Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday
Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and was started to help promote the reading of nonfiction texts. Most Wednesdays, we will be participating and will review a nonfiction text (though it may not always be a picture book).
Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!
Over the last few months, I’ve read some nonfiction (mostly) picture books that I haven’t reviewed, but that I definitely need to share with you all.
The Angry Little Puffin
Author: Timothy Young
Expected Publication: September 28th, 2014 by Schiffer Publishing
My Thoughts: This book isn’t completely nonfiction as it is told from the point of view of the puffin, but I love that it includes some very important information about puffins vs. penguins. As someone who loves penguins (and puffins), I love that someone is finally addressing the confusion between the two. This would be a very fun book to pair with Neversink.
A Timeline History of the Thirteen Colonies
Author: Mark K. Pratt
Expected Publication November 1st, 2014 by Lerner Publications
My Thoughts: I thought that this book was such a great way to talk about the start of our country. It has fun infographics and illustrations that hold the attention that goes along with chronological information.
Best Foot Forward: Exploring Feet, Flippers, and Claws
Author: Ingo Arndt
Published August 1st, 2013 by Holiday House
My Thoughts: What a fun and different way to look at animals. The photographs are very well done, and I loved seeing the close ups of their feet. It also is interactive because it starts with the foot close up and inquiry, then gives the answer. Will keep kids engaged.
Gravity
Author: Jason Chin
Published April 29th, 2014 by Roaring Brook Press
My Thoughts: First, if you have never seen a Jason Chin book, you need to get one now just to see the illustrations. Beautiful! Gravity explains gravity in a simple way yet is very scientifically accurate. Great introduction to the natural phenomenon of gravity.
How Big Were Dinosaurs?
Author: Lita Judge
Published August 27th, 2013 by Roaring Brook Press
My Thoughts: When I finished this book, I was so excited to share the title with my friend whose daughter loves dinosaurs. How Big Were Dinosaurs? introduces the reader to a wide variety of dinosaurs and shares a comparison to a modern object. Very entertaining and informative.
Stubby, the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero
Author: Blake Hoena
Illustrator: Oliver Hurst
Published July 1st, 2014 by Picture Window Books
My Thoughts: What a hero! It is always so amazing to learn about the surprising heroes during war and other tough times. Stubby is an amazing animal. He overcomes more than most humans will ever encounter. This story is inspiring and also informative about how animals can really change the game.
All Recommended For:
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Stubby. Lita Judge and Jason Chin are favorites; if they write and illustrate it, I read it.
Stubby is very good–it was great learning about him.
Lita Judge and Jason Chin are wonderful–I am reading more and more of them as I realize how much I enjoy them.
Aw, I’d love to read Stubby, it looks terrific, Kellee. I know of the rest of the books, am also interested in the dinosaur one and Thirteen Colonies. Both sound good as well. Thanks for an interesting variety this week.
Stubby is a very heroic dog–loved reading about him!
All are good reads. You would like them all 🙂
What age level do you think the Thirteen Colonies would be good for? Our 4th grade studies the Thirteen Colonies on their “road trip” of the USA, but not sure if this book would be good for them?
I think it’d be pretty good for them. Even if they don’t understand it all, the timelines are great!
Great collection. Gravity and How Big Were Dinosaurs are both in my classroom collection. As is Best Foot Forward. Fantastic titles!So many great NF titles being published.
Hi there Kellee, I’ve been intrigued by Gravity ever since I’ve been seeing it around – I’m thrilled to find out just now that we already have a copy of it in our public library. Will find it tomorrow! 🙂