Many titles have full reviews and additional images that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
Every Second
Our planet is a very busy place and there's always something going on. By the time that you have read this (let’s assume it has taken you four seconds) four hundred kilograms of cocoa will have been made into chocolate and the same number of lightning bolts will have struck earth, and that's just the start of it. Dive into a world of incredible statistics and fascinating facts and find out what exactly happens every single second...
Page Count: 56
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Transport, technology, animals, people, food, plants, environment, maths 'a word about books' says…"This book is so cool. I love fascinating facts and eye-opening statistics and Every Second is full of them."
|
Everybody Counts
Embark on an incredible counting journey from 0 to 7.5 billion. As the numbers grow, more characters are introduced, more stories are created and more lives collide. Everyone is different but 'Everybody Counts'. This award winning picture book is not your average counting book...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Environment, counting, maths 'a word about books' says…"Part counting book, part detective book; and ultimately shows that everybody counts. The words on the final page are exquisite, "Seven and a half billion people on the same planet. Every single one of them has their own unique story. Everybody counts. One of them is you.""
|
Everything Under the Sun: A Curious Question for Every Day
Children love to ask questions about the world; How much bamboo can a giant panda eat? Do aliens exist? Where do ideas come from? Why does food taste different when you have a cold? Join Molly Oldfield and a host of experts as they share their knowledge, opinions and theories to answer three-hundred-and-sixty-six questions that curious young minds have asked...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Everyday life, science 'a word about books' says…"Some books just belong on a child’s bookshelf and this is definitely one of those. A delicious smorgasbord of rich and interesting information, this is a book to treasure and any child who receives it will be very lucky and richly rewarded."
|
Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
As a child, Gwendolyn Brooks had a dream. A dream to write poetry and to have her words heard by the world. However, with racial segregation and social injustice rife in America it seemed that her poems would go unnoticed, unheard and unpublished. Gwendolyn was determined though and her passion would see her make history in the most remarkable of ways...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Biography Themes: Poetry, poets, growing-up, life story, diversity, BAME, international 'a word about books' says…"It is worth remembering that money isn’t everything and the life and achievements of Gwendolyn Brooks are a wonderful example of how a rich and rewarding life can be lived without financial wealth."
|
FACTopia! #2: Follow the Trail of 400 More Facts
Did you know that there are craters on Mars shaped like Mickey Mouse and that square watermelons grow in Japan? Welcome to FACTopia, a land of facts, fun and seemingly impossible connections. Stick to the trail or follow your own curiosity and discover extraordinary facts on everything from dogs, caves, honey, Ancient Egypt, libraries, robots, lions, vegetables, astronauts, mirrors, wacky restaurants, the brain, the Northern Lights, sweets and so much more...
Page Count: 208
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: People, places, animals, environment, everyday life, nature 'a word about books' says…"Sure to draw lots of laughs, gasps of disbelief and will have children keenly sharing as many of the facts with as many people who are willing to listen. Loved it!"
|
Fanatical About Frogs
Frogs have it all going on - weird eyes, special tongues, sticky pads on their fingers, breathing underwater, the ability to make their own ‘sun cream’ for those hot days, these guys and girls have no end of marvellous features. Take a leap into this most insightful of reads and meet frogs of all different shapes, sizes and colours and from all different corners of the world...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Animals, environment 'a word about books' says…"Frog-tastic! I never knew frogs were so fascinating! Owen Davey does a superb job in educating the reader on these most interesting of amphibians. Hop, hop, hop on down to your local library or bookshop to check this one out."
|
Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders
What do you want be when you grow up? The truth is you can be absolutely anything you want if you work hard enough. It wasn’t always easy for women to follow their dreams but sometimes you mustn’t take no for an answer. Throughout history, trail-blazing and pioneering women have been succeeding and achieving against the odds and have literally become working wonders…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: True stories, politics, human rights, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"Full of brilliant role-models, superb messages and fantastic stories. This empowering and inspirational read will have children believing that anything is possible."
|
Fast Forward: The world's most famous race tracks and cars
Cruise around millionaire’s playground on the city streets of Monaco, steer your way through one-hundred-and-fifty-six turns as you race up Pikes Peak, get your speed on at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, master the world-famous corkscrew at Laguna Seca and battle the sand dunes in the epic Dakar Rally. Strap your self in, rev your engine and experience life in the fast lane…
Page Count: 80
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Motor sport, cars 'a word about books' says…"Kids who feel the need, the need for speed will find much to like in this stylishly presented compilation of motor racing history."
|
Football Atlas: Journey Across the World and onto the Pitch
Journey across the world and discover why football is the most popular sport in the world. Learn the history, meet the rule makers, peek into the stadiums and discover the footballing superstars from the past and the present. Information, facts and trivia are all waiting inside this football-fest that celebrates why millions around the world are in love with the beautiful game…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Sport 'a word about books' says…"Football Atlas is filled with the kind of trivia that is great for sharing with football-mad friends and I would have loved reading this book when I was younger, actually, I loved reading it as an adult. An absolute treat."
|
The Girl with her Head in the Clouds: Life of Dolly Shepherd
Dolly dreams of flying but so far this has only amounted to jumping off the garden shed using an umbrella to help her fly. She seems destined for a career working for her auntie’s fashion house making fancy hats for the wealthy but a weekend at the Alexandra Palace show-ground and a chance meeting with hot-air ballooner Captain Gaudron turns dreams of flight into a reality...
Page Count: 104
Genre: Historical, non-fiction narrative Themes: Life story, family, risk-taking, resilience, bravery, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”I love a good historical read that is centred around real people and actual events and the story of Dolly Shepherd is a wonderful story of determination, heroism and incredible bravery. Readers will delight in her death-defying stunts and life of risk-taking."
|
Guardians of the Planet
Our planet is in trouble and the need for 'Guardians of the Planet' is ever more pressing. All manner of things need doing to help secure its future from safeguarding the future of wildlife to helping reduce waste, preserving the forests to protecting the oceans, reducing pollution to helping people get access to fresh water. Every little bit helps so what will you choose to do...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Environment 'a word about books' says…"Everyone can be an eco hero and in doing so become a ‘Guardian of the Planet’. This super guide that combines science, encouragement and lots of practical suggestions empowers children to make the small changes that all add up to a big difference."
|
Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer
Ruby is bored. There’s nothing to do, no one to play with and dad’s computer won’t work. According to Mouse, Cursor has gone missing. Determined to troubleshoot the problem, Ruby and Mouse tumble into the computer and with the guidance of some helpful components are determined to get to the heart of the problem. Join Ruby on a knowledge-filled mission to fix the computer and learn about its inner workings…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: STEM 'a word about books' says…"Spilt into two parts - non-fiction narrative and activity book, it is a clever and simple way to introduce kids to the complex workings of computers and technology."
|
Her Epic Adventure: 25 Women Inspire a Life Less Ordinary
Everyone loves to go on adventures but it hasn’t always been possible for women. Throughout history, they have faced obstacles and opposition as the expectations of society, and race and gender inequality, have tried to dictate what they can and cannot achieve. Some women though are just born to adventure, from stunt plane pilots to mountain climbers, deep-sea divers to big-wave riders, these twenty-five trailblazers prove that anything - and any adventure - is possible…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Adventure 'a word about books' says…"The next generation of courageous and brave adventurers will be inspired, motivated and fuelled with the belief that they can do absolutely anything."
|
Hidden Figures: Four Black Women and the Space Race
America in the 1940's and 50's was a society deeply divided. Social, gender and racial inequality meant that black women were not provided with the same opportunities and rights as white people. But four black women with brilliant mathematical minds were not going to be defined by the colour of their skin and their determination and persistence would change the world...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Biography Themes: STEM, space, diversity, BAME, historical, life story, international 'a word about books' says…"Whilst the names of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin easily come to mind when we think of achievements in space, the real stars are four black women who broke down barriers and created their own history at the NACA & NASA."
|
How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?
Earth is full of amazing places, many of which have only been visited by those brave enough to go where others fear to tread. Are you up for an adventure of a lifetime? Trek, fly, drive, sail, abseil, parachute and ride your way to the hottest, coldest, darkest, deepest, most electric, most magical and most secret places on Earth. And discover how chocolate really does taste on Everest…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: The senses, places, travel 'a word about books' says…"Crammed with answers to questions you never knew you wanted answered and featuring incredible illustrations capturing the magic, uniqueness and wonder of each place, it is a spectacular book that is sure to awaken the globetrotter in everyone."
|
How Many Spots Has a Cheetah Got?
How Many Spots Has a Cheetah Got? The answer…approximately 2,000. Did you know that… the largest box of Crayola crayons has 120 colours? The most expensive birthday cake in the world cost 58 million pounds? 0 caretakers work at schools in Japan because children do the cleaning? How many amazing facts are waiting to be discovered in this book? Hundreds…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Numbers, animals, people, places, sport, STEM, history, geography, art 'a word about books' says…"There’s tons to explore and discover through this smorgasbord of mind-blowing numbers. Incredibly educational, highly enjoyable and very entertaining; How Many Spots Has a Cheetah Got? is facts and figures done right. A marvellous book."
|
How Was That Built? The stories behind awesome structures
Humankind have been building things for thousands of years. From mud huts and primitive cities to the modern structures that we see today. The race is always on to build taller, longer, wider and in ever more challenging places. And behind every great building is an innovative team of women and men who have to find the answers to the question, ‘How are we going to build that?’. It’s time to see the world differently and take a peek through the eyes of an engineer…
Page Count: 80
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: STEM 'a word about books' says…"Soars as high as the Burj Khalifa and is essential reading for any budding structural engineers, designers and architects. Absolutely brilliant!"
|
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dangerous Animals
Think you know dangerous animals? It is time to think again. Animals come in all shapes and sizes and in the world of dangerous animals, size and weight do not matter. There are fish with swords, toads that squirt poison, killer ants and bone-crushing marsupials. Uncover dangerous truths of the animal kingdom as you get up close and personal with sixty awesome creatures...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Animals 'a word about books' says…”A fabulously curated collection of animals. Bayly’s passion and knowledge for her subject matter oozes from the pages, from the care in the illustrations to the vast array of facts and details, there is much to admire and delight in."
|
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature
We all need a best mate right? Someone to scratch our back, to give us a lift, to keep us safe, to offer a room for the night, to feed us. Sixty pairs of various plants and animals have got it all worked out down to a tee and know exactly who they need to be friends with. From spiders and lizards to crocodiles and birds to kinkajous and trees. Meet some of natures most peculiar BFFs…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Animals, plants, nature 'a word about books' says…”Bursting with incredible illustrations and all manner of trivia and facts, Sami Bayly's third 'illustrated encyclopaedia' is a cracking celebration of animals interacting with other animals and animals interacting with plants in order to survive."
|
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals
Not all animals in the animal kingdom are blessed with good-looks and Sami Bayly invites you to meet some of those that are seen as less attractive. These are the animals with the lumps and bumps, the crinkles and wrinkles, and plenty more. Prepare to have your perceptions of what beauty really is challenged as you meet some new faces from the wonderful world of animals...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: Animals 'a word about books' says…”These animals are not going to be winning any beauty contests any time soon but there is something splendid and marvellous about each and every one of them. A fabulous book and a very welcome addition to any animal lovers bookshelf."
|
Impossible Inventions: Ideas That Shouldn't Work
The term STEM may be relatively new but people have been applying its principles for hundreds of years. Some inventions are quirky, other are genius, many are just simply bizarre. From flying machines to a cloud maker, music made from ice to a sweet sorter. Take a peek at some of the wacky and wonderful inventions that brilliant, bonkers and imaginative minds have dreamt up...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: STEM, historical 'a word about books' says…”Impossible Inventions is fun, fascinating and engaging, and is sure to be a hit with many middle-grade children. And who knows, maybe a future inventor will find themselves reading it and come up with a great idea of their own."
|
Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The woman who loved reptiles
As a child, Joan Procter was fascinated by animals, particularly those with scales. Whilst the other girls played with dolls and read stories about princesses, she was immersing herself in lizards and crocodiles. Joan would go on to be the curator of reptiles at the London Zoo and was responsible for the care of two incredible Komodo dragons. She has quite the story to tell...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Biography Themes: Historical, animals, illness, science, life story 'a word about books' says…”This is a fascinating picture book biography about a scientist that I knew very little about. It is the story of one woman who had a passion for something as a child and whose passion turned into a marvellous and rewarding career."
|
The Ladybird Big Book of Dead Things
Over millions of years many things have lived and died on planet Earth. People, places, animals and celestial bodies have all come and gone. Death is an inescapable part of life. Join Doctor Stella Cluster and a team of experts on a journey through a museum that is full of dead things...
Page Count: 64
Genre: Non-fiction Themes: People, places, animals, science, dinosaurs, space, environment 'a word about books' says…”Things may be dead but they are definitely not forgotten in what is an absolute delight of a read! The whole book is a fact-filled treat that will provide endless amounts of pleasure and readers of all ages will have great fun exploring the pages."
|
The Legend of Tutankhamun
Ancient Egypt…a land of pharaohs, treasure and lavish burial tombs. The son of Amenhotep and Kiya, one King was to become more famous than all the others, his name…Tutankhamun. His rule and life may have only lasted a small number of years but the discovery of a hidden burial tomb full of riches more than three thousand years after his death has ensured that the story of the boy who would be King has been etched into the history books for all of time…
Page Count: 48
Genre: Historical, non-fiction narrative Themes: True story 'a word about books' says…”Like Tutankhamun’s burial tomb, this is a treasure-trove of delights and I enjoyed reading it almost as much as Carter enjoyed finding his own piece of history."
|