Just So Stories

Every now and then it happens. There’s been a gradual build-up on the review shelves, which I doggedly work through but then there’s a sudden rush of many parcels arriving (my postie and I are such good friends after him delivering to my last two houses!), and things go completely catawampus. So despite all my good intentions, sometimes I just have to combine books into one post, rather than give them the individual attention they richly deserve. So I’m bundling the current crop of information books into this one posting, but believe me, they are ALL totally worth adding to your collection for all those kiddos who love getting deep into facts.

Marvellous Vehicles [Little Experts] – James May. Illustrated by Emans.

Harper Collins Australia

November 2023

• ISBN: 9780008629427
• ISBN 10: 0008629420
• Imprint: Red Shed
• RRP: $19.99

I’m not that familiar with James May though I have, like most people, seen at least snippets of him co-presenting Top Gear. But given that resume detail it would seem he should be a competent person to provide some interesting information on vehicles for kids who love ‘things that move’.

The things that move in this case are all human-powered which IMO makes this all the more intriguing. From skateboards and rollerskates to submarines and amphibious bicycles to hang gliders and pedal cars. Not only will this give kiddos facts and break-downs of design principles but I have no doubt this could easily develop into some terrific STEAM activities, building smaller versions (or bigger ones, if one has the materials of course!) and testing them out. The illustrations are simple cartoon style and the overall effect is one of a simplicity of style that is slightly retro.

I’d give this one a big thumbs up for kids from as young as 7 upwards.

Questions and Answers about Refugees: Usborne Lift-the-Flap – Katie Daynes & Ashe de Sousa. Illustrated by Oksana Drachkovska.

Harper Collins Australia

August 2023

• ISBN: 9781803709987
• ISBN 10: 1803709987
• Imprint: Usborne GB
• RRP: $19.99

Two things we all know as a certainty. You can never go wrong with an Usborne title nor can you ever go wrong with a lift-the-flap book. I can think of numerous books on this topic for older children but very few that deliver this content in an accessible, engaging and empathic manner for younger readers. The simple format of clear concise questions and answers (revealed under the flaps) will not only provide useful and pertinent information but in such a way that will resonate with kiddos. This is a hugely recommended title from me – just look and discover how fabulous this will be in your collection.

Absolutely Everything! Revised and Expanded: a History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things too Numerous to Mention – Christopher Lloyd. Illustrated by Andy Forshaw

Walker Books Australia

November 2023

Imprint: What On Earth Books

ISBN13:9781804660751

Australia RRP:$44.99

New Zealand RRP:$47.99

As this is an updated version of this behemoth, many of you will already know it. It’s huge and it’s covers SO much and is exactly the sort of book that your nerdy kids [that was me] will spend hours dipping in and out of. Whether they are interested in geology or history, science or art, philosophy or war, nature or politics it is the ‘enquire within upon everything’ for kiddos. HUGELY (as befits its mammoth proportions) recommended for readers from around 10 upwards. It would make a spectacular gift, take it from me.

CSIRO Splendour

These three titles are my most recent arrivals and, as you would expect, from our premier boffins, truly magnificent. Two developed from a series called Curious Kids in which The Conversation asked kids to send in questions they’d like an expert to answer.

Computer Technology for Curious Kids: An illustrated introduction to software programming, artificial intelligence, cyber-security—and more! : Chris Oxlade. Illustrated by Nik Neves.

CSIRO Publishing

March 2024 | $ 32.99
ISBN: 9781486318360

I have to be totally honest here, I’m no computer geek. I like it a lot when technology works, but I don’t pretend to understand much of how it actually does so.

That being said, I know there are plenty of kids who are mad for it and some of the most enjoyed STEAM activities in my libraries were dismantling old computers, but also creating new circuitry and modifying. I’ve known 12 year olds who have built their own computers and these are books that are always popular – even when they start to become a little outdated.

I can pretty much guarantee that any school library will have some of those older books lurking and aside from their novelty value on how far we have come, perhaps it would be timely to update with this quality book which will offer your students a fascinating breakdown of facts, history and applications of computer technology.

This is presented in terrific chunks of information and plentiful diagrams and illustrations which mean even a digital dunce such as myself can understand concepts. I would say that any of your tech-minded kiddos from around ten upwards would byte into this with gusto.

Astronomy for Curious Kids: An illustrated introduction to the solar system, our galaxy, space travel—and more!: Giles Sparrow. Illustrated by Nik Neves.

 March 2024 | $ 32.99
ISBN: 9781486318384
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Now this is far more my level of nerdiness. Space is quite fascinating and kids love learning about it, whether it’s the mysteries of black holes or spacecraft or the possibility of other lifeforms. Following the same format with fully illustrated double spreads, diagrams, factoids, call-outs and chunked text, this will keep any budding astro-physicist deeply immersed for many happy hours. In any classroom setting this will sit perfectly in your science curriculum and also be a good opportunity to embed some cross-cultural perspectives by exploring First Nations astronomy. And what a great opportunity for some makerspace activities – make your own telescope, compass or even rocket. Another quality addition to your collection or a much-appreciated gift to a young enthusiast in your circle. I would definitely give it 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

The Great Australian Science Book – Professor Luke O’Neill. Illustrated by Linda Fährlin.

April 2024 | $ 29.99
ISBN: 9781486316595
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

This is another encyclopedic style book which is so beautifully presented that it’s a pleasure to peruse. The illustrations are sensational [check out the faces on the planets!] and, again, hark back to a retro style that I find really appealing.

You will see by the extensive contents list that a wide range of topics is presented and children from as young as 8 will be interested in trawling through the information, lingering over their favourite subjects or objects.

From the very big such as the universe to the very small e.g., atoms, each will find their own vibe. They will also meet 21 different Australian scientists and learn about their work and be able to do some experiments of their own. They may even dream of becoming a scientist themselves and this book will give them the information they need for that.

Teaching notes will make this a very practical addition to any collection, whether personal, library or classroom. A huge recommendation for kiddos from around middle primary to lower secondary.