Nonfiction Fun- of the Chicken and the FLY Variety!

I've reached the end of a stressful week with a need for lighthearted humor with some actual substance at its base. Take a quick look at two unexpected and FUN nonfiction books, each on a topic that you might not suspect would  be appealing, engaging, or page-turning. That would be the wrong assumption to make. These two titles had flown beneath my radar during this year's releases, but came to me as CYBILS AWARDS nominees in the elementary nonfiction category.

It was joyful to take a close look at both of them, and I want to be sure that you haven't missed them!

CHICKENOLOGY: The Ultimate Encyclopedia is written by Barbara Sandri and  Francesco Giubbilini,  illustrated by Camilla Pintonato.

This cover had me instantly, and the content did not disappoint. I am not one of those folks who have become obsessive about chickens, but I do adore wonderful picture books. This encyclopedic approach introduces readers to all things chicken, from the familiar to the rare, from the descendants of dinosaurs to modern day hybrid and backyard cross breed dwellers. Along the way there are remarkable facts, relationships, comparisons, and oh, those illustrations.

 Download free Chickenology posters HERE.  Then stay tuned for the next title in this delightful approach- Pigology! I will be watching for it, too!

Charlesbridge, 2021

13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY is written by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by David Clark.

This remarkable book manages to balance appeal and grossness, scientific accuracy and lively humor, a simple rhymed countdown text, and explanatory/expository paragraphs and illustrations that share knowledge effectively while entertaining and fascinating readers. In this book I learned more than I ever thought I'd want to know about flies of various kinds, and now I want to hand this book to readers young and old. 

The back matter extends the humor and information with a nutrition chart for a typical fly, as well as an anatomy diagram to indicate the most nutritious parts to consume. Add to that the sources and references provided, and the added knowledge about the predators who are consuming this "fast food" in various ways, and this seemingly simple picture book offers the powerful content of a text book, but with vastly greater appeal.

So, if you happen to own chickens and see one snapping up a fly, this will be a dynamic duo of books to enjoy. If neither chickens nor flies ar part of your life, I dare you to read these anyway. My guess? you'll enjoy every minute you spend with them.