Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize

This is perfect for non-fiction lovers and for those who love to be able to share facts about animals.

There is a high level of detail and it touches on lots of complex processes (I did a biology degree and it mentions lots of things we studied at graduate level –  but in a very child-friendly way!). Each page has large illustrations or diagrams and the information on the page is organised into small chunks that make it easier for children to digest.

The text doesn’t shy away from using the correct scientific vocabulary, which I think is important. The book itself is also organised well as it is split into the different body systems with the information within each section sequenced logically. This is going to be super popular in our school library!

The History of Information by Chris Haughton gives the reader a fascinating insight into the evolution of information right from the start of human existence. Starting with the very first languages, cave paintings and taking us right through to Artificial Intelligence, there is such a lot of information to find and enjoy.

The sections of the book look at each major advancement in communication, from writing, drawing and printing through to the more modern information-sharing changes over the past one hundred years.

Whilst there are lots of fun facts, the book also does not shy away from presenting children with some of the more dangerous aspects of information; there are pages on propaganda as well as a thought-provoking section which looks at ‘Big Tech’ and how information can be used to control society.

Chris Haughton’s unique illustration style works well to give the book an enjoyably modern feel.