NNFN2024: Boats and Space

Two brilliant choices for day 13 of NNFN2024, both created by Jan van der Veken. ‘Boats’ and ‘Space’ are both fascinating books, full of detail to keep readers entertained for hours.

‘Space’ starts by looking at rockets with labelled diagrams, supporting readers in identifying their components. It then follows the development of space exploration from Sputnik, the first satellite in in space to manned pace flights, how astronauts train and the space suits they wear. Significant moments in the history of space travel, exploration and discovery are explored and everything is clearly explained. Myths - and facts- surrounding the possibility of extraterrestrial life are also considered and the book ends with a thoughtful section on how humans have polluted space.

It is a fascinating and detailed read for both those with an interest in space and those new to the topic!

From outer space to the waters of the world, ‘Boats’ brings readers back to earth with a splash! from looking at ship design, the reader is led on an absorbing array of nautical topics, offering a look at historic events, vessels and figures as well as some of the superstitions and legends surrounding boats. Information on topics such as lighthouses, morse code, the use of knots and sextants provide a varied and interesting read, all accompanied by attractive illustrations and labelled diagrams.

Both books would make excellent additions to any library, enriching the curriculum and broadening the range of topics which children might encounter- a couple of the many ways in which libraries are both essential and invaluable!

Space: From Sputnik to the International Space Station

Jan van der Veken

Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375816

Boats: Steamers, Icebreakers and Ghost Ships

Jan van der Veken

Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375809

NNFN2024: 42 Artists Everyone Should Know

For day seven of National Non-Fiction November 2024, a book which is perfect for interesting children in works of art- and those who create them!

Presenting a selection of artists from all over the world, this book offers a wonderful introduction to both the people and their creations. With short fact files for quick reference, a time line locating their place in history and various examples of their work, the artists are presented in chronological order.

The book is beautifully presented. The contents pages show a small image of the artist (apart from Banksy!) alongside their name and relevant dates, making it easy to browse and select or locate a specific artist quickly. Each artist is explored through a mixture of concise biography and what makes their work special or unique. Additional information is included about the pictures which have been selected, often including questions to challenge readers and encourage them to think.

Alongside world-familiar names such as Monet and Rembrandt, the book includes artists like Maria Sibylla Merian, Jacob Lawrence, Leonora Carrington and Yayoi Kusama whose work might not be as familiar to so many people, allowing children to engage with the work of a wide range of styles, offering a starting point for further investigation, to compare and contrast works and to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of creativity.

‘42 Artists Everyone Should Know’ would make an excellent resource for teachers in need of some inspiration as well as a wonderful addition to home and school libraries. ‘Word explanations’ and brief descriptions of some of the most important eras and styles of art (which include page references for relevant artists) are provided at the end of the book, supporting and developing understanding. It is a wonderfully engaging and informative book.

42 Artists Everyone Should Know

Various authors

Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375700

People Power: Peaceful Protests that Changed the World

‘People Power’ offers a fascinating look at thirteen peaceful protests from across the world which demonstrate how when people unite, they become extremely powerful. Some of the protests here are well known such as Gandhi’s Salt March or the fall of the Berlin Wall; others less so, like the Singing Revolution in Estonia or the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia. The book includes more recent protests which continue to this day like the Black Lives Matter movement and Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future protests.

The book clearly shows how peaceful action should be an option and can result in change. Each protest is recounted in a clear, matter-of-fact tone, stating the facts and avoiding emotive language or bias in their presentation. It is perfect for not only introducing children to these events and developing their political awareness, but also to discussing how information is reported.

Ximo Abadia’s illustrations are bold, colourful and appealing, presenting difficult scenes which complement the text perfectly. There is so much to learn about, and to learn from, in this book. It’s message is clear- peaceful protest is an effective way to bring about change. People have the power to alter things as these examples clearly show.

People Power: Peaceful Protests that Changed the World

Rebecca June, illustrated by Ximo Abadia

Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375403

Published 9th May 2023

Guest post: Danielle Krysa

Danielle Krysa is a mixed-media artist, writer and speaker, and host of The Jealous Creator blog. After experiencing criticism from an art tutor that cut so deeply it stopped her creating art for 20 years, Danielle has rediscovered her creative joy and is helping others to do the same. She has written several books on the topics of creative block and dealing with the inner critic, as well as delivering workshops and talks on these themes for TEDx, PIXAR and on oprah.com, among others. Today she introduces us to her new children’s book, Art and Joy: Best Friends Forever.

Can you tell us a bit about your new book…

This is the story of two best friends, Art and Joy, who love being creative — until the Art Bully shows up and starts whispering doubts in Art’s ear. I love the idea of personifying “Art and Joy”, because they really are two peas in a pod! I want children to see that Art and Joy should always go hand-in hand. Hopefully, as these kids grow up, they’ll remember this story, and how important it is to keep these BFFs together!

What is the inspiration behind this story?

This is a children’s book, but I hope the message resonates with artists young and old! When we’re little, art and joy are almost synonymous. As we get a bit older, even just in grade school, we can start to worry about “doing it right” — uh oh, joy is already starting to fade. By the time we’re adults, so often creativity can get overshadowed by the pressure we put on ourselves to “be successful”. What will galleries be looking for, what do collectors want to buy, what if [insert anything] has been done before? As kids, we just glued glitter onto feathers and stuck pompoms onto construction paper because we knew it would be AMAZING!

Do your book ideas come to you visually, or does the storyline come to you first?

Strangely, the stories come first. Given that I went to art school and then another year at design school, you’d think the images would come first! With both of my children’s books, How to Spot an Artist, and now Art and Joy, it was the story leading the way. Actually, for the longest time I couldn’t picture what the illustration style for Art and Joy would look like until, one day, I was swimming laps at our local pool and - TA-DAH - the image of a sparkly blob of paint with little pencil lines for arms and legs popped into my head. I cut the swim short, jumped out of the pool, and ran home to try it out! Luckily, it worked!

What is your typical writing or book illustrating day like?

Coffee is absolutely necessary while writing, and potato chips are my reward for finishing. I do all of my writing and illustrating at home, although whenever I feel stuck, I like to bring my sketchbook and laptop to a cafe. A new environment filled with people, sounds and smells helps me loosen up a little — also, they never run out of COFFEE!

What do you enjoy most about being an author & illustrator? 

Everything! It truly is my dream come true. I’ve had stories and pictures in my head since I was a little kid, and I feel so lucky to be able to put them into books that end up on bookshelves all over the world.

Were you creating art / illustrating from a young age?

Yes! My mom is an artist and she always says I was stealing her art supplies as soon as I could walk. I drew, painted, sewed, and — fun fact— I wrote and illustrated my first kids’ book under a bush in our backyard when I was seven years old. (I even planned a line of merchandise and a Saturday morning cartoon to go along with it — go big or go home, I guess?!)

What are your favourite books from your childhood? And now – which children’s books and creators do you particularly love?

When I was little I loved Curious George books, and everything from the world of Dr. Suess. In my 20s I bought Oliva by Ian Falconer, even though I was years away from having my own kid! I just thought it was so beautifully illustrated and that the writing was so clever. Oh, I also absolutely love BJ Novak’s The Book With No Pictures! Other book illustrators I love include Julie Morstad, Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers.

Art and Joy: Best Friends Forever by Danielle Krysa is published by Prestel, out now.

£12.99 hardback, ISBN 9783791375373.

Find Danielle at thejealouscreator.com and on Instagram @thejealouscreator.

Many thanks to Danielle for sharing this today. Some lovely ideas for ‘Make Stuff!’ activities are included at the end of the book.

I have taught so many children who have an ‘Art Bully’ whispering negative thoughts to them - and have my own personal one as well- so this story really struck a chord with me and would be a great one to explore with children of all ages. Perhaps everyone should adopt the new motto- ‘An artist finds joy every day!’