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Topic: Top-Notch Non-Fiction

One Million Insects

Non-fiction

Did you know that without insects, humankind could not survive?

This illustrated, fact-filled title explores the huge variety of insects on our planet, with a focus on what makes an insect an insect, the differences between the groups, and why insects are the most important animal group on Earth.

Broken down into sections exploring each of the main types of insect, each section takes a different, playfully visual approach to really capture the character of the insects in the order being explored. As well as including practical advice for observing insects safely, a section at the back of the book describes ways to help insects and encourage them into a garden no matter how small.

Stuff

Non-fiction

Do you ever wonder where your stuff comes from, and what happens to it when you’re finished with it? Did you know that you can make paper out of elephant poo? And plastic packaging out of seaweed? And did you know that if you throw away an old T-shirt, it can take 200 years to break down?

Written and researched by Maddie Moate, the star of CBBC’s Do You Know? and Let’s Go Live with Maddie and Greg, and illustrated by Paul Boston, this book is full of mind-bursting facts and extraordinary stories of the ingenious ways people around the world, and across history, have made, used and re-used the stuff around them.

Antarctica

Non-fiction

Antarctica was only discovered 200 years ago and since its discovery, explorers, sailors, and scientists have been travelling to the world’s only uninhabited continent to learn all they can about its icy environment. This book follows the story of a group of researchers on their half-year stay in Antarctica. Their goal was to examine the animals, plants, atmosphere, weather, and fossils in the area. Through full-page illustrations, children will experience the work and life of these explorers and scientists as they study penguins, whales, and seals, measure the depth of the ice, chart wind speeds of up to 186 mph (300km/h), examine old volcanoes, and withstand some of the lowest temperatures ever recorded. Kids will also learn about Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott, the legendary explorers who first set foot on Antarctica. Equal parts thrilling adventure and in-depth exploration, this book is an unforgettable illustrated expedition to Antarctica that is sure to satisfy the boldest bedtime traveler.

A History of the World in 25 Cities

Non-fiction

A stunningly illustrated book of extraordinary city maps, telling the story of human civilisation throughout history.

A gorgeous, large-format gift hardback with a stunning neon cover, A History of the World in 25 Cities features 25 beautifully illustrated city maps from all over the world, from ancient history to the present day. Readers can visit cities from every inhabited continent on Earth, from the walled city of Jericho built over 10,000 years ago, to the modern-day metropolis of Tokyo, the most-densely populated city in the world today.

Featuring vibrant, beautifully detailed artwork from Libby VanderPloeg, each carefully researched map takes readers on a city tour at a unique moment in time – from exploring Athens in ancient Greece during the birth of democracy, to walking the beautiful lamplit streets of medieval Benin, deep in the West African rainforest. Readers can even visit China’s long-lost capital city of Xianyang – a city for which no original map exists, which was brought to life with support from the British Museum’s fantastic team of experts.

Amazing Islands

Non-fiction

Discover 100 of the planet’s most magical islands – their wildlife, trees, diversity, people, treasures, and more – in this beautifully illustrated book.

From islands that have been taken over by animals to disappearing islands, islands made of shells, artificial islands, and even islands that were once prison colonies, Amazing Islands is a whirlwind tour of some of the smallest land masses in the world.

Discover the Galapagos islands, home of giant tortoises, penguins, boobies of all colours. Or visit Jiangxin Park in China, a natural island with an awe-inspiring, giant bookshop. Islands can be home to giant cities, colonies of cats or crabs; they have been hideouts for pirates and have given rise to astonishing scientific discoveries. Amazing Islands celebrates island life in all its extraordinary diversity.

The Greeks

Non-fiction

Were charioteers the highest-paid athletes in history?

How did Heracles slay the many-headed Hydra?

Did the Greeks invent the world’s most bloodthirsty sport?

Readers can discover the truth behind some of the most incredible ancient Greek stories and superstitions and unearth the most fascinating aspects of an ancient culture in this immersive book. With flaps to lift on every page, there’s plenty of history to uncover.

What’s the Weather?

Non-fiction

Discover the science behind wild and wonderful weather in this fact-packed book!

Ever wondered what causes thunderstorms, how snowflakes form, or why our climate is changing? Get all the answers to these questions and more in this children’s book about the weather!

Inside the pages of this responsibly sourced science picture book from DK Books, you’ll discover:

– Beautiful illustrations to introduce scientific topics in a simple and accessible way
– Stand out facts are presented clearly on each spread
– Easy to understand text teaches children about climate change, meteorology, and geography
– The science behind hot, cold, wet, and wild weather suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 development

From heatwaves and big freezes to tornadoes and fog, this science book gives your budding meteorologist a glimpse into all the action that happens in the sky. Learn about all kinds of weather and marvel at how powerful it can be!

At a time when extreme weather is becoming more and more common, this eco-focused book is perfect for getting your little one clued up about the environment. Throughout the pages of this colourful and energetic STEM book, your child will discover fun facts about the weather. They will also learn everything there is to know about global warming, the seasons and even record-breaking weather phenomena!

Become a Weather Expert in No Time

This educational book tells a riveting story about how big, amazing, and wonderful our weather really is – but it’s told from the child’s perspective. The book itself has also been produced as sustainably as possible, made with responsibly sourced materials and soy inks. It’s the perfect gift for environmentally conscious kids aged 5-9.

Climate Action

Non-fiction

This book is about changing the world for the better.
It’s about how we all have the power to make a real difference.
And it’s also about the many incredible young people, just like you, who are
already taking action at a time when change is most needed.

This is a book about climate change, and the actions we can take in preventing it. From its causes and the effects they have on our beautiful planet, to the changes we can make, young eco enthusiasts will love finding out more about this global crisis.

With vibrant artwork from Katie Rewse and engaging text from Georgina Stevens, Climate Action is a positive guide to the changes, both big and small, we can make. From sustainable shopping to pollution-tackling green roofs, there are so many exciting innovations which are helping us in our quest to save the planet. What’s more, profiles about the young change-makers making waves to save our planet encourage young learners to join the environmental movement.

Inspiring, informative and uplifting, this is the perfect handbook for being the change we want to see. A tree will be planted for every copy sold in the UK.

Curious Creatures Glowing in the Dark

Non-fiction

Did you know that under the sea, deep in the forest, and out in the desert there are creatures that make light all by themselves? The Earth is full of curious creatures that really do glow in the dark.

From fireflies and sea turtles to puffins (yes, puffins!), scorpions and squirrels, this beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book reveals a hidden world of amazing glowing animals. How do they glow? And what is the brightest creature of all? Read on to find out all sorts of fascinating facts about these incredible creatures. Children will discover how and why these creatures glow, and explore how humans have tried to harness their dazzling skills. A perfect book for children with a curiosity to learn more about the wonderful animals we share our planet with.

How Was That Built?

Non-fiction

Join Roma Agrawal, the award-winning structural engineer who worked on The Shard, for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at some of the world’s most amazing landmarks.

Meet the extraordinary people who challenged our beliefs about what’s possible, pioneering remarkable inventions that helped build the Brooklyn Bridge in the US, the Pantheon in Italy, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Shard in England and the Sapporo Dome in Japan. Discover the ingenious methods engineers have come up with to enable us to build underground, underwater, on ice and even in space. And learn about the impact different forces and materials can have on a structure by carrying out your own engineering experiments from the ‘Try it at Home’ sections.

Beautiful and detailed illustrations by Katie Hickey, including cross-sections, skylines and close-ups of engineering techniques in action, provide unique and illuminating perspectives of our most awe-inspiring constructions. Get ready to see the built world around you like never before!

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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