Non-fiction for Inquisitive Kids

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A Story of the Seasons: A Year in Nature by Anna Wilson & Carolina Rabei (Nosy Crow)

A Story of the Seasons shares the beauty and wonder of nature through the year. With gorgeous double-page spreads focusing on different aspects of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Wiinter, this book will teach facts while fostering a love and respect for nature. Carolina Rabei’s soft yet detailed illustrations add so much to Anna Wilson’s lyrical text, promoting quality discussion. Created in partnership with the National Trust.

What a Wonderful World by Nicola Edwards & Luisa Uribe (Little Tiger)

Nakama means “friends who are like family.” Friolero means “someone who is always cold.” What a Wonderful World shares a fantastic collection of fascinating words from around the world that cannot be translated from their original language. Each double page includes the word, language, meaning, an interesting fact about the country and a beautiful illustration giving a flavour of the culture. This book will engage the keenest linguists and would also make a brilliant resource for a “word of the week” class discussion.

Everything You Know About the Human Body is Wrong by Emma Young & Maribel Lechuga (Nosy Crow)

This is not just another book about the human body. With easy access to the internet and greater knowledge, everyone seems to be an expert. Everything You Know About the Human Body explains some of the mistruths we easily believe and presents the facts in an accessible and fun way. Think you know how many senses you have, the purpose of the appendix or the effects of sugar on your behaviour? Think again.

There’s No Such Thing As A Silly Question by Mike Rampton & Guilherme Karsten (Nosy Crow)

Kids always have so many questions. Can spiders run out of web? Why does cutting onions make you cry? What’s the deal with Roman Numerals? Readers will discover the answers to these questions and so many more. This is a book to get kids thinking and promote indepth discussion on a range of topics. Why not present a “question of the week”, see what the class come up with and then read the answer together? Created in partnership with University of Cambridge.

How To Build A Rocket by Fran Scott & Paul Boston (Walker)

How to Build a Rocket is a fantastic book for the summer holidays. Filled with facts about how rockets work and the team of people behind them, it gives kids all the information they need to understand the science. Then clear, detailed instructions guide kids through building their own rockets step by step. This is so much more than just mentos and cola in a juice bottle – young scientists are encouraged to use thought, care and precision to create a really great rocket. Extra bits of information extend their understanding with each step.

Science Is Lit by Big Manny & Subi Bosa (Puffin)

Big Manny is a scientist who does cool experiments on Tik Tok. Now he’s sharing his investigations in this great book. Perfect for summer days at home, this is so much more than little bits of kitchen science. Clear explanations, facts to back up findings and opportunties to reflect on what they’ve done will ensure children take away knowledge and be able to apply it in the future. Following the scientific method and using technical language, these experiments support the scientific processes used in schools and help children extend their scientific understanding.

ROAR by Sam Quek (Allen & Unwin)

The Paris 2024 Olympics is the first where there has been an equal number of women and men competing. The profile of women in sport has been rising and continues to take centre stage. Roar: A Celebration of Great Sporting Women shares biographies and interviews with significant British sportswoman who have had a huge impact on their own sports and the wider sporting community. From Paula Radcliffe to Sky Brown to Rebecca Addlington, readers will be inspired by these modern day heroes. Written by Olympic gold medalist Sam Quek, this book gives a unique perspective on the wonders of sport.

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