This posting presents a dozen terrific examples of NONFICTION which have been released fairly recently. . Each of the picture books is Canadian. Each of the titles invites readers to consider new information about different topics. Each of these is sure to ignite knowledge, curiosity and wonder.
SCIENCE: ANIMALS AND NATURE
BOMPA’s INSECT EXPEDITION by David Suzuki with Tanya Lloyd Ki; illus. Qin Leng.
Two twins on a nature expedition with their Bompa (grandpa) SECRET and discover the marvels of nature right outside their door as they search for insects. Readers join in with this family to share in the surprises and wonder of fuzzy bumblebees, dragonflies, caterpillars, ants and mosquitos. David Suzuki is a master of providing accessible information about nature and animals and Qin Lang provides colurful detailed art work that offers information and story.
“What would the world be like without humans?”
“If we are gone.. the other animals would be left alone. No one would miss us.”
SECRET GARDENERS: Growing a Community and Healing the Earth by Maija Hurme and Lina Laurent
Three children discover a woman named Amy planting vegetables in the yard of an abandoned house. Amy teaches Luna, Bianca and Billy how to grow food in a no-dig garden. Neighbour by neighbour joins in the gardening project until a secret about the boarded-up house overshadows the community’s efforts. Chapter headings (e.g., Composting, Sowing A Seed), labelled items and information presented in text boxes make this a splendid blend of fiction and nonfiction. Highly recommended.
THE SMALLEST OWLET written and illustrated by Gerogia Graham
This book is based on a true story that happened in an aspen grove where an owlet fell from its nest and was loyally cared fro by Mother Owl who stayed on the ground heroically protecting her owlet until its feathers developed. The richly detailed landscape illustrations are filled with texture and wonder.
“Small Owlet has never been out of his nest before now. He hears strange sounds all around and trembles with fear. He leans into his mother’s warm safe belly.
SUPER SMALL: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World by Tiffany Stone; illus. Ashley Spires
This a fascinating book about tiny tiny insects, reptiles and mammals, each with a superpowers (e.g., Oribtid Mite, Pygmy Seahorse Dwarf Latern Shark). Information is presented in clever rhyming verse. Side panels for each animal is presented in graphic format to present information about each creatures superpowers. Ashley Spires lively illustrations, large and small are a delight. This is a GREAT example of nonfiction text where words and pictures inform and intrigue.
from “Scaly-Foot Snail
“Clinkity-clank. Clinkity-clank
The snail all snails want to be.
An iron-plated escargot.
See how my enemies flee!”
WHAT WILL I DISCOVER ? by Tanya loyd Kyi;. illus. Rachel Qiuqi
A young child, anting to know ‘everything about the world’ puts on a scientist’s and asks questions about suns and planets, animals and trees, asking questions about lad, sea and air and the mysteries of the nature. This picture book is a great resource of information and discovery, inviting children to reveal (and research) their own questions about the natural world.
“How do trees learn to talk to one another through their tangled roots? Do different kinds of tres speak different leafy languages? What tine creatures hide within the ice of Antarctica? How do they survive in the cold and the dark?
WAVES & WEBS: Patterns in Nature by Robin Mitchell Cranfield
This book invites readers to explore patterns that exist in nature (e.g., up in the sky, seashells, spiderwebs, starfish, sunflowers) and might encourage them to consider patterns in the world around them.
“Bold patterns of lines dazzle the eye. A skunk’s thick stripes warn predators. “Stay away or you’ll be sorry!” Sunflower seeds send a happier message: “Time for a snack!”
PEOPLE
EVERY CHILD MATTERS by Phyllis Webstad; illus. Karlene Harvey
This book honours the history and resilence of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island, and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Phyllis Webstad, the founder of Orange Shirt Day, offers inforamion and insights into the heartfelt movement where ‘Every Child Matters”.
KIMIKO MURAKAMI: A Japanese Canadian Pioneer by Haley Healey; illus. Kimiko Fraser
The life of Kimiko, an ordinary woman born in British Columbia was changed during the Second World War when the Canadian government all all Japanese Canadians “enemy aliens” This is the story of Kamiko and her family who were force to leave their home and live and work in internment camps.
A TULIP IN WINTER: A story about folk artist Maude Lewis by Kathy Stinson;. .illus Lauren Soloys
A beautiful beautiful biography telling the story of one of the world of one of most celebrated folk artists Her
colourful primatif scenes of Nova Scotia landscapes are poignant depictions from an inspiring artist who saw beyond the hardships of poverty and rheumatoid arthritis,
‘As Maud grew up, colour flowed through her days.”
ETC.
THE BE KIND ALPHABET by Anouk Frolic
An alphabet hook that instills empathy and respect presented as rhyming poems through the lives of 26 animals (A= / B= Bee / C=Chipmunk / D=Donkey)
“Gecko, Gecko on the wall / Gecko I hear your chirping call. Found in many places around our Earth, / you hatcvh from an egg at the time of your birth.”
THE HALIFAX EXPLOSION:6 December 1917, at 9:05 in the morning: A poem by Afua Cooper; illus. Rebecca Bender
Powerful word and images help readers understand what happened when too ships, the Mont Blanc (carrying ammunitions) and the Imo (carrying war supplies), collided in teh Halifax Harbour. The disastrous impact of the resulting explosion is given a dramatic commemoration through Afua Cooper’s powerful words accompanied by historiical photographs and evocative illustrations.
“The munitions heated and at 9:05 exploded/ Shooting death into the four directions! Boom! Boom! BOOM!”
HOW TO MAKE A PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH in 17 Easy Steps by Bambie Edlund
Making a peanut butter sandwich should be simple. Tell that to a group of critters in this humorous step by step ‘how to’ recipe.
You will need…. 2 crows, 1 raccoon, 1 ht with brim, 3 oranges, i bunch of bananas, 4 mice, 1 skunk, 1 skateboard, 3 loaves of bread, 3 squirrels, 6 cheekfuls of peanuts, 1 miniature don ke, 4 wooden clogs, 1 accordian, 1 fallen log, 1 beaver, 1 empty jar, 1 badger