end of the book shows not only the location of each artefact, but the extent of the Roman Empire at the height of its power.
An excellent addition to any topic box or bookshelf for those learning about the ancient Romans, this book is also fascinating in its own right. The careful drawings are sure to inspire further research and encourage readers to look for photographs of the objects and perhaps encourage visits to see them in real life- for example, the terracotta theatre mask or the bronze rattle which are now in the British Museum. A magnificent book!
The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome
Stella Cadwell, illustrated by Eugenia Nobati
Weldon Owen ISBN: 978-1915588135
NNFN2023: Evolution
Written in association with the Natural History Museum, ‘Evolution’ is the creation of ‘real life’ scientists, Sarah Darwin, great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, and Eva Maria Sadowski. It is a completely engrossing read, supported by engaging illustrations and is the perfect text for supporting in Year 6 with the ‘Evolution and Inheritance’ strands of the science curriculum.
Each spread is packed with fascinating facts, starting with the work of Darwin and Wallace, but recognising and valuing the contributions of other ‘Pioneering People’. Concepts are clearly and concisely explained, with headings and sub-headings signposting readers to relevant sections. A comprehensive glossary explains some of the technical vocabulary used and there is a section which offers selected sources for each chapter, developing understanding of the research and fact checking which needs to be undertaken to write a book like this.
On pages which focus on a particular period, a timeline runs along the bottom of the page, allowing readers to locate when the events described in the text occurred. ‘Evolution’ really delivers an ‘exhilarating journey’, offering so much to discuss and enjoy!
Evolution
Sarah Darwin and Eva-Maria Sadowski, illustrated by Olga Baumert
What on Earth Books ISBN: 978-1912920532
NNFN2023: Who’s Afraid of the Light?
With a glow-in-the-dark cover and its intriguing title, ‘Who’s Afraid of the Light?’ is narrative non-fiction at its best. From the end papers, the reader is pulled into the story by seagulls explaining the story takes place ‘down there’ and this thread is continued by other creatures as the background gets darker until we arrive at the ‘deepest, darkest depths of the ocean’ and a multi-coloured speech bubble introduces Fergus, although there is no sign of him!
Gradually, a picture builds as Fergus answers questions and seeks to avoid various other creatures of the midnight zone as they appear. We learn how well adapted each of these creatures is to their dark habitat and gain clues to form a picture of Fergus until a camera flash reveals the truth, showing Fergus is not what was imagined!
Using humour, a chatty written style and clever illustrations all combine to make this a very appealing and accessible book, sure to be a huge favourite with younger children. Additional information is included in a ‘Do You Know?’ spread at the end of the book, allowing readers to discover more about life in the Midnight Zone with a depth gauge down the side showing the different layers of the ocean. There is so much to learn and enjoy in this book!
Who’s Afraid of the Light? Anna McGregor
Scribble ISBN: 978-1914484353
NNFN2023: Everything You Know About Sharks is WRONG!
It’s day 17 of NNFN2023 with another treasure of a book for this year’s Wonderful Water theme.
Sharks fascinate people and have developed a fearsome reputation- but do they really deserve this? Having challenged readers to reconsider their assumptions about minibeasts and dinosaurs in their previous books, Dr Nick Crumpton and illustrator, Gavin Scott, turn their attention to setting the record straight and debunking many of the common myths about these magnificent creatures!
Each spread starts with the statement of a commonly held misconception about sharks which is then investigated- and proven wrong. Many believe that sharks kill lots of people; however, whilst sharks killed 11 people worldwide in 2021, snakes killed 50,000, cows killed 22 (just in the USA) and bees, wasps and hornets killed 62 people (in the USA). Each spread is packed with fascinating information about these amazing creatures who do not deserve their menacing reputation.
The book is beautifully presented from the embossed cover to the detailed artwork on every page. The tone of the writing is chatty and accessible, presented in easily-digested chunks and many illustrations have labels and/or close up sections to support and deepen understanding. A helpful glossary explains technical terms used within the text whilst the index makes it easy to locate specific information. Where there is an element of truth in a statement, this is expanded on and clarified.
An excellent addition to any bookshelf, ‘Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong!’ is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read.
Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong!
Dr Nick Crumpton, illustrated by Gavin Scott
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944512
NNFN2023: Honeybee
Combining poetic language, storytelling and factual information, ‘Honeybee’ is a delightful read, following the life of a bee from emerging from her waxed cell to the end of her life. With the scientific name Apis mellifera, the author names this new bee Apis as she emerges into a ‘teeming, trembling flurry’.
Everyone knows that bees fly, bussing around busily, but the author skilfully builds tension within this life story, ending each page with the expectation that Apis will fly off on the following spread. In truth, each new spread explores one of the many activities honey bees perform within the nest- cleaning, nursing, queen tending…the list goes on as the reader learns of all the tasks which must be completed until on the twenty-fifth day of her life, Apis leaps from the nest and flies.
The illustrations are stunning. Those depicting life within the confines of the nest are in darker hues with golden highlights contrasting with a spectacular double gatefold spread showing Apis’s first flight over a meadow peppered with the yellows and pinks of wildflowers. Although Apis dies at the end, the lifecycle continues with a new honeybee shown chewing their way from its cell. A labelled diagram of a honeybee and pages of additional information are included at the end of the book. This is a real beauty of a book, certain to engage and inspire!
Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann
Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694090
NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour: Mission Arctic
I am delighted to be sharing ‘Mission: Arctic’ as part of the NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour, perfect for the Wonderful Water theme.
In September 2019, ‘Polarstern’, a powerful ice-breaker research vessel, set sail for the Arctic with MOSAiC, a team of more than five hundred scientists from across the world on board on the largest expedition to the Arctic ever undertaken. ‘Mission: Arctic’ is a completely fascinating read, following these researchers on their mission.
Divided into three parts-The Biggest Arctic Expedition of All Time, Climate Research on the Ice and Our Arctic, Our Future- the book is beautifully illustrated with a mixture of photographs, drawings, annotated diagrams and notes, making it an incredibly engaging and absorbing read. Technical terms are carefully explained both as they occur within the text and in a comprehensive glossary at the end, supporting the reader’s understanding of the mission and the scientists’ discoveries.
‘Mission: Arctic’ would make an excellent text for guided reading sessions, offering plenty to investigate and discuss whilst offering challenge and interest. The varied presentation of information and the exciting content are sure to inspire interest and encourage children to take up the challenge to help save the Arctic.
A thoroughly absorbing read!
Mission: Arctic A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole
Katharina Weiss-Tuider, translated by Shelley Tanaka, illustrated by Christian Schneider
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771649568
NNFN2023: What is philosophy?
Day 14 of NNFN2023 and today’s review is for something a little bit different! ‘What is philosophy?’ is the first in a series of books which seeks to explain ‘big’ ideas to young children. The first spread poses the question ‘What is philosophy?’, explaining how to pronounce it as well as offering a definition. The page then also serves as a contents page, asking some BIG questions and giving the number of the page where possible answers are offered.
Each spread is devoted to one of these questions, offering a range of possible answers. Many of the pictures show settings which little children are familiar with- the classroom, library, playground- making it easy for them to better relate to and understand each one.
Little ones love to ask endless questions, seeking answers to help them make sense of the world, the people and places in it, and this little book is full of questions with possible answers to help support them with this- and to help the adults in their lives who might not always feel they have the ‘right’ responses!
Little Book Big Idea: What is philosophy?
illustrated by Katie Rewse
Noodle Juice ISBN: 978-1915613004
NNFN2023: Kay’s Incredible Inventions
Day 13 of National Non-Fiction November 2023… so many fabulous books still to share!
Big, bold and full of fun, ‘Kay’s Incredible Inventions’ is endlessly entertaining! Divided into three sections- At Home, Out and About and Technology- the book is about ‘everything ever invented, from the daft to the disgusting to the downright dangerous.’- quite a claim!
Written in a light-hearted, chatty style accompanied by humorous illustrations, the book is very easy to read and very hard to put down. As you learn about Ruth Wakefield (the woman who invented chocolate chip cookies), Percy Shaw (catseyes) and Rosalind Franklin amongst many others, you are tempted by order forms for incredible inventions from Adam Kay Genuis (not my spelling mistake!) Enterprises Ltd for creations such as Spectacular Self-Washing Trousers or Glorious Get-Home Gloves! This would make an excellent festive present, sure to gather the whole family together to enjoy laughing, learning- and possibly inventing!
The tea break at our Non-Fiction Conference on Saturday was sponsored by this book and we set delegates the challenge of taking the most inventive pictures possible. Great fun was had by all!
Kay’s Incredible Inventions
Adam Kay, illustrated by Henry Paker
Puffin ISBN: 978-0241540787
NNFN2023: The Earth Book
It’s day 12 of National Non-Fiction November 2023!
A fascinating read, ‘The Earth Book’ is bursting with information about planet Earth. Divided into four sections- Physical Earth, Life on Earth, Earth Regions and the Human Planet, each spread is attractively illustrated, using earthy, muted tones in keeping with the topic.
This is a brilliant book for dipping in and out of - or ‘skipping and dipping’ as Nicola Davies called it. Attention might be caught be a title or an illustration, a side heading or a number on a picture, encouraging the reader to look more closely and read the relevant information, but the book might equally be devoured from cover to cover, absorbing the reader completely.
Many of the subjects looked at here are included in the geography and science curriculum at KS2, making this a useful text to support this learning. Although there is no index to support the location of specific information, it should be fairly easy to decide which of the four sections to turn to. Full of wonder, there is much to enjoy here!
The Earth Book
Jonathan Litton, illustrated by Thomas Hegbrook
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838914592
NNFN2023: Water
Perfect for NNFN2023, ‘Water: Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth’ is an accessible, engaging read. Starting with the first water on Earth, each spread is full of attractive illustrations and has a ‘Face the Facts’ section which presents information as bullet points.
The book is packed with fascinating facts, clearly explained, like the difference between blue and green water or that rivers power about 17% of the world’s electricity. Stressing the importance of water to life on Earth, the information here does not shy away from the problems caused by pollution and climate change. Freshwater habitats, which are home to many creatures, are drying up, millions of people lack access to clean water across the planet and although points on both side of this argument are presented, using water power can cause damage to the natural world.
However, the book ends on a positive note, giving the reader ideas for how they can take action and use water wisely. Simple wells and taps are bringing clean water to villages in sub-Saharan Africa which gives girls a chance to go to school and women the chance to work, using rainwater to water plants, joining river clean-ups…lots of positive steps which are being, and can be, taken are highlighted and information about ‘Water Action Decade’ is included at the end of the book, inspiring readers to investigate further. This is a wonderful book which clearly and calmly encourages readers to consider the role played by water in our lives.
Water: Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth
Catherine Barr, illustrated by Christiane Engel
Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1913074463
NNFN2023: A Jungle in Your Living Room
‘A Jungle in Your Living Room’ is a beautifully illustrated, highly engaging book, sure to inspire everyone to transform their homes into lush, verdant space. Divided into three sections- All About Houseplants, The World of Houseplants and Houseplant Care -it offers excellent advice and guidance for anyone who wishes to create, and care for, their own indoor garden.
The first section starts by defining what is meant by a house plant and looks at how plants are classified before considering the best places to grow them. There is also plenty of fascinating background and historical information, including the creation of the ‘Wardian Case’, a portable greenhouse which allowed plants to be safely transported and the role this then played as ‘houseplant hunters’ travelled around the world to collect specimens, often causing damage to the local environment.
The section entitled ‘The World of Houseplants’ is the longest one, introducing a wonderful range of plants. Not only are explanations of the different types given, but care tips, historical facts, links to religions and traditional usages are also explored. These pages are interspersed with DIY ideas such as a desert garden, a macrame plant hanger and how to grow a bonsai tree. Perfect for engaging and challenging young and old alike, there are some really interesting and rewarding ideas, supported by clear instructions.
‘Houseplant Care’ is, as the title suggests, a very useful section concerned with making sure the plants are kept in top condition. Advice on what to look for when choosing a plant, pet safety and identifying problems is all given in clear, concise points, ensuring success. Propagation is also carefully explained with DIY projects on water propagation and making leaf cuttings. A guide is given to support readers in selecting plants appropriate to their level of experience and expertise and a comprehensive glossary explains many of the terms used in the book. Clear contents and index pages make the book easy to navigate and locate specific information- but this is a wonderful book for dipping in and out of and browsing to discover something new!
Although a very practical guide, there is much here which supports sections of the primary science curriculum and does much to enrich and enliven it. Colourful, playful illustrations add much to the book’s charm, making this a must have for home and school.
A Jungle in Your Living Room: A Guide to Creating Your Own Houseplant Collection
Michael Holland, illustrated by Philip Giordano
Flying Eye ISBN: 978-1838748630
Flying Eye produce many gorgeous information books. You can read my review of ‘Bonkers About Beetles’ here, which has links to reviews of ‘Passionate About Penguins’, ‘Fanatical About Frogs’, ‘Crazy About Cats’ and ‘Obsessive About Octopuses’. You can read my review of ‘Curious Creatures Talking Together’ here which has a link to ‘Curious Creatures Working With Tools’, ‘Please Don’t Bite Me’ here, ‘Scientists in the World: Galapagos’ here and ‘Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River’ here which has links to reviews of other books in the series.
NNFN2023: Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!
Day 8 of NNFN2023 and we’re back with the ‘Wonderful Water’ theme!
Bright, attractive and eye-catching, ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ is sure to be a hit with readers young and old! Starting by defining what is meant by a shark, a carefully labelled diagram identifies the different body parts, offering information in easily-digested chunks.
Different types of sharks, their ‘superpowers’, feeding habits habitats and life cycle are all explored, offering plenty of fascinating facts, all very attractively presented and clearly explained. Myths about these incredible creatures are dispelled as the author seeks to deepen the readers understanding of their behaviour.
A glossary of ‘special shark words’ both supports and develops understanding of some of the technical vocabulary found in the book. Although the text is perfect for dipping in and out of as it offers plenty of eye-catching, tantalising facts to pause over, the book is sure to be absorbed from cover to cover by the shark-loving - and returned to repeatedly!
Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
bsmall ISBN: 978-1913918729
