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: An Angler’s Almanac: My First Day Fishing

Written by BBC presenter and fishing expert Will Millard, ‘An Angler’s Almanac: My First Day Fishing’ offers everything a young angler needs to know. First hand experience, tips and anecdotes make it a very accessible and appealing read to guide those new to the activity and support those looking to develop their skill, making it a perfect read for NNFN2024!

So much information is included from which tackle to choose to the different rods available, from which knots to use to the types of bait on offer. There is also a fish-identification guide and, importantly, advice on how to look after any fish which are caught and how to return them safely to the water. There is a real emphasis throughout the book on the responsibilities of those who fish and the fact that it is a privilege, not a right, to pursue this pastime.

The book is very attractively presented, with plenty of illustrations, and step-by-step instruction to support any reader contemplating becoming an angler. Labelled diagrams are used for clarification and there is a comprehensive glossary at the end of the book. Written in a very direct, accessible style, ‘An Angler’s Almanac: My First Day Fishing’ makes an excellent and enjoyable companion to this hobby.

An Angler’s Almanac: My First Day Fishing

Will Millard, illustrated by Joanna Lisowiec

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1915569288

NNFN2024: Volcano Atlas

I have taught the topic of ‘Volcanoes’ many times during my teaching career and really wish that I had had ‘Volcano Atlas’ to support both me in my teaching and my classes in their learning! Offering a very comprehensive and readable guide, it offers a brilliant guide to volcanoes around the world.

Starting with a general introduction, the book then explains how volcanoes form, the different types that there are and their features. A mixture of labelled diagrams, illustrations and photographs are used on each spread to support the information with headings and side headings to help readers navigate the text.

Each volcano is then introduced with a fact file and a satellite image to show its location. Information about the wildlife, myths and legends and historical details connected to that volcano is also included along with specific facts. The volcanoes are organised continent by continent and a comprehensive index makes it easy for the reader to locate information, although it is an easy book to enjoy browsing through as there is so much to discover and enjoy here.

An invaluable resource for teachers, ‘Volcano Atlas’ would make an excellent addition to any library. A real must have!

Volcano Atlas: An Epic Journey Around the World’s Most Incredible Volcanoes

Tom Jackson, illustrated by Maggie Li

Words and Pictures ISBN: 978-0711283787

NNFN2024: Insectarium

The latest addition to the ‘Welcome to the Museum’ books, ‘Insectarium’, does not disappoint fans of this incredible series. Like the others, it is beautifully presented, allowing readers to explore the fascinating world of insects in detail and at their leisure.

Moving from Gallery to Gallery, every page is a celebration of ‘the most beautiful, fascinating and peculiar insects’, from their evolution to the need to protect and care for them today. The large format encourages readers to share these books and I have often seen children lying on the floor, grouped around books in this series, completely immersed in poring over every detail of the pictures and exploring the text. Offering a quality reading experience from the quality of the paper to the detail of the illustrations, children recognise and enjoy these books for what they are- something special!

I am not a fan of the term ‘gift book’ as I believe every book is a gift, but for both adults and children, ‘Insectarium’ is a book which will be treasured and returned to again and again!

Welcome to the Museum: Insectarium

curated by Emily Carter and Dave Goulson

Big Picture Press and the Royal Entomological Society ISBN: 978-1800782563

NNFN2024: 21 Things to do with a Mud Pie

Perfect for encouraging children to get outside and get muddy, ‘21 Things to do with a Mud Pie’ is full of enjoyable art and science activities, mingling learning and play. Each of the twenty-one suggestions is easily achievable and full of fun.

For each activity, there are clear instructions and attractive illustrations, making each step easy to follow- and each idea is sure to lead to more fun with mud! And there is much to learn whilst playing as the book contains plenty of information about ecosystems, plant growth etc which they might discover.

There are activities which can be enjoyed independently or with friends and those which might need the support of an adult. Whether watching worms, painting with mud, planting flowers or making mud pies, this is a wonderful book for encouraging outdoor play and enjoying the natural world!

21 Things to do with a Mud Pie

Jane Wilsher, illustrated by Teo Georgiev

Ivy Kids ISBN: 978-0711292635

NNFN2024: Foraging

‘Foraging: A Complete Guide for Kids and Families’ makes a perfect book for NNFN2024 as it is sure to encourage children- and their families- to engage in a new hobby! Packed with advice and activities, it is a cornucopia of inspiration for engaging with nature and the bounties it offers.

Although it makes the point that nature doesn’t fall neatly into categories, the book is presented in sections to help readers locate information about fruits and berries, plants and bushes, flowers and trees. Photos of each focused plant accompany the text which explores its appearance, where it can be found, its scientific and common names, the parts you can eat, when best to pick it before looking at what you can do with it. Terms are clearly explained and there are little challenges scattered throughout.

At every stage, the book encourages curiosity and exploration, offering details to notice and look for, as well as plenty of advice on how to forage safely and sustainably, looking after the environment as much as the individual. A section on poisonous plants at the end of the book flags some of the dangerous plants which budding foragers might come into contact with.

Not only does the book offer recipes to try, including drinks, foods, salves and balms, it also includes a wealth of folklore, historical details and fascinating facts. It really is a book to engage, entertain and educate the whole family whilst encouraging them to spend time together and develop an appreciation for, and love of, the natural world. When I was little, we used to love ‘blackberrying’ with Grandma- and this book takes that to another level!

Foraging: A Complete Guide for Kids and Families

Stella and Dane De Luca Mulandiee, illustrated by Elly Jahnz

Puffin ISBN: ‎ 978-0241654569

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

NNFN2024: Amazing Asia

‘Amazing Asia’ is a stunning book. Even before opening it, there are so many details to notice on the foil embossed cover that the reader knows they are going to be in for a real treat of a read! Subtitled ‘An Encyclopaedia of an Epic Continent’, there is so much information packed into the book, complemented by beautiful illustrations, maps and timelines.

Having introduced the continent, there are then sections focusing on the different areas- east, south, southeast, west and north and central before looking at ‘Global Asia’. Each section opens with a map and a timeline of that area, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the discovery of that region and to begin to appreciate just what an incredibly diverse and fascinating continent Asia is. Information about the people, culture, history, wildlife, landscape, sights and significant figures all builds a picture of the contributions Asia has made to the world.

East Asia is the region I am most familiar with, having visited China, Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea and Japan, so I was drawn to this section of the book first and really enjoyed revisiting those places through both text and illustration. Rashmi Sirdeshpande’s enthusiasm for her subject is infectious, clearly colouring her writing and making the reader long to visit every location mentioned and enjoy its wonders for themselves.

This is an essential text for schools to allow children, both those with roots in Asia and those with none, to read a refreshing and informative account about the continent which celebrates its diversity, culture and people, challenging unhealthy stereotypes and prejudices. It is perfect for browsing at leisure, dipping in and out of, or using as a research tool with its comprehensive index, glossary and contents page.

As I said previously, this is a stunning book, beautifully illustrated, thoughtfully written and gorgeously presented, making it a standout text in all areas.

Amazing Asia

Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon

Wide Eyed Editions      ISBN: 978-0711288317

NNFN2024: Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World

For day 5 of NNFN2024, ‘Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World’, an utterly fascinating read which shares the story behind these small inventions which have transformed our lives. Perfect for sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of creative minds, this is a brilliant book!

The inventions covered are nails, wheels, springs, magnets, lenses, string and pumps. Each is clearly introduced with a spread outlining its history and development. This is then followed by pages on how the invention actually works, examples of other inventions which use that technology and finally, a focus on one particular thing which uses it.

Clear explanations are offered at each stage and, although there is no glossary, many technical terms are explained within the text. The book is full of vibrant, colourful illustrations which add plenty of interest and appeal to each invention. It certainly helps children understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world! Having said that, there is much here to interest and engage adults as well.

Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World

Roma Agrawal, illustrated by Jisu Choi

Laurence King     ISBN: 978-1510230750

NNFN2024: The Children’s Book of Wildlife Watching

Day 4 of National Non-Fiction November 2024! ‘The Children’s Book of Wildlife Watching’ is a companion to ‘The Children’s Book of Birdwatching’ and both are perfect for encouraging new interests in young children. ‘Wildlife Watching’ introduces readers to the wonderful world of wildlife which surrounds us and shows how much can be learned from observing nature around us.

A mixture of beautiful photographs and illustrations support the text, making each page full of appeal and interest to little explorers. Information is presented in clear, well-explained sections, signposted by headings and side-headings to guide the reader and there is a glossary at the end of the book. There are sections on minibeasts, reptiles and amphibians, birds and mammals, allowing families to focus on different species to investigate, perhaps led by the area they live in or a place they are visiting. There is much here that would also be useful to teachers setting up investigation spaces or themed activities for their classes.

Each section offers a practical activity which is both clearly explained and easy to undertake. These projects are supported by profiles of a range of creatures, each accompanied by a clear photograph to aid identification. A profile of the author is also presented at the end of the book, a lovely touch, allowing readers to see the ‘real’ person behind the work and also to convey a real enthusiasm for her subject!

A brilliant addition to home or school libraries, ‘The Children’s Book of Wildlife Watching’ offers an excellent starting point for inspiring a new hobby and building a life-long love of the world around us.

The Children’s Book of Wildlife Watching

Dan Rouse

DK ISBN: 978-0241661819

NNFN2024: Nature's Fascinating Friendships

‘Nature’s Fascinating Friendships’ is a beautifully presented factual text which celebrates ‘mutualistic symbiosis’ or the interactions between different species where both sides benefit. The book starts by zooming in on the ‘friend on the inside’ which humans have- the bacteria which keeps us healthy - before moving around the world, continent by continent to explore the ‘fascinating friendships’ which can be found there.

The text is written in a pleasant, ‘chatty’ style with clear, concise explanations, making it an informative and pleasurable read. Some pages include a quiz question (with answers at the bottom or side of the page!) and others encourage the reader to look for things in the illustrations, adding an interactive element to enjoy. The illustrations are really eye-catching, using colour to great effect, offering the perfect accompaniment to the text.

There is a real sense of how nature works smoothly through these partnerships which encourages readers to reflect on the benefits of harmonious relationships. Indeed, the book ends with a section on how we can be friends to nature, a suitable conclusion to this thought-provoking look at the natural world. A valuable addition to bookshelves, this is a book which will absorb and inspire!

Nature’s Fascinating Friendships

Mike Hills, illustrated by Kerry Hyndman

Faber ISBN: 978-0571372591

NNFN2024: The Jellyfish Garden

For day 2 of NNFN2024, I am reviewing ‘The Jellyfish Garden’, a fascinating book which takes a look at the watery world of the incredible creatures- and taught me how little I knew about them!

Having started by describing the features of these strange creatures, the differences and similarities between species are then highlighted. Carefully labelled diagrams show various views, including cross sections to support the reader’s understanding of their structure. Each carefully presented spread is packed with information, offered in accessible sections.

The enthusiasm of the author for their subject shines through the text, answering all the questions you might think of about these creatures- and a few more! Whether a reader with a deep interest in the oceans and the creatures which live there or someone who wants to find out more about jellyfish, everyone who picks up this book will be rewarded with the wealth of information and detail it offers.

The Jellyfish Garden: Explore their Curious World

Paola Vitale and Rossana Bossu

Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270003

NNFN2024: Tasty Tales

My first review for NNFN2024 is ‘Tasty Tales’, a fascinating book which offers ‘facts and fables about our favourite foods’. Each story explores the origin of a well-known dish, piquing the reader’s interest in countries and events from around the world which they might previously have been unaware of. It is a fascinating read - a book for school and home!

Using a light-hearted and engaging style, the stories are accompanied by the author’s bright, colourful illustrations which add much to the book’s appeal. A map at the beginning shows where in the world each food is from and a bibliography is included for those who wish to discover more. I really wish more children’s books would offer this! Some recipes to try are also offered on the author’s website which makes the book even more engaging.

‘Tasty Tales’ would be excellent to use for a series of assemblies. From locating places/ countries/continents on a map to developing general knowledge, they also encourage curiosity in the wider world and allow children to recognise the connections between people as they share these ingredients and dishes and deepen their understanding of others. It might also encourage children to try some foods which they might not have done otherwise!

Full of historical details and the wonderful legends which have developed about some of these foods, ‘Tasty Tales’ is a great example of the stories non-fiction books tell us!

Tasty Tales: Facts and Fables about our Favourite Foods

Anna Lena Feunekes

UCLan ISBN: 978-1915235923

Author, Anna Lena Feunekes, shared this video with us for NNFN2024.

A Story of the Seasons

‘A Story of the Seasons’ is another beautifully produced collaboration from Nosy Crow and the National Trust. Lettering capturing elements of the changing seasons surrounded by creatures, birds, insects and flowers stands out against the matt cream background of the cover, instantly tempting the reader inside whilst attention to detail - such as a purple ribbon bookmark and the green edging of the pages - all add to the special feel of the book, making it a gift to treasure!

The content of the book is just as well presented and engaging. The introduction explains that the book looks at the changing nature of eight habitats through the seasons of the year, exploring the life cycles and habits of the creatures who live there. What follows is a real celebration of the natural world with the enthusiasm of the author encouraging readers to pause, enjoy and explore nature around them. Accessible sections of text offer facts and clearly written explanations with headings and side headings, guiding the reader and helping them to locate information.

The book is bursting with information, but also offers plenty of inspiration, encouraging active engagement with nature- noticing the first signs of spring, looking for different birds on an estuary, enjoying the park in winter. There are also historical details, references to poetry and folklore- all of which offers an enriching reading experience for all ages to enjoy, all complemented by beautiful illustrations. This is a book for families to share throughout the year- a book which will develop family traditions for experiencing and enjoying the wonders of nature.

A Story of the Seasons

Anna Wilson, illustrated by Carilina Rabei

National Trust and Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805130031

University of Cambridge: There's No Such Thing as a Silly Question

One of my favourite phrases as a teacher (and as a mum!) is always ‘there’s no such thing as a silly question’ which obviously led to children asking me some very weird and wonderful things! However, it is through asking those questions that curiosity is both satisfied and piqued, making ‘There’s No Such Thing as a Silly Question’ a brilliant book for both home and school!

Covering a wide range of subjects, each brilliantly illustrated spread presents the information in a question-and-answer format, offering readers clear explanations, written in a light-hearted, humorous style. There are questions here which you didn’t know you needed to know the answer to until you read them! Can spiders run out of web? Why don’t people snore when they are awake? What happens inside a black hole?

A very attractive and accessible book, this is perfect for dipping in and out of, but it is impossible not to spot a question which you just have to read the answer for! Although a supposed to be a book for children, ‘There’s No Such Thing as a Silly Question’ is sure to quickly become a family favourite, to be returned to again and again.

University of Cambridge: There's No Such Thing as a Silly Question

 Mike Rampton & Guilherme Karsten 

Nosy Crow ISBN:  978-1839947391

Life in the Wild

‘Life in the Wild’ is a fascinating book. In her note, the author describes it as ‘an intersection between science, story telling, adventure and conservation’ and it does indeed reflect all of these areas, making it a very accessible and enjoyable read.

Each chapter is devoted to an exceptional individual of different species, tagged and tracked by scientists to deepen understanding of their behaviour. Ten creatures are introduced followed by a map showing where they live and, in most cases, a tracked journey which they made. General information about the species is included and, for some, further information about conservation work is also given.

There are many books about animals available, but what makes this really stand out from others is the personal connection it offers. By sharing the real plight of 20741, a female adult polar bear, the reader feels a deeper empathy as the story of one illuminates the struggles of the many. The unique behaviours of each creature is sure to intrigue children and develop their interest in the incredible wildlife of our planet.

A wide range of animals is covered here, including some which perhaps get less exposure. Through the story of Sitka, readers learn of the rapid population decline of albatrosses whilst Bigonia’s tale offers a fascinating look at these intelligent, solitary creatures. Advances in technology have allowed scientists to learn more – and yet expose just how much still is unknown.

Each spread is beautifully presented using a mixture of photographs and illustrations, making the book as attractive as it is informative. A glossary and index are included and study references are also offered, allowing those who wish the opportunity to explore further.

Life in the Wild 

Lizzie Daly, illustrated by Chiara Fedele

DK  ISBN: 978- 0241634110

Blog Tour: Open Wide!

Today, it’s my turn to dive into the ‘jaw-dropping mouths of the animal world’ on the ‘Open Wide!’ Blog Tour.

Let’s start by asking a few questions. Do you know which creature has fangs that fold flat to stop it accidentally biting itself? No? What about which creature can extend its tongue one-and-a-half times its body length? Me neither! If you don’t know, then this is the book you need!

From its tasty introduction onwards, ‘Open Wide!’ is bursting with those quirky and fascinating facts which children love to discover and share! Starting with human teeth (Science NC Y4: identify the different types of teeth in humans and their simple functions), the book moves to the commonalities of mammalian mouths before moving on to the eating habits of slugs and snails. I now know what a ‘radula’ is!

The contents page is full of tempting titles like ‘Tremendous Tusks’ and Gigantic Grins’, making the book perfect for dipping in and out of: however, it is very easy to be led from page to page as there are intriguing questions posed at the bottom of some which you just have to turn over to find the answer to! I wanted to know if I was right about how the Barbary macaques were feeling -I wasn’t!- but I was more successful with guessing which coloured tongue belonged to which animal.

Whilst the book is mainly illustrated by Ed J Brown, some photographs are also included, allowing children to see the sucker of a goby and krill up close amongst other things. One of the most popular features of the text will no doubt be the ‘Not for the Squeamish’ fact boxes which regularly appear containing those disgusting facts which children love to quote- usually in the middle of a lesson!

Having both an index and glossary, ‘Open Wide!’ will be a useful resource for teachers keen to enrich the science curriculum with fascinating facts about teeth, diet, food chains, habitats etc, perhaps using the quiz sheet available on the ‘What on Earth’ website along with some other resources for this title.

A really absorbing read!

Open Wide!

Dr Letizia Diamante and Ed J Brown

What on Earth ISBN: 978-1804661352

Blog Tour: First Big Book of How

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘First Big Book of How’! Children are always bursting with natural curiosity about the world around them and this beautifully presented, chunky volume is the perfect place for them to find the answers they are looking for!

The book is divided into six clear sections: The Body, Machines and Buildings, Wild Animals, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies, Earth and Space. A contents page lists all the questions posed in each section and there is a comprehensive index at the end to help locate specific information, but this is a book which is perfect for browsing! A clear explanation is given in answer to each question, using straightforward language and in a good sized font, making it perfect for younger readers. Technical terms are explained within the text and a glossary at the back of the book offers further definitions. Fact boxes and diagrams add further details.

A lot of thought has been given to the presentation of this book. ‘Wow! What’s that?’ spreads are scattered throughout, showing close up images, offering a fascinating look at various things like the tongue or a dragonfly. Other spreads are called ‘Tell me how…now!’ which pose and answer specific questions- a chameleon’s tongue is up to 20cm long, the oldest tree in the world is almost 5000 years old, 280 people have been to the International Space Station… There is so much to learn here!

Some of the facts are truly disgusting- bogies can be green, brown or even pink depending on what’s trapped in it- which is sure to add to their appeal! There are questions here which you don’t know you want the answers to until you see them! How do worms know where they are going? Now I know! This is the sort of book which offers endless entertainment as it will be returned to again and again, allowing readers to share gleaned gems of knowledge. There is much in here which supports topics covered in the school curriculum, making it a useful book for home and school!

Illustrated with an appealing mix of photographs and pictures, ‘First Big Book of How’ is a real treasure trove of knowledge and discovery.

First Big Book of How

Sally Symes and Saranne Taylor, illustrated by Kate Slater

What on Earth ISBN: 978-1804661185

Eurek-her! Stories of Inspirational Women in STEM

‘Eurek-her!’ is a truly inspiring book. Featuring the stories and achievements of twenty amazing women, it is an engrossing read which also offers some hands-on experiments to further engage and inspire readers.

The contents page also acts as a time line, setting these women into chronological order. Their country of origin and life dates are also given along with a small drawing of each. At the end of the book, a comprehensive glossary supports understanding of terms used throughout the text and the final page gives a list of periodic elements.

The book contains a fascinating and varied range of women whose achievements, discoveries and inventions are still valued today. For example, Tapputi Belatekallim is often called the ‘world’s first chemist’ as she used distillation to create her perfumes whilst Omowunmi Sadik invented biosensors to help with a variety of issues. A great deal of information is presented in manageable chunks, attractively displayed and supported by illustrations and diagrams.

The final section of the book contains twelve activities, each related to one of the stories in the book, and designed to encourage readers to understand, investigate and experiment for themselves. From designing and making a perfume to building a recycled toy house, there is something to inspire everyone. This is very much a book to be enjoyed by everyone and will make an excellent addition to bookshelves and libraries everywhere!

Eurek-her! Stories of Inspirational Women in STEM

Frances Durkin, illustrated by Nur Ventura

bsmall ISBN: 978-1913918941

Publishing 2nd September 2024

Beautiful: A Celebration of Evolution

Illustrated throughout with stunning watercolours, ‘Beautiful’ is a very special book. The author sets out to show that ‘in nature, the word ugly simply does not apply’ as adaptation and evolution have have created incredible, unique creatures, each of which is beautiful.

A wonderful array of creatures are presented in alphabetical order, starting with the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and ending with the Wild Boar. Some of these entries are not the typical ‘cute and cuddly’ animals often featured in books, but each is held up as something to be admired and appreciated by the author.

Each spread offers beautiful illustrations, its binomial nomenclature and a wealth of information. Not only is the creature described, but details about how it has adapted are given. The Indian pangolin’s tongue, for example, has evolved to be longer than the creatures head and body combined and is connected to the bottom of the ribcage. The shoebill has adapted to survive in the dangerous swamps of easter Africa; a very aggressive creature, it uses its huge beak with a hooked end for spearing its prey. One of my favourite animals, the duck-billed platypus, can detect its prey through picking up tiny electric pulses from other animals, using special nerve cells in its bill. Sadly, the author notes where these creatures are endangered or their at risk from climate change and habitat destruction.

Completely fascinating, this book would add much to the knowledge and understanding of those studying evolution and adaptation as part of the Science Curriculum both in Y6 and in KS3. Each entry supports the statement: ‘Pupils should be taught to identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution’ in a meaningful and engaging way, whilst developing a respect for, and understanding of, these incredible creatures.

A very special, very beautiful book!

Beautiful: A Celebration of Evolution

William Spring

Big Picture Press ISBN: 978-1800786165

Published 1st August 2024