NATURE, ADVENTURE AND INSPIRATION: Nonfiction Books

Ask any bookseller. They will tell you that the best time to sell nonfiction books for children is during the holiday shopping season. And the nonfiction books that are lushly illustrated, as well as being filled with incisive bits of information are sought after during this time of year more than any other. These are books to fascinate; pouring through the pages time and again, gleaning a bit more information and noticing something new each time. They stick in your memory for a lifetime.
This year has seen a bumper crop of nonfiction books for kids of all ages. Here are three of my favourites:

A WORLD OF PLANTS
author: Martin Jenkins
illustrator: James Brown
Walker Studio (7 November 2019)
ISBN: 9781406388565
After welcoming the reader to the world of plants, this book treats of to page after page of incredible scientific information. Presenting both the weird and the wonderful, it examines closely the plant/animal/human inter-relationship in brief, but insightful terms that build an understanding and promote a long-standing fascination with the natural world. It covers photosynthesis, the anatomy of flowers and seeds, the tallest trees, plants of different environments, their evolution, the role they play worldwide...and so much more. There is a running theme throughout the book that brings further thought to the current climate crisis and what we must pay attention to in order to create a better, more sustainable world.

And did I mention that it's stunningly beautiful? Each page is illuminated  in a limited colour palette to suit the subject matter. With the finely detailed illustrations highlighting the text and a bit of a retro feel to it, the reader is pulled into the realities of the natural world of plants. The book is organised so that you can dip in and out of it, depending on your interest at the time. So stretch yourself out on the floor, open the book and expect to be mesmerised. Insightful, magnificent and full of wonder; this is a book for everyone to cherish.

WILD GIRL: How to Have Incredible Adventures Outdoors
author: Helen Skelton
illustrator: Liz Kay
Walker Books (5 September 2019)
ISBN: 9781406387643
This book is filled with real-life adventures and a myriad of actual wild girls. From climbing to the peaks of the highest mountains to the busiest cities, their intrepid journeys will inspire readers to explore and astound even themselves. Not only that, but there are loads of tips and tons of advice on how to have your own outdoor adventures. Divided into chapters featuring adventures in snow, sand, country, city, mountains and on the water; in this book you'll find training information, safety advice, everything you need for your adventure kit-out, animal alerts...there's just so much! And you don't need to go further than your own local area. But after reading Wild Girl, I know you're going to want to explore the world! So...who's ready to be a Wild Girl?

WILD THINGS: Over 100 Magical Outdoor Adventures
authors: Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks
illustrator: Pete Williamson
Lonely Planet Kids (25 March 2019)
ISBN: 9781787017719
Discover the world of the Wild Things of stories and the imagination. Have you ever wanted to track dragons, find fairies in your garden, brew magic potions or meet a unicorn? Just because you've never seen these elusive creatures doesn't mean they don't exist! You have to be clever and willing to look with new eyes as you search the forests and fields, visit the beaches and ponds. And you may even find something strange and mystical hovering in your schoolyard or among the pots in your own back garden. This fantastical guidebook through every season will help you hone your magical skills and create a world of wonder of your own.

The amazing crafts that accompany a wealth of information about the natural world are clearly explained and easy to follow. The vivid illustrations and photographs on each page make it a thing of beauty to just leaf through, but you won't want to stop there. Prepare yourself to be surrounded by fairies, trolls, mermaids and more; all of whom have come to see the beautiful gifts and memories you've made. So attractive and accessible for children to enjoy. I love this book!