Here are a few short notes about several of the nearly one hundred nominees for elementary nonfiction books. From resource/reference books to superb storytelling, there are plenty of holiday gift ideas for young readers you know:
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| Creative Editions, 2024 |
The publisher's description of this lively content calls it a compendium, and it truly is that. With elements of the natural world intended as art and craft media, the narrative text provides concise and accessible information about nature and science, while sparking awe at the diversity of our environment, its functions, and its potentials.
This is a "just right" book for crafty kids (and adults) but will likely invite curious observers to examine its pages and perhaps give a few activities a try. Great for school and home libraries, or even as a table top book.
WELBECK CHILDREN'S BOOKS, 2024
MEET THE CATS, by Kate Peridot, is a title that will introduce readers to a series. If you love this one, check out the other nonfiction topics they offer.
This adventure-packed nonfiction picture book invites readers to tag along on a virtual global search for the "Big Cats" of the planet. Each depiction reveals distinct species differences but also provides parallels to other big cats and cats as a broader category. The repetitive patterns within the content presented allow for clear comparisons, and the premise of ma young child making the trip has deep appeal. The early notes to prepare with camera, notebook, and art supplies offer strong support for field work and full engagement in the process of observation and analysis in the field.
The young adventurer uses the information provided to consider preferences and/or engagement.
The connection to the pet cat at home is not only charming, but allows for preview of facts and agency for the young observer.
And here's a title for those who savor flight, space, humor, and history: Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars, by Jonathon Roth. I had this (and more) to say about it in a recent post:
This delightful nonfiction picture book is a winner on many levels. First, progressively smaller swatches of sturdy muslin fabric (woven for use as the ubiquitous but unglamorous role of becoming underwear) are showcased in their roles in aviation history. Spanning the years from 1903, and experimental situations from Dayton, Ohio to Mars, this clever and true account of lesser known science history is gently personified with two eyes and a set of expressive eyebrows.
That muslin cloth served as wing coverings for the Wright Brothers early attempts, with a small swatch honored as part of a travel pouch accompanying Neil Armstrong on the first Moon landing. Decades later an even tinier swatch from that original bolt of fabric became part of the experimental helicopter flight on Mars, launched by one of the Mars Rovers. This appealing cloth/character makes the span of more than a century read cohesively and compellingly.
Next, the illustration approach uses a visually clever technique, mounting full spreads or small inserts of photographic images from actual sites in Dayton, from Kitty Hawk, from the lunar module and the first Moon landing, on to helicopter test flights on Mars. Those dramatically anchoring images are inset with (or framed by) charmingly simple art that depicts the people and activities that are depicted.
Finally, the subject matter of flight, space exploration, following dreams, and innovation are strong hooks for many ages and backgrounds. The backmatter includes a helpful author note as well as an illustrated glossary/explainer about six of the advanced technology tools being used in space exploration. This will be a hit and offers a bibliography for anyone seeking further details! Don't miss other titles by this space-loving author!
And that's only a few of the many remarkable books I enjoyed reading and evaluating since nominations began. You can find more great titles in this link to other CYBILS nominees in nonfiction and other categories. HERE. Books are a superb gift, at the holidays or any time!
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