Friday Library Recommendations: The Extraordinary Book That
We’re staying with National Non Fiction November this week, and I’ve chosen two books from an extraordinary series…
The Extraordinary Book That Invents Itself by Alison Buxton, Helen Bell, and Pintachan, sparks the imagination of young readers and budding engineers. Aimed at children who are curious about the world of science and technology, this book introduces them to the exciting field of invention in a fun, interactive way. From rockets to bionic hands, this book shows children how to build real-world inventions using simple materials and clever engineering principles.
What makes this book so engaging is the way it brings complex STEM concepts to life through hands-on activities. Each activity focuses on a different invention, explaining the scientific ideas behind it in easy-to-understand terms. Whether it’s the principles of gravity, aerodynamics, or coding, kids learn how these concepts work as they build rockets, code-breaking machines, and even balancing acrobats. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making even tricky projects feel achievable for young inventors. This book is more than just a guide to making cool things—it’s a tool for building confidence in problem-solving, creative thinking, and perseverance. It shows young inventors that, with a little curiosity and a lot of imagination, they can create anything.
My next choice, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You An Artist by Mary Richards and Go Suga, isn’t just a book; it’s an art adventure that will inspire you to see the world in a new, colorful way. If you want to encourage anyone to explore their artistic potential, this book is an absolute must-have.
This interactive masterpiece doesn’t just tell a story—it becomes a story that you create. With every page you turn, you’ll uncover new ways to make art, explore different artistic styles, and even learn about famous art movements like Pop Art, Cubism, and Surrealism. It’s educational but not in the traditional sense; instead of simply explaining concepts, it allows readers to experience art. It’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and get their hands dirty with paint, scissors, and markers. Perfect for building a budding artist’s confidence in their creative abilities and for sparking their imagination, they might start by folding a page into a 3D sculpture, using another page to design a colour wheel, or turning a spread into a pop art masterpiece. And that’s not all: the book’s cover doubles as an art portfolio where creations can be stored, turning the book into an ongoing personal gallery that can be visited again and again.
If you love these two books, there are two more Extraordinary books in the series to explore; The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy (to feel positive, confident, focused, calm, relaxed, inclusive and included), and The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself (every page turns into an eco project that helps you save the planet and recycles the book).
Happy reading and creating!
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!
