Friday Library Recommendations: There’s No Such Thing As A Silly Question
November celebrates all books non-fiction whether they cover history, geography, science, religion, philosophy or any of the other 19 genres. The theme for National Non-Fiction November 2024 is ‘Why Don’t You?’ which aims to stimulate discussion about hobbies and leisure activities and to encourage children to try something new.
This week, my book choice celebrates trivia, curiosity, and is a must for quizzers. There’s No Such Thing As A Silly Question by Mike Rampton, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten is the perfect book for anyone who has sat and wondered but been to shy to ask the question.
A brilliantly silly question-and-answer book, fact-checked by world-leading experts from across the University of Cambridge.
Did you know that there’s no set number of bones in the human body? Most babies are born with around 300 bones, but by the time they’ve grown up, they usually have between 206 and 213.
The vibrant double page spreads draw readers in and encourage shared enjoyment and astonishment at the myriad of facts covered throughout the book on every subject imaginable.
Covering a range of subjects from science, technology, engineering and mathematics to evolution, zoology, social history and more, this hilarious yet clever book expertly answers 213 of the most unusual and interesting questions you never thought to ask about the world – one for at least every bone in your body!
Perfect for non-fiction fans to dip in and out of or get stuck in from cover to cover to increase your general knowledge and top your local quiz league.
You can read an exclusive extract over on the Nosy Crow Website!
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Friday Library Recommendations: Spine tinglers
As it is our last Friday Library Recommendations before half term, this week my choices are all spooky books to set the hair on the back of your neck on end…
First, I’ve picked Creaky Castle by Jane Clarke and Christyan Fox, a spoktacular halloween adventure. Are you brave enough to enter?
Step into the mysterious world of Creaky Castle, where spine-chilling surprises await around every corner. This Halloween-themed picture book invites young readers to lift the flaps and uncover a host of spooky characters. From skeletons in the cellar and werewolves in the shower to a vampire hiding in the clothes chest, each page is a doorway to Halloween fun. Get ready for a bone-shaking, flap-lifting Halloween adventure that will leave your little ones wanting more.
For confident Year 3 and up readers, I’ve chosen by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Pam Smy which is the perfect introduction to gothic mysteries.
Matilda Lockett is used to playing the role of Poor Dead Edna on stage with her spirit-medium aunt, Signora Valentina, and theatrical uncle Barnabus – but when they all decamp to Beauchamp Manor to deal with a most dreadful haunting, she discovers she really can see ghosts! There she meets ghost boy, Edgar Wilde, who shares her love of supernatural snooping, and together they set about unravelling the case of The Ghosts of the Manor.
And finally, for our oldest children, I’ve picked Black Gables by Eibhlis Carcione; a deliciously dark and haunting read that is perfect for anyone who enjoy gothic tales with a supernatural twist. Eibhlis masterfully balances an unsettling atmosphere with an engaging mystery, creating a story that left me chilled to the bone.
Enter Black Gables and meet the world’s most sinister teachers and their pets!
When Rosella starts a new school in the eerie town of Black Gables, where crows croak menacingly and pale faces appear in the water of the lake, she knows that something is terribly wrong. Under the watchful eye of her new headmaster, Mr Edge, whose unsettling presence and appearance hint at something dark lingering beneath the surface of both the town and the school, Rosella must unravel the mystery of Black Gables before it’s too late!
Happy reading – don’t have nightmares!
Friday Library Recommendations: Recycle Week
Now in its 21st year, Recycle Week is Recycle Now’s flagship annual event, starting on Monday 14th October. A celebration of recycling across the nation to galvanise the public into recycling more of the right things, more often. And so this week, I have chosen books on this year’s theme of Rescue Me – Recycle.
The first, Somebody Crunched Colin by Sarah Roberts, illustrated by Hannah Jayne Lewin, is a thought provoking story about the trouble litter can cause in the environment.
Colin is no ordinary flower. Colin smells appealing – just like the other flowers around him. The only trouble is, he crackles and crunches and flutters in the wind. He can’t seem to find where he belongs, but he smells so delicious that all the animals want to eat him… But Colin is a crisp packet!
A beautifully illustrated picture book with a powerful message about plastic pollution and the benefits of recycling from environmental expert Sarah Roberts. The perfect story to introduce children to recycling.
My next two choices help you to make new things out of household objects you might otherwise throw away.
Creative Crafting: A First Book Of Upcycling illustrated by Daniela Sosa has sixteen simple step-by-step upcycling craft projects for children.
Creative Crafting is an accessible introduction to upcycling for children from as young as five to enjoy. With bright engaging illustrations and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, there are sixteen fun projects that can be made from recycling and everyday items from around the house. Quick and easy makes, such as bedroom bunting from cereal boxes and juggling balls using odd socks to more complicated activities like tin can tea-lights and denim dog toys, mean there’s something for every child.
Perfect for crafternoons, rainy days and holidays, give your recycling a new lease of life and turn it into something to treasure for ever!
I Am Not An Old Sock by Sara Stanford encourages children to reduce, reuse and recycle! Gather up your odd socks and a few other bits and bobs, and turn them into a horse or octopus, or even a toy for your cat or one for your dog. This is the perfect book for fun projects to keep kids busy when they’re stuck indoors, using scrap materials from around the house.
With step-by-step instructions and handy cut-outs this book has ten brilliant projects (and a dozen variations) that are sure to keep kids happy and engaged with hours of fun. Animal lovers can make their own owl or bunny and budding performers could craft their first set of juggling balls. Those with the smallest of fingers may need a little help with cutting and gluing, but these projects are a fantastic introduction into crafting and perfect for kids to make on their own or fun for the whole family.
