Book reviews - non fiction ages 5-7

 Yellow (Colours Around Me) by Anita Loughrey

Saving Water (Green Kids) by Neil Morris

Ancient Egyptians (Kingfisher Readers Level 5) by Philip Steele

 Pirates (Kingfisher Readers Level 4) by Philip Steele

Acorn to Oak Tree (LifeCycles) by Camilla De La Bedoyere

At Home (Be An Eco Hero) by Susan Barraclough

Exploring Animal Life (A Sense of Science) by Claire Llewellyn

The cover gives us lovely idea of the wonders and variety of animal life. Children learn about different types of animals, where they live, how they move, what they eat and lots more. Simple text, interwoven with the bright, clear and colourful pictures, is easy to understand and informative. There are activites and questions to involve and interest children, and they can learn to make a creepy-crawly trap. An index and glossary complete the book.

Becoming Queen Elizabeth II (Famous People Famous Events) by Gillian Clements

Florence Nightingale (Famous People Great Events) by Emma Fischel

Australia (Popcorn Countries) by Alice Harman

Fruit (Popcorn Good Food) by Julia Adams

Pirates (Leapfrog Learners) by Annabelle Lynch

Once There Was a Raindrop (Nature's Miracles) by Judith Anderson and Mike Gordon

The Life Cycle of a Ladybird (Learning About Lifecycles) by Ruth Thomson

My Parents' Divorce (How Can I Deal With...) by Sally Hewitt

Sadly this is a problem many children encounter - if not in their own families, then maybe their friends, so this is a good book for the classroom or school library to help children understand what is going on. The book explains what is happening and explains to children that the emotions they are feeling are natural and to be expected. Lots of experiences from other children are reassuring and practical. It will be a great help to teachers and parents in understanding and explaining to their children.

 Henry VIII (Who Was...?) by Kay Barnham

An attractively laid out book which has all the physical features which make books accessible to young children - clear font, lots of bright pictures and plenty of white space; these combine to give the book appeal. Henry VIII is an intriguing character to children so this book will interest them and make great support for early history studies. Fact boxes give suggested places to visit and 'It's True' facts.

Come and Eat With Us (Discovery Flaps) by Annie Kubler and Caroline Formby

Produced in conjunction with OXFAM, this is one in a series of books created to show how the way people live in different parts of the world. The series helps children to understand the similarities and differences between children around the world by depicting a series of everyday scenes. This title focuses on mealtimes around the world and I especially like the fact that families are shown eating together. Informative and fun, as children enjoy seeing what is behind the flaps. Purchase the book from the Child's Play website.

Exploring Light (A Sense of Science) by Claire Llewellyn

The presentation of this book is excellent and it will really help children to enjoy learning. Lots of photographs, set against a clear uncluttered background, perfect for early readers. The facts are simply explained, with a suggested activity on each page to reinforce learning. The illustrations are an intergal part of the book, adding greatly to understanding and ensuring the facts are memorable. A simple index helps children develop research skills. An excellent classroom/library resource. There are seven other titles in the series to lookm out for.

 Paramedic (When I'm At Work) by Susan Barraclough

Children in Early Years and KS1 learn about 'People who help us' and this colourful series will be welcomed in the classroom. Meet Simon, a paramedic and find out about his day's work - from checking equipment, to going out on an emergency call, visiting a school to explain about his work - and doing his paperwork at the end of the day! As well as a curricular resource, it's also a reassuring book for children as they learn about the people who help us.

Summer (Seasons - Popcorn) by Kay Barnham

This series is a colourful introduction to the seasons and an excellent resource to support KS1 cross-curricular work. In this book, children will learn about different aspects of summer, with colourful photos and an attractive layout to complement the easy-to-read text. Instructions are given to make a colourful scrapbook. Early learning and reference skills are encouraged by the inclusion of clear contents list, glossary and index

Tractors (On the Go) by David and Penny Glover

Young children - and especially boys - are fascinated by all forms of transport and this colourful series (written by specialists in machines and vehicles) has plenty of appeal. 

Don't Play Dirty, Gertie: Be Fair (You Choose) by Sarah Eason

This unusual book sees gertie put into a series of situations where she needs to make a decision and the reader is given three possible answers. An interesting concept. An excellent series for classroom use, supporting PSHE and providing teachers with good discussion points for some of those tricky situations that arise when dealing with children. Realistic situations and characters with whom children will readily identify are a feature of the series.

Come Clean, Carlos! Tell the Truth by Sarah Eason

This book explores the story of one child who faces dilemmas about telling the truth, the choices he makes and the consequences of those choices. Two more in the series - Chin Up, Charlie! Be Brave (You Choose!) and Hand it Over, Harry! Don't Steal (You Choose!)

Teacher: People Who Help Us by Amanda Askew and Andrew Crowson

This book gives young children an insight, not only into a teacher's day, but into a day in the life of a school. Colourful and uncluttered pictures with easy-to-read text make this book very accessible for its audience and it is a good way to introduce children to the routines of school. More in the series, which is perfect for the Foundation Stage curriculum,  Doctor (People Who Help Us), Fire-fighters (People Who Help Us) and Police Officer (People Who Help Us).

 Chickens: Down on the Farm by Hannah Ray

I learnt things I didn't know from this book! Did you know that mother hens cluck to their chicks whilst they are still in the egg? Lots more fascinating facts, all presented in child-friendly format with easy to read text. There are plenty of photos and the pages are well-designed to capture attention. Children can make their own chirpy chicks and there is a page of ideas for parents and teachers. Help your children to learn more about farmyard animals in this colourful series - Goats (Down on the Farm), Ducks (Down on the Farm), Pigs (Down on the Farm).

All About Vegetables: Food Zone by Vic Parker

Sadly, many children today know very little about where the food on their plate comes from, so this is an excellent way for them to find out.  A colourful introduction to vegetables - where they come from, how they grow, why they are good for us and some tasty recipes to try. Written in a way that will really appeal to and interest children, this is another well presented, colourful and informative book from QED Books.  All About Fruit (Food Zone) and  All About Meat and Fish (Food Zone) are some of the other titles in the series.

 Cows: Farmyard Friends by Camilla de la Bedoyere

A really appealing book - just look at the beautiful cows on the front cover! This is a lovely way to introduce children to farmyard animals - maybe before a visit to a farm or a city farm. All the questions children will ask - and lots they won't have thought of - are answered. Brightly coloured, well laid out and lots of ways of supplying information - really attractive books that children will really enjoy. The series also includes Horses and Ponies (Farmyard Friends) and Sheep (Farmyard Friends) amongst others.

Amazing Aquarium - My Day at the Zoo by  Terry Jennings

A super series from QED Publishing - perfect for buidling up enthusiasm and knowledge before a visit or as a memento of a special day out. Attractively presented and full of excellent colour photos, this will really generate interest. A particular feature is the emphasis on conservation and the role of the zoo in protecting endangered species.Lots of interesting facts, an easily accessible format and tips for parents and teachers make this a very practical as well as entertaining book.

Mammal Kingdom - My Day at the Zoo by Terry Jennings

Learn about the animal kingdom and how animals live in the wild as well as in zoos. Treat your child to a book about their favourite part of the zoo with the selection of books available in this colourful series - also available: Reptile Park (My Day at the Zoo), Bird Paradise (My Day at the Zoo),  The clear contents page, glossary and index make this series excellent for introducing KS1 children to the concept of finding out information from books in a colourful and exciting way.

Hear This! - Let's Start Science by Sally Hewitt

Find out all about how our ears work and about sounds by means of the activities in this colourful book. Practical science is the best way to learn. This is an excellent way to introduce KS1 children to science concepts. This series covers many of the topics covered in school in a clear and understandable way and is an excellent way for parents to support their child's learning in a fun way. The series includes:  Let's Start Science: Tastes good! (QED Let's Start ! Science), Let's Start Science: Touch that! (QED Let's Start ! Science), Let's Start Science: Look here! (QED Let's Start ! Science)

The Seaside (History Snapshots) by Sarah Ridley

The seaside is one of the topics covered in KS1 history, so this book is ideal curriculum support, as well as showing children how one of their favourite places has changed over the years. Packed with fascinating contemporary photographs, this book really encourages children to 'be a history detective' by talking to older ones about their experiences and by encouraging them to ask questions based on the photos. Among others in the series - Homes (History Snapshots), Children and World War Two (History Snapshots) and Toys and Games (History Snapshots). An excellent series to bring history to life.

 Going to Hospital (The Big Day) by Nicola Barber

This reassuring book explains to children what happens if they need to go to hospital. With plenty of colour pictures of children and simple text, this shows children what to expect and gived them the chance to ask questions and discuss what will happen. There is also a list of words about hospitals and suggestions for further information. The series also includes First Day at School (The Big Day), A New Baby Arrives (The Big Day) and Moving House (Big Day). They are both an excellent classroom resource and ideal for parents to share with children facing big events in life.

Rangoli: Discovering the Art of Indian Decoration by Anuradha Ananth

Rangoli is Indian decoration for festival times. This simple book introduces the reader to these wonderful patterns, which can be quite simple or very complex. Every morning, Ajji's village is decorated with new rangoli in all shapes, sizes and patterns. But can Ajji have a rangoli in her flat? Of course she can, and the reader is shown how to make their own. A simple story with lovely pictures which gives an insight into a different culture.  

Bee Menu by Louise Spilsbury

The plight of honeybees (and all our bees, in fact) is well known, so it is good to see a new book for KS1 children about  these vital insects. This book has all the features needed for an early fact book, to enable children to learn research techniques - contents page, glossary and index guide the reader through the book, with its colourful pages, good size colour photographs and just the right amount of information.

The Ladybird Book Of British History by Tim Wood

This is an excellent introduction to British history for children in key stage 1. It is chronological, starting with the Romans in Britain and going up to the Second World War. It covers the key topics taught in KS1 but puts them all into context. Each topic is covered in one or two pages and the book covers a wide range, from the politics through to everyday life. Written in easy-to-understand language and illustrated throughout with colourful drawings, children will enjoy dipping into this book. There is a glossary and a comprehensive index. With its companion volume The Ladybird Book of Kings and Queens children will have a great start in learning about the history of our country.

 Insect Detective by Steve Voake

This lovely book uses poetic language to take the reader on an tour of different insects in their natural habitats. Few words are needed as so much is conveyed through the delicate illustrations. The insects include common and lesser known groups  and an identifying feature is described as the text tells the way to discover the insect. The book also clearly tells young children how to tell if the creature is NOT an insect. The book really encourages observation and an interest in the miniature worlds around us.

Elephants by James Maclaine

This is one in the Beginners series from Usborne Books - an excellent series of more than 50 books which covers a wide range of topics. Carefully designed to appeal to early readers, the books have accessible vocabulary and easy reading text, clear pictures, a contents page, index and glossary - all excellent for helping children to learn to use books for research. Elephants always fascinate children, so they will enjoy learning about how they live. Short chunks of of text and plenty of puctures make these books really fun to read.

RSPB First Book of Birds by Anita Ganeri and David Chandler

These four books, looking at flowers, birds, mammals and minibeasts, are a new series from A&C Black. Each comprises 35 common examples, ideal for children starting to show an interest in nature. Beautiful full-page illustrations are complemented by key information about each creature or flower. There are spotter's charts for children to complete, and links to Internet-based activities to extend children's knowledge. I really hope that there will be more to come in this series, as they make a wonderful introduction for children to the world around us, and they are so attactive and easy to use that children will find them a real encouragement. Minibeasts are a popular class topic for Early Years, so this would be an asset in the classroom. Birds are all around us, so wherever children are, they will spot some of these. Take a walk in the park and start to complete the spotter's guide in Mammals; or see how many of the Flowers you can spot.

All Around the World by Geraldine Cosneau

Take an exciting journey around the world in this unusual journey of discovery through different environments - savannah, countryside, ocean, forest, rainforest, the Outback, desert and the Arctic. Each one  is shown in a giant, fold-out panorama, with a set of stickers to bring the picture to life. When finished, the panoramas can be taken out and displayed - they will make a superb wall display for home or classroom - or they can be left in the book to be used again. On the reverse side of the panoramas are dot to dot pictures to complete. A brilliant way to introduce geography to young children, this is far superior to your average sticker book - fun and educational. 

 

 Smart Kids Animal A-Z by Louise Cornford

Sumptuously illustrated, this is far more than 'just' an ABC book. Beautiful colour photos depict each animal in its setting; brief information is given about each and a very useful size comparison is given for each. An excellent learning device is the use of colour to highlight key words, some of which are then explained in the glossary. The landscape format of this well designed book is perfect for presenting all the information and I particularly like the thick paper which make this a durable book - very useful as it will be used over and over and makes a great classroom resource..

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

This stunning large format book does exactly what it says - shows us creatures actual size. From the Atlas Moth, who takes up two pages, to an elephant's foot, which also takes up huge pages through many more animals, this book is a super way of helping children to visualise exactly how big these creature are.  The illustrations are really eye-catching and memorable. The book end with a summary of information about each animal, which is excelent support for the book.

Jack and Boo's Bucket of Treasures by Philip Bell 

I like the way this book is illustrated - colourful children are superimposed on photos of seaside views, making this an unusual book. Join Jack and Boo as they spend a day searching for treasure washed up by the tide onto the beach. This is an ideal book for children to take when they go on the beach - as well as an enjoyable story, each page illustrates some of the common things found on beaches. It perfectly captures the excitement children feel when exploring and highlights how much fun can be had on the shores of our own country. Try out the ideas at the end of the book with your own family. Go to www.beachybooks.com to find out more.

If Only by Neil Griffiths

A lovely introduction to the perenially popular topics of minibeasts and life cycles, this book works equally well as a story book and as non-fiction. The little black caterpillar tarvels around the garden, looking enviously at the beauty and talents of the other creatures...but by the end of the tale, he too is beautiful. Children will love the quirky use of text to highlight special words. Each double page spread has a vibrant and beautifully detailed glossy watercolour illustration by Judith Blake, plus little 'extras' on each page of text. Child-friendly text and plenty to talk about make this a book to read over and over.

Tadpole Story by Angela Royston

This is one in the White Wolves series for Year 2 readers. This series is ideal for guided reading, combining literacy and topic work and giving an added level of interest in reading to those not too keen on fiction. This book shows children just how that little black blob turns into a frog and shares that wonderful explanation through bright pictures and simple yet engaging text, written in the first person. Each page contains facts set out in differing ways, perfect for introducing children to the range of text styles they will need to be able to use. See the whole White Wolves Non-Fiction range here
 

 Jungle Crash by Sarah Levete

This book is subtitled 'Trouble in the Forest' and it contains food for thought for all of us. The importance of the jungle to a wide variety of aspects of life is clearly described, as is the importance of preserving this vital habitat. An excellent way to bring this to the attention of the youngest readers, whilst enjoying the experience of learning to read and gather knowledge. As with all in the White Wolves non-fiction series, the book is well laid out and ideal for teaching children how to get the best out of non fiction books. As a school librarian, this is just the type of book I would search out to use with Year 2 classes. Contents page, glossary, further reading and an index - it's all here.

Knight Survival Guide by Anna Claybourne

As with the rest of the series, this is written by an expert on the subject, thus ensuring children learn facts whilst developing reading skills. Learn about the excitement of becoming a knight and how to stay safe in this colourful book.
From ACBlack website: "The White Wolves brand is known for providing engaging books that children want to pick up, at a range of different reading levels – perfect for supporting progression.The new non-fiction strand reflects the range of non-fiction texts that children will come across in the real world, from guidebooks to cookbooks.They provide a fresh, high-interest look at core geography, history and science topics, and are ideal for classroom and topic libraries, and for teaching non-fiction literacy skills in a curriculum context. Ideal for guided reading sessions, helping teachers to combine literacy and topic teaching."