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Non-Fiction Book Reviews
About Time: A Children's Guide to the History and Science of Time
Rebecca Struthers and Alom Shaha, illus. Lucy Rose, pub. Dorling Kindersley
I always love a good Dorling Kindersley book with big bright graphics and equally insightful prose. Experts share the depths of a subject, which in this case is time and we, as readers, can expect pivotal details.
The 41 pages contain a heavy dose of types of clocks; ancient and contemporary calendars from around the world; watch making; space and time; solar time; geological time; time measuring instruments from yore; DIY time checking tools; and so much more. Anything you may imagine about time, space and workings of it has been answered pages full with explanatory illustrations and notes. I bet you never read facts like these before-
“Electronic watches are also called quartz watches because they use the vibrations of a quartz crystal to keep time. When electricity is passed through a quartz crystal, it vibrates 32,768 times per second. This high frequency is then turned into one pulse per second by an electric circuit, which moves the hands of a watch or clock, or changes a digital display. Because of the very high frequency of vibration, quartz watches are incredibly accurate, often losing or gaining only a few seconds per month.”
“Big Ben is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower, which itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.”
The book begins with our physical and psychological preoccupation with time - of how much we have, how much we may gain, or how to make use of it. It then moves onto the definition of time and space; how nature works with it, through natural phenomenon for insects, mammals, aquatic animals and birds; it talks about planning a day on our planners; to counting units of time in days and months; to measuring it through calendars and clocks; leading to clockmaking and time on different planets; moving on to listing incredibly accurate time keepers from history to those keeping time today as contemporary artisans; and a little more on managing a lifetime.
I love how the book is as intricately crafted as a clockwork, the details on a single page makes the reader wonder about the vast expanse of knowledge available in the world. This book is for readers of all ages, as a gift and as a schooltime read; children will certainly enjoy the descriptions paired with the colourful artwork.
Ishika Tiwari
Charlotte Belliere, illus. Ian De Haes, pub. Floris Books
This charming book shows children that all our families are different and teaches them that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ family. Told from the point of view of a group of young children trying to play families together, it allows each character to explain very simply how their own family works. There are blended families, extended families living together, single parents and adopted children, amongst others. Hopefully, children reading the book will be able to see their own situations, or similar ones, reflected back at them in the story, something which is so important for us all.
The children in the book accept one another’s differences in the way that innocent children do; if one of other families is different to theirs and they’re not sure how that works they just ask.
There’s no judgement, just curiosity and openness.
“Where’s your mom?”
“She lives a long way away. I don’t get to see her very often.”
“Do you miss her?”
“Kind of, sometimes.”
The storyline is simple but effective, and also picks up themes of learning how to play together, being kind and listening to one another. The illustrations feel warm and cosy; perfect for snuggling up with on a cool autumnal evening.
Louise Colver
All Our Families Are Awesome
Animal Gym School
Kate Peridot, illus. Samara Hardy, pub. Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Have you ever looked at the way animals move, their grace, their speed, even their lumbering movements, and wondered what it might be like to be able to move like they do? Now you no longer have to wonder for there is a fabulous book to help you move just like your favourite animals do. It’s this one!
Combining gymnastic with movement, and yes, they are different things, you’ll soon discover there are some wonderful ways to help wiggly, wriggly children who are bursting with energy. Just make sure to have topped pup your own energy levels too, this book can get enthusiastic, and you will, I guarantee, be tempted to try the movements yourself! Of course, you could choose to swing like a gibbon or scuttle like a crab but one thing you will quickly learn is that even animals which appear to move more sedately are quite active! The book is divided into lessons, each introduces a new animal and their movements. There are step-by-step instructions, and the illustrations are incredibly helpful too. The thirteen lessons really are just that, teaching about the animals as well as the importance of movement and how to do it safely. Warm-ups and cool downs are included as well as a fun medal chart at the back of the book.
If you are wondering I rather like the Laze Like A Lion lesson but am not averse to rolling like an Armadillo. A fabulous collection of ideas for those fidgety children we all know and love!
Louise Ellis-Barrett
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World
Dylan Thuras and Jennifer Swanson, illus. Ruby Fresson, pub. Workman
Unusually for a knowledge book, this one has a strong authorial personality, stemming I imagine from one of its authors being one of Atlas Obscura’s co-founders, in 2009. Atlas Obscura was created expressly to encourage exploration and hands-on (feet-on?) experience of the world, and this spirit underpins the book. The book’s narrative takes the form of a globe-trotting journey taking in 94 locations involved in the technological developments that have led to our modern world.
There is a general chronological through-line from fire to AI, though it’s lumpy in that closely-related inventions are grouped, such that e.g. glass is followed by lenses, which strictly should be placed many centuries later. This gives a sense of progress but also ebb and flow, supporting the book’s assertion that inventions are often made, forgotten, then rediscovered. The text’s format is somewhat like a travel-book: it begins with a section on kit to bring with you on your travels, and each location has a ‘before you go’. The tone is somewhat like the Lonely Planet books, and likewise for all its friendliness makes no attempt to dumb-down, so this is a book for the more able readers with a reasonable understanding of STEM behind them, let’s say 9 to 10 upwards.
The book echoes the encounters with the exotic and unfamiliar that 30s travellers faced, and adopts an art style that references that period. Ruby Fresson’s utterly brilliant work is very European in character, and could easily pass for Hergé, creator of Tintin. I would happily buy this book just to look at it, regardless of the words.
Overall, this is a magnificent survey of the history of technology, written with a strong and enthusiastic point of view, and beautifully illustrated with bags of style. I have one minor gripe, the world maps inside the front and back covers are not representative of Fresson’s art, and are in a Mercator-like projection and error-prone, and note that the text is American (eg Fahrenheit is used for temperature, though Centigrade equivalents are quoted). Regardless, this is a superb book, in concept and execution.
Dmytro Bojaniwskyj
Bust or Trust? A Kids’ Mystery Book
Small Wardour, illus. Sam Peet, pub. Words & Pictures
There is a podcast named Bust or Trust? that you may be familiar with. It was the inspiration for this book, its creators have put this book together and it is brilliant, a wonderful collection of puzzles, mysteries and conundrums for curious minds of any age!
The mysteries in this book come from around the world and span history, some of them might not yet have been truly unravelled so you know that means the challenges you are about to face are very real. It won’t hurt to make sure you have your magnifying glass to hand and of course your lucky detective cap on. This is the world of case-cracking, its wacky, weird, wonderful and it’s time for some Bust or Trust? action. For those of you who are having a moment of doubt be assured this is a very serious undertaking and anyone attempting to prove or disprove the puzzles will find themselves learning how to weigh evidence, look at a problem from all angles, think with their critical brain, debate the pros and cons of different arguments and ultimately be able to make a decision.
King Arthur, Amelia Earhart, the cursed tombs of ancient Egypt, the lost city of Atlantis and the mystical powers of Rasputin are among the contents of this book, each puzzle presented uniquely to suit the story behind it and the work done on it so far. Are you prepared for a testing, thrilling experience? Grab this book and see how good a detective you make.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Dig! Uncover the Secrets of the Past With Archaeology
Ruth Hatfield, illus. Sophia Watts, pub. Quarto Kids
Dig! is an engaging and informative exploration of archaeology that will captivate curious minds. The book sets the scene by clearly explaining what archaeology is and how it helps us understand the past. It also explains how archaeologists decide where to start digging and the types of materials that are found according to the time period in question. From there, it takes readers on a fascinating journey through time, starting with the Palaeolithic period and moving through the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age, before delving into the worlds of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It also includes insights into Aboriginal and North American Indigenous archaeology, early Islam and the Desert Castles, the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, the Kofun tombs of Japan and the Incas, ensuring a broad and inclusive perspective.
The information is presented in accessible, well-structured blocks, making it easy to dip into or read cover to cover. Diverse cultures are represented with sensitivity and depth, while the detailed illustrations not only complement but also enhance the text. Each period is brought to life with "fantastic finds," highlighting key artefacts and explaining what happens to these treasures after they are discovered. Modern archaeological methods are clearly explained, helping readers understand how technology and scientific techniques are reshaping our understanding of history. A handy timeline at the end provides context and helps to tie everything together, making it a useful reference for students and enthusiasts alike.
Dig! is a well-researched and visually appealing introduction to archaeology. Perfect for classrooms, school libraries or any budding historian’s bookshelf, it sparks curiosity and encourages deeper exploration of our shared human past.
Barbara Band
Great Escapes
David Long, illus. Jamie Coe, pub. Faber & Faber
This large hard back book features accounts of over thirty escapes between 1849 and 2014. It is packed with excitement, ingenuity, courage, inspiration and luck and some escapes that are just terrifying. It includes the digging of tunnels, climbing of high walls and bailing from aircraft. The book tells many true stories of good and bad, of lucky successes, as well as some failures. It is particularly amazing because of the many thousands who were taken prisoner during two World Wars, less than 1% actually escaped and made it home. This makes the stories here very rare and special.
Some of the escapes are about famous people, whilst others are about ordinary men and women. A young Winston Churchill is featured when he worked as a newspaper reporter in South Africa. There is the airman, Nicholas Alkemade, who bailed from his Avro Lancaster bomber without a parachute and survived. George Blake’s escape from Wormwood Scrubs in London is included. As you might expect, there are many escapes here from the First and Second World Wars. The well-known Colditz Castle is featured. The Great Escape of 1944 is amazing, with the tunnels named Tom, Dick and Harry. The famous prison Alcatraz is featured. There have been a variety of escapes: slaves running from captivity, wartime heroes and heroines, dangerous criminals escaping from jail and the ordinary men and women who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A very comprehensive contents page makes it easy to find the various accounts. A short introduction and epilogue at the end are both very useful. The book is full of very colourful and eye-catching comic book style illustrations. The escapes are all real. Some are well known and have been turned into books and films and others are not so well known. The whole book is thoroughly entertaining, very interesting and informative and well worth reading.
Gary Kenworthy
How to Save Granny from a Runaway Train
Swapna Haddow, illus. Jess Bradley, pub. Red Shed
Vibrant, informative and interactive - How to Save Granny from a Runaway Train is a wonderful book by the award winning author Swapna Haddow and the illustrations by Jess Bradley are cute and engaging. The book is structured like a children's magazine with little stories, comic strips and thought-provoking puzzles based on real life incidents, to teach scientific facts to the readers.
From cheeky grandpas creating chaos and falling in dormant volcanoes to tricking a shark and even chasing aliens away during an invasion! The book is full of elements which will surely attract kids and stir their imaginations. It is full of science experiments and imaginative situations establishing the primacy of a scientific solution to an issue. Kids will learn how to bend light; make an electromagnet and a periscope; a shadow puppet; an eggshell bridge and other such fun things which pique the curiosity of a child.
The pages are designed with an imaginative problem; a multiple choice option to choose from; with answers to each choice and then the best option is highlighted with the science behind it explained. Along with this, are facts from the past and present like these-
“Sounds can't travel in space as there is no air to pass on the vibrations.”
“Three and half thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians used shadow to tell the time, using a device called the sundial. Make your own by popping a pencil through the middle of a paper plate. Then outside on a sunny day, mark where the shadow falls on each hour.”
Children aged 6-10 are going to enjoy a lot with inclusive characters communicating with them on the page. They will learn new things and will most certainly love the experiments shared.
Ishika Tiwari
My First Jungle Atlas: Trek Through Forests to Meet the Most Amazing Animals!
Camilla de la Bedoyere, illus. Greco Westermann, pub. Earthaware Kids
I would’ve loved this when I was about 6, and continued loving it for some years after. This is a colourful cavalcade of rain forest species (112 by my count, almost all animals, many super-obscure) characterfully participating in varied rain forest settings (9, from Canada to Australia, the Amazon to Borneo), depicted in a gorgeous, simplified Henri Rousseau (famous for Tiger in a Tropical Storm) style.
The emphasis is on the vibrant, charming art, endlessly rebrowsable, excellent imagination and awe fuel, but many of the beasts are captioned with facts and details that reflect the distinctive nature of the rain forest habitat, describing adaptations and behaviours that have evolved within the ecological niches such forests present. All the headliners are here, tigers and so forth, but less popular types of animals aren’t neglected (there are 9 mini-beasts, for example), and the 13 double-page spreads are prefaced with short paragraphs that collectively profile the general features of a rain forest.
The accessibility and concision of the sparse text means younger readers can enjoy this book as much as the 8 and 9 year-olds drawn by the attractive art, interesting details and breadth of coverage, though the American spellings may need explanation to those who don’t yet know there is more than one version of ‘correct’ English. Younger readers are supported and engaged further by the simple spotting-type questions that appear at the foot of each page, drawing attention to a facet of a species or group of species thereon.
And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t appreciate the handy map locating the mentioned forests in the world – having a little map of the entire world as a sort of key and then expanded maps of the forests in a sort of mosaic is a nice idea, typical of the book’s constant exploration of ways to engage. Overall, lovely, fact-filled and evocative. Recommended.
Dmytro Bojaniwskyj
The Stuff That Stuff is Made Of
Jonathan Drori, illus. Raxenne Manique and Jiatong Liu, pub. Magic Cat Publishing
Written by best-selling author Jonathan Drori, known for Around the World in 80 Trees, this captivating and beautifully produced book delves into the fascinating stories of 30 plants and their roles in our everyday lives. Meticulously researched and with every botanical detail checked by experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it is as accurate as it is engaging. Some plants will be familiar — vanilla used to flavour ice cream, pine trees for wood and papyrus for early forms of paper — but others are full of surprises.
Did you know that alginates extracted from kelp and seaweed are used as thickeners in foods, that modern car tyres can contain rubber from dandelions or that giant timber bamboo stems are still tied together for scaffolding in some parts of the world? Mandrake, meanwhile, makes its way into perfumes and cosmetics.
Presented in a large, visually stunning format, each plant is given a double-page spread: one side showcases a detailed and often intricate illustration of the plant in question with botanical information, while the opposite side offers a fascinating mix of where the plant grows, how it was first used and the many ways it is used today. Interesting snippets of trivia are scattered throughout — for example, olive trees often become hollow with age, making it impossible to count their rings accurately and thus ascertain their age, and when Rameses the Great was mummified in 1213 BC, peppercorns were placed in his nostrils although nobody is sure how they got to Egypt from India!
This book is a perfect blend of science and history. It will appeal to plant enthusiasts, history lovers and the simply curious. A beautiful addition to any home, school or library collection, The Stuff That Stuff Is Made From invites readers to look at the natural world - and the “stuff” around us - in a whole new way.
Barbara Band