Showing posts with label Fantastic Non-Fiction. Show all posts

The Six Queens of Henry VIII by Honor Cargill-Martin

Ad: Sponsored Post Think You Know the Lives of the Wives?   Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.

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Think You Know the Lives of the Wives? 

Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.


50 Words about Nature Series

Ad: Sponsored Post If you are looking for the perfect books to gift this Christmas then this nature series is my top recommendation for youn...

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If you are looking for the perfect books to gift this Christmas then this nature series is my top recommendation for younger readers!


Inspiring Back 2 School Books with Books2Door

AD: Sponsored Post  The bairns are back to school and I’ve got the perfect kids books to get them inspired for the year of learning ahead! 

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The bairns are back to school and I’ve got the perfect kids books to get them inspired for the year of learning ahead! 


Wild Animals of the World by Dieter Braun

  AD: Sponsored Post “ The most stylish children’s book of 2022 award goes to: Wild Animals of the World.

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The most stylish children’s book of 2022 award goes to: Wild Animals of the World.


It's Tough to Be Tiny by Kim Ryall Woolcock & Stacey Thomas

AD: Sponsored Post It’s survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom. So how do the tiniest creatures tough it out?

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It’s survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom. So how do the tiniest creatures tough it out?


Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr Dominic Walliman & Ben Newman

  AD: Sponsored Post Professor Astro Cat is without a doubt the world’s smartest (and most stylish) feline scientist explorer and we have l...

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Professor Astro Cat is without a doubt the world’s smartest (and most stylish) feline scientist explorer and we have loved joining the gang on many adventures. 


Bandoola by William Gril

    AD: Sponsored Post Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue by William Grill is just further proof to my firmly held believe that picture bo...

 

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Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue by William Grill is just further proof to my firmly held believe that picture books are for grown ups too. The importance on the ‘too’ because kids and adults alike will be enchanted by this one! But I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down and reading this with a cup of tea and no children around.

Factastic Non-Fiction Christmas Gift Guide

I adore illustrated non-fiction and think that it makes a wonderful gift for adults and children alike. I love learning new things and alway...

I adore illustrated non-fiction and think that it makes a wonderful gift for adults and children alike. I love learning new things and always turn to children's illustrated fiction when I am looking for a place to start as it gives you all the information you need in a beautiful format and without being overwhelming. It's also a great way to support your children in their passions - be in nature, vehicles, space, cookery, ballet, the list goes on. There's a non-fiction book for topic and therefore for everyone!

Before I share, I just want to say that there are many many great books out there but these are some of my favourites that I have discovered this year. It would be impossible to compile a fully comprehensive list so this is more of a highlights guide. If you want to see our gift guides from last year, or any of our other gift guides from this year you can find them all linked here. I've tried to include a variety of books so that there is something for everyone.



Encyclopaedias & Anthologies

One of the recommendations that I have been asked to make recently is for good encyclopaedias. I'm assuming that lots of parents ...


One of the recommendations that I have been asked to make recently is for good encyclopaedias. I'm assuming that lots of parents are looking for them in response to the lockdown and people needing to home school and home educate their children and encyclopaedias are a great way to get lots of information on multiple topics all in one place. I know as a child I loved the two encyclopaedias that we had and I can vividly remember their covers as well as revisiting the same favourite pages over and over. We don't have a huge number of encyclopaedias as yet because the bairns are only 5 and (almost - this week!) 3 so there aren't many that are age appropriate. However, BookBairn has recently become fascinated by the anthologies we have, which are both big hefty books like encyclopaedias but are all on one theme - nature or animals in these cases. She loves flicking through them and identifying the images as well as letting us read aloud some of the facts for her to absorb. I have been keeping some for BookBairn to 'grow into' in my book archive (storage boxes in our shed!) as couldn't justify the shelf space until she got a little older so think I dug those out and collated a list as well as restocked our bookshelves.

As I've mentioned my kids are only little so I don't have many encyclopaedias for older children, however I have done as extensive research as is possible without having access to a bookshop browse or library collection and created a list on my amazon shop which is tagged at the bottom of this post.

I've also done something I rarely do and pop an age recommendation on the end of each review but do remember that many books aimed at older readers are accessible to younger children in different ways - either with parents reading aloud or through exploring the illustrations which can be just as (and more) valuable as reading the text.


Earth Day Books

Today is Earth Day! So I thought I would celebrate by sharing three of my favourite books about this wonderful rock that we live on! ...


Today is Earth Day! So I thought I would celebrate by sharing three of my favourite books about this wonderful rock that we live on! Taking time to appreciate and celebrate our wonderful planet and all the flora and fauna that live on it is the first step in encouraging children to learn to love, protect and cherish the Earth. With each orbit round the sun we learn more and more about Earth and I hope that we realise more and more how much we need to work together making small and big changes to reduce our impact on all that live here. So here are my three favourites that remind us that Earth is much bigger than we are, and yet we are central to it's destruction and protection.


Going to School Picture Book

*Updated Post So the summer holidays have started in Scotland and that means six (or seven) weeks of full-time fun and play. It al...



*Updated Post

So the summer holidays have started in Scotland and that means six (or seven) weeks of full-time fun and play. It also means there are only a few weeks until some little children start school for the first time. And if you want to prepare them for that, reading Going to School books are a great way to talk about it.

Generally I don't find "my first.." sorts of books to be all that exciting. Useful, practical, but not exciting. Not true for Going to School by Rose Blake. This is really brilliant. It is an exploration of a day in the life of a little girl at school following her all day from her journey to school to when she gets picked up at the end of the day. And it highlights almost every important feature of the day! We also meet a whole cast of her classmates for vary in all shapes, sizes, colours and ambitions!


The day starts with everyone walking, scooting, cycling, busing, driving... to school and entering the classroom to hang up their coats and bags at the pegs. And this page is perfectly depicted (except the cloakroom is a lot tidier than I have ever seen one). Miss Balmer has written the timetable on the whiteboard and discusses the plan for the day with the children and then they are off on a journey of fun learning! The book shares some of the main subjects taught in school from geography, PE, science to maths and literacy but it also shows multiple activities on each page so you get a feel for various sort of science lessons that Miss Balmer has done with the children or a selection of activities that the children use the computer for. Similarly at play and lunch times the children are all doing different things so you can get a feel for the variety that happens in school.


And this is the charm of the book. Whilst it is told from the viewpoint of one character, there is so much going that you can discuss! So even if you don't ride your scooter to school you can spot a child getting there the way you do. Or doing an art activity that you enjoy. Or acting out one of the many jobs the children want to do when they are older. You can easily find yourself, or your child in this book. I would love to think that I was a little like Miss Balmer when I was teaching - she just seems awesome and it's no wonder her class adore her.


And I just want to have a special mention to the text about reading time because it sings to my soul: "Your imagination can take you to lots of exciting places when you're reading!" Could this book be any more perfect?


Good luck to any little ones starting school this year! 
Kim, BookBairn and The Wee Page Turner xx



Disclaimer: This book was sent by the publisher for review but I gave my copy away to a friend when her little boy started school so I bought myself a copy! Words and opinions are my own. Please read our Review Policy  if you want to know more. If you click on the image of the book below you will be sent to Amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link.  This means that if you choose to purchase on Amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-90p per book) from Amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog post please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our For Readers Section.


Books About the Moon

Next week (on the 20th) marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Moon Landings so if you want to brush up your knowledge before then, or h...


Next week (on the 20th) marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Moon Landings so if you want to brush up your knowledge before then, or have a little one who is fascinated by the event then we've picked out some of the best Moon non-fiction for you. There are lots of wonderful picture book adventures about the Moon (we shared our favourite Space adventures last week - some of which are specifically Moon adventures) but there are so many I couldn't share all of them - I did share some of our favourites some time ago in a post To the Moon and Back but as I say the Moon holds such a fascination for many of us it's no wonder that there are so many children's stories about its gaze, glow and wonder.

But without further ado...

Little World: To the Moon by Allison Black & Stuart Atkinson



This is one for the very littlest readers in your house - it says on the back for children aged 2+ but as you know we believe in reading to children from the earliest possible chance so for us this is perfect for babies too! With a gentle narrative, this book is a lovely introduction to a guiding children on their first space adventure. But best of all, they get to take part in the adventure by pushing, pulling and sliding the moving mechanisms to explore the story. And we adore the double fold-out blast off return to Earth scene at the end. This has a soft colour palette to making it perfect for bedtime and night-time moon gazing! It is super for curious little ones to get in on the Moon Landing anniversary action and learn about the world around them (and beyond!).


The Moon by Hannah Pang & Thomas Hegbrook



This book is stunning. Before I begin I want to say that it's aimed at kids older than 8+ and I usually share books aimed at BookBairn's age so I wanted to let you know before you get excited about this beauty. But it's just too good not to share with you. This book is a beautiful tribute to the wonder of the Moon. It will take you on a journey of discovery of the history of man's relationship with the Moon. Highly informative with stunning illustrations this is the perfect book for any want to be astronomer, astronaut, mathematician, poet of artist alike as is it's subject. The Press Release describes it as "a comprehensive guide to all things lunar" but it is so much more beautiful than that. And usually when I get a book aimed at older than BookBairn I find it a good home with the appropriate aged child or give it to a school, but not this beauty - it's been saved in the for future box. But if you have a child who is all excited by the Moon Landings and is a little older then this book truly is the most beautiful and fascinating way to learn about it! 


Night-time Around the World: Moon by Britta Teckentrup & Patricia Hegarty



I just adore this series of books by Britta Teckentrup as they are incredibly beautiful. So many of the pages would make stunning artwork for your walls never mind beneath the pages of a picture book. In my post, 'When Illustrations Become Art', I said: 

"For BookBairn, there is, without a doubt, nothing more important to her when reading books than the illustrations. She feels them, touching the pages, she pours over them turning page after page after page. She can't read the words. And as much as she enjoys listening to stories read aloud to her, it's primarily the illustrations that determine her favourites."


And I think this is probably true for us grown-ups too! Night-time Around the World: Moon is an atmospheric book that will take you on a journey through the dusky peek-through pages under the light of a shimmering moon from woodlands full of night-time creatures, to antarctic skies, to sunny beaches and to (my favourite) the northern lights. Featuring animals as diverse as jellyfish, turtles, bears, penguins and puffins to name a few, this really is a mesmerising book. The die-cut pages means that little ones can see the shape of the moon change before their eyes. The rhymthical text of Patricia Hegarty should not be forgotten amongst the stunning artwork as it too is beautiful. But mostly this series is intricate, innovative and incredible! This really is breath-taking. And if you don't want a copy for your kids - make sure to get one for you!

When We Walked on the Moon by David Long & Sam Kalda




Another book aimed at older readers (which we have also stashed in our for future box), it tells the story of the Apollo Missions. This is a lovely book which focuses on the stories of the astronauts, looking beyond the facts to the human stories behind the missions. They are incredible, hilarious and terrifying in equal measure and share the vivid colour of the heroic triumphs of the six manned moon landings. I love the blend of narrative and fact sharing - a very appealing read! With sharp and crisp illustrations suited to a more grown-up audience (of children aged 7+) this is a beautiful (and oversized) book. If you have ever looked up at the Moon and wondered about the moon then this is for you!

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker & Dow Phumiruk



You quite possibly never would have heard about the accomplishments of Katherine Johnson had her life not been depicted in the film Hidden Figures. And thank goodness we have, for now we know that without the mathematical genius of Katherine we might never have put a man on the moon fifty years ago! Based on interviews with Katherine and her family, the author has brought to life the story of a little girl who loved numbers, who fought for her place, to go on to make an enormous contribution to history. This is a gentle but bold story that will stay with little ones long after the Moon has 'gone to bed' and will inspire them to count, calculate and dream big! The illustrations are a beautiful depiction of Katherine's life and the endpapers are some of my favourites ever!


I hope that has you wanting to blast off into a Moon adventure! And if it's got your little one excite dabout Space why not check out our blog post of the most fascinating Non-Fiction Space books that we've read?!
Happy exploring!
Kim and the bairns x


Disclaimer: We were sent all these books free for review purposes by the publishers (except Goodnight Spaceman which we borrowed from the library). Words and opinions are my own. If you click on the title or image of the book you will be sent to amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-70p per book) from amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our 'For Our Readers' section.




Non-Fiction Books About Space

Get ready to Blast Off because we are going crazy for Space books at the moment and so are publishers! This year (on 20th July!) mark...


Get ready to Blast Off because we are going crazy for Space books at the moment and so are publishers! This year (on 20th July!) marks fifty years since the Moon Landings so there have been lots and lots of great releases of books about our galaxy and the Moon. Because there are so many I've divided them up over three separate posts: this first one of non-fiction books about Space and our Solar System, and then there will be two further posts - one with books about The Moon and another with great fiction titles about Space travel and aspiring astronauts.

In this post I collated six of the best non-fiction books we have about Space and our Solar System - some new and some older ones that we have had for a while. Hope you find the all useful!

First Facts and Flaps: Super Space by Lon Lee



Fun Facts and Flaps: Super Space is pitched just perfectly for BookBairn, aged four, as it's the perfect blend between simple facts, lift-the-flaps, turn-and-learn wheels and colourful scenes! Perfect for preschoolers and older toddlers who will discover the wonders of the stars, planets, the Moon and space travel in a fun, interactive and engaging way. The colourful, bright illustrations are sweet and charming too. With a giant fold-out ending, this book is a spectacular blend between plan and learning!


First Explorers: Astronauts by Christiane Engel



This First Explorers series (from a variety of authors and illustrators) are truly fascinating first information books. The illustrations in this series are absolutely brilliant! So colourful! But the part that really gets little ones engaged is the interactive paper mechanisms that they have to push, pull, slide and turn to reveal more facts or make, for example, the astronauts move or the rocket blast into Space. BookBairn can't get enough of these mechanisms! She loved them in the First Stories books too. And similarly they are super sturdy and pretty indestructible (four years and two bookworms later and they are all still in one piece). This Astronauts book is done in collaboration with the Science Museum so they are perfect for budding astronauts and little scientists.



Hello World: Solar System by Jill McDonald







Babies and toddlers will love this bright and vibrant book all about the wonders of the world around them and this one from the Hello World series will have them gazing upon the sky with wonder. It shares the very basic concepts of our solar system: the moon, the planets, the sun and the stars in a simple way that very young readers can enjoy, understand and learn from. And Solar System is such a colourful and joyful book your little readers will be so mesmerised they probably won't even notice that they are learning as you read!




Scratch & Learn: Space by Lucy Brownridge & Victoria Fernandez






Definitely one of the coolest non-fiction series we’ve seen! Through Scratch and Learn: Space you can travel into Space, discover the constellations and explore the Planets as well as take apart a rocket by using the clever scratch and discover patches. Each page explorers a different element of Space from the life cycle of a Star, the make-up of our Solar System and see inside Spacecraft through the 10 different scratch on each page. This is a great book for all ages - BookBairn loves it as she likes to find things, older kids would be fascinated by the different facts, and grown ups will find scratching the pages immensely satisfying! The illustrations are wonderful too and the facts are so interesting that I think it will stand the test of time even after it’s all scratched. After you've scratched them it's got a list so that you can use the book as a seek and find. Definitely a fun interactive one!



Life on Earth: Space by Heather Alexander & Andres Lozano






Can we first just talk about how cute these illustrations are? From the two children who explore and investigate throughout the book to the style of boxes of information arranged in a geometric grid that is a visual delight. And if you want to look a little further into that telescope and learn more about Space then this book answers over 100 questions about the topic. But what makes this book so wonderful? It is lift-the-flap. Over 70 flaps. Want to know the answer to the questions, you have to lift the flap. Such a fun and interactive way to engage little ones in non-fiction. I would say the information and style of these books are still a little complex for BookBairn in places, though she does like to lift the flaps anyway and is beginning to understand a bit more of this one now that she is four. Definitely better for 4+ but they are absolutely superb! 

Little Explorers: Outer Space by Ruth Martin & Allan Sanders






There are lots of great books in this series and we've had a few for a while but I think BookBairn has now grown into them! This Outer Space book also has lift-the-flaps and cool illustrations so she can explore the facts as she reads. I love the mix of interesting and realistic illustrations alongside more cartoon-y representations of the planets which will make them more appealing to little ones to learn their names and facts about them. The whole series really are great 'little explorer' books with lots of facts, life-the-flaps and fun illustrations and with so many titles there's a perfect book for everyone.


I hope you have found some great new Space books to add to your collection! And don't forget to keep an eye out for my two other Space blog posts coming soon!
Happy exploring!
Kim and the bairns x


Disclaimer: We were sent all these books free for review purposes by the publishers. Words and opinions are my own. If you click on the title or image of the book you will be sent to amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-70p per book) from amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our 'For Our Readers' section.


 


Read With Me

Picture Books about Nature

There are lots of wonderful books about nature being released at the moment - perhaps it's because we get to spend more time out do...


There are lots of wonderful books about nature being released at the moment - perhaps it's because we get to spend more time out doors now that the weather is improving! But also it's because in 2015, a group of authors raised concerns over the loss of around 50 words relating to nature and the countryside from the Oxford Junior Dictionary. Whilst the dictionary is updated to reflect word usage, it means the removal of these words more than likely reflects a decreased engagement with the natural environment. So here are six great new books to get you back talking about nature!

The Green Giant by Katie Cottle




If you are looking for a book whose illustrations will literally take your breath away, then you have to get your green fingers on a copy of The Green Giant. It is truly truly spectacular. It tells the story of a young girl, Bea, who is visiting her grandfather in the countryside, far from the big grey city that she lives in. And she finds it rather slow and boring, until she finds a new and unexpected friend in the Green Giant who is hiding away on an old greenhouse. A giant made entirely of plants! The giant opens Bea's eyes to the wonders of nature and the magic of greenery and together they set off on a mission to make the city (and the world) a greener place. This fits with everything I want to share with the bairns about being concerned about our environment but in a way that little children can understand. And the illustrations are so striking - the contrast between the grey city and the greenery is incredibly poignant. It's just beautiful.

A Walk Through Nature by Libby Walden & Clover Robin




It's hard to imagine a book that captures the beauty of nature better than the wonderful images created through the collages of Clover Robin. Her artwork is just sensational. With beautiful intricacy as well as sweeping landscapes it really is a marvel. I love the scenes of the rabbits hopping in the fields, the shells on the seashore and the swallows sailing across the skies. With lyrical accompanying poems as well as facts about how the leaves change colour, migration and baby animals, there really is a lot to treasure in this marvellous book. This beautiful book (in prose and in illustration) addresses that loss of language and will help to bridge the gap by not only sharing all these wonderful words with children but also encouraging an enthusiasm about the natural world. Taking you on a Walk Through Nature, this book is a wonder! Clover's books about birds and bugs are also spectacular! (We reviewed them here.)


Sea by Patricia Hegarty & Britta Teckentrup



If you are a fan of picture books, like us, then you will probably be familiar with the beautiful artwork of Britta Teckentup. Her books are truly spectacular visual wonders (in fact they feature in over twenty blog posts that I have written - here's a favourite!). And it will come as no surprise to you that she has done it again! Her newest in a series of nature books that explore the world around us, Sea, takes you deep beneath the waves explore that beautiful sea! Britta Teckentrup has created a magical world for little readers. It is completely enchanting. Using an intricate collage style, rainbow-hues and luscious colours, she has created a colourful array of sea creatures from tiny seahorses to giant humpback whaled. Every page is delight! The die-cuts throughout the book engage little fingers with exploring the pages. Patricia Hegarty poetically tells the story of the importance of our oceans. In rhyming couplets she brings to life the mesmerising story of the world beneath the waves. Beautiful and Spectacular.

Little Bear's Spring by Elli Woollard & Briony May Smith



Little Bear has just woken up from his long winter sleep. As he gently steps out on to the snow around him the world seems vast and silent. He nestles a little stone into his fur - perhaps he empathises with it seeming lost and alone? - and together they set off on adventure to explore the emerging Spring world and make new friends. Such a lovely lyrical story with some of the most enchanting illustrations we have come across, you will just fall in love with bear. So much so that you'll be reading him all year round - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter!! Such a breath-taking book with incredible landscapes. Such a joy to read!⠀

The Nature Girls by AKI Delphine Mach




“We’re the Nature Girls! We must explore. We pack our bags, we’re out the door...”

This book is such a delight and brings back lots of memories of reading Madeline as a child with its little girls in straight lines (though not whilst adventuring obviously!) and rhythmic rhyming prose. The bold Nature Girls are ready for whatever nature throws at them. In the sequel to The Weather Girls’, The Nature Girls pack their bags and start their journey exploring all sorts of different natural habitats around the world. From swimming to the depths of the oceans, sailing the seven seas, sledging across the Arctic tundra, camel rides across the desert, climbing trees in the jungle and more, these girls really do explore all that the great outdoors has to offer. Bringing to life all the wonderful corners of the natural world your little ones will want to follow this bright group of girls on their adventures. With stunning illustrations and lots of fun nature facts, this rhyming picture because one that you read over and over again. 

Look and Say at the Seaside by Sebastien Braun



As you know we live very very close to the Seaside so we love books that are set on the shore. And this one is a delight because it's a search and find book (check out more search and find books in this blog post!) and both kids enjoy looking at it together! Along the bottom of each page is a glossary/seek-and-find list and there additional, more challenging questions in the illustration, which makes it perfect for both children as The Wee Page Turner can manage the simple words and BookBairn the more challenging parts. This is great as there's room for growth in this book meaning that your little one won't get bored of it too quickly! But most importantly in this seek-and-find book is that the illustrations are enchanting. Sebastien Braun illustrates the Can You Say It Too? series for the same publisher and we love those books too. I find his style so engaging which is exactly what you want from these sorts of books. The focus on British wildlife is also wonderful for us (it was made in collaboration with the National Trust) as the bairns can relate to the creatures she sees from terns to surfers to mussel shells to limpets and oystercatchers (though some of the ocean wildlife like porpoises and whales are a bit out of our viewfinder - and I hope we don't come across any grass snakes though I remember seeing one in my garden as a child!). So not only can we look together at this book we can take what we have spotted (and learned the words for) and seek-and-find them when out for seaside strolls!


I hope that inspires you to get back to nature, take your books outdoors and go on an explore of your local area! Or to dig out your nature books and create a book spine poem about nature like I did recently.

I've also added a new 'Books about Nature' section to my Amazon shop!

Happy exploring!
Kim and the bairns x



Disclaimer: We were sent all these books free for review purposes by the publishers. Words and opinions are my own. If you click on the title or image of the book you will be sent to amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-70p per book) from amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our 'For Our Readers' section.





#KidLitPicks February Round-Up - Trailblazers

Where would we be as a society without trailblazers? They are often the first people to do something or go somewhere and they show us t...


Where would we be as a society without trailblazers? They are often the first people to do something or go somewhere and they show us that it is also possible for other people to do the same. Whether they are the explorers from days before, inventors that chose to make something that everyone said was impossible to current trailblazers that are defying people's expectations of them, these humble heroes inspire both adults and children alike.

During February the @kidlitpicks book club found and shared books that pay tribute to these amazing people. Thanks to Natalie from Living by the Page for the empowering theme!



Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Paola Escobar
“This stunningly beautiful picture book biography of the influential librarian, storyteller, advocate and trailblazer Pura Belpré warms the heart and soul” — Summer from @readingisourthing


When an Elephant Falls in Love, by Davide Cali and Alice Lotti
There's a lot of of it going on this month in terms of holidays, but I want to discuss something else worth celebrating: love." — Mel from @spiky_penelope

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Laika the Astronaut by Owen Davey
“It’s a great way to open up debates about the ethics of animals in space and to appreciate what they did for space exploration.” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit


Malala's Magic Pencil, by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët
Her story is brought to life in these pages in a way that young readers can really be inspired by.” —  Kim from 


J.K. Rowling: Boss the Bestseller List (Work It, Girl), by Caroline Moss and Sinem Erkas
J.K. Rowling continues to inspire people the world over and this inside look at her life, replete with quotes and collage-style art, also provides 10 tips for young readers to implement in their own lives.” — Miranda from @bookbloom


Black Music Greats: 40 Inspiring Icons, by Olivier Cachin and Jerome Masi"From blues to rap, spanning 80+ years of black music history, each double spread features a brief biography and many include a suggested discography to build the ultimate playlist” — Miranda from @bookbloom


The Polar Bear Explorer's Club, by Alex Bell and Tomislav Tomic
“Reading it together piqued their interest and they couldn't wait to finish it and now they're looking forward to the sequel.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_


Stephen Hawking (Little People Big Dreams), by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Matt Hunt
J.K. Rowling continues to inspire people the world over and this inside look at her life, replete with quotes and collage-style art, also provides 10 tips for young readers to implement in their own lives Carissa from @bookskidslove_


Waiting for Pumpsie, by Barry Wittenstein and London Ladd
“This is an inspiring and feel good story about equality and change.” — Charnaie from @hereweeread


Mae Among the Stars, by Roda Ahmed and Stasia Burrington
“I just had the best time sharing this beautiful book and project with my son’s first grade class!” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts


Mother Teresa (Little People Big Dreams), by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Natascha Rosenberg
"Do small things with great love. If that isn't blazing a trail, I don't know what is." –– Natalie from @livingbythepagewithnatalie


Super Scientists: 40 Inspiring Icons,  by Anna Blanchard and Tino
“These trailblazers led the way to thinking outside the box and learning how the world around us works.” — Michelle from @the.book.report



OUR MARCH THEME IS:




“Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.” —Albus Dumbledore.
Books are truly magical objects that can transport us into a whole other world without us ever having to leave the comfort of our chair! And in children's books that magic is all the more powerful. With characters that children connect with, stories that lift you into an adventure, illustrations that create a whole other world, picture books and children's novels capture the imagination like no other. Sometimes books which create magic aren't always the ones you expect because it's in the sharing of the story that the magic comes to life. This month we are looking for a little spark of magic! Share with us the books that have worked a little magic in your home with your children. They might not be the most beautiful, or the most well-known but if they have sparked magic in your heart then they are truly special books and need to be shared.
I got to choose the theme this month so I would be especially excited to see your shares!!

We’d love for you to get involved by sharing a favourite magical read and tagging it with #kidlitpicks_magic.

Happy Reading,

The #KidLitPicks Team and Kim x