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.

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

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