Gifting Guide (Part 3) NONFICTION Picture Books
Books! They make the best presents! Because my book gifting ideas were overflowing, I broke up this Gift Guide into four sections to make it easier for you to search. First is the board book guide, where I share some of the best board books I've come across that would make fantastic gifts for the littlest readers in your life. Parts two and three are fiction picture books and nonfiction picture books. The final gifting guide includes chapter books, graphic novels, and middle-grade books. Be sure to reference back to each as I plan on expanding each list. All books in these lists have been released in the past year, with a few exceptions. If you need even more book gifting ideas, be sure to check out my list of the unique kids books that make amazing gifts. Happy reading and gifting!
(Tip: As always, I organize my book list starting with the simplest books towards the top of the list and the more complex books towards the bottom of the list.)
This image shows a mix of seven picture book covers that show firefighters, a baker surrounded by treats, a house being moved, artwork, dinosaurs, musical instruments and singers, and kids surrounded by nature
Moving the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story
by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Júlia Sardà
My kids were fascinated by this true story of a mansion built and then moved out west long ago. After making a fortune from mining and marrying Annie, Henry Miller decided to build Annie a large Victorian home. I won't tell the whole story here, but as time passes and unfortunate circumstances happen, the mansion needs to be moved. Readers learn the before, during, and after the house is built and moved. I love the engaging and fun storytelling and the eye-catching illustrations in this one!
Welcome to the Opera: Discover the Enchanting World of Opera with Mozart's the Magic Flute
by Carolyn Sloan, Kaly Quarles
Come learn about the opera and Mozart's masterpiece, the Magic Flute, with three pups checking out the show. Twelve sound buttons engage readers as the story progresses so readers can understand more about various opera parts like the overture, tenor, recitative, and more.
Burt the Beetle Lives Here!
by Ashley Spires
One of my favorite ways to present nonfiction with a fictional tale intertwined among the facts. Follow Burt as he searches for the perfect home. Engaging and fun graphic novel format!
A Little Dose of Nature: Outdoor Fun to Help Happiness Bloom
by Alison Greenwood, Anneli Bray
Get outside and enjoy nature with this book packed with 25 simple activities today! Learn more about fractal patterns, nature sounds, phytoncides, soil bacteria, sunlight, and their positive impacts on our health and happiness. I love how this book explains why nature benefits us and the easy-to-implement ideas!
They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them
by Dan Paley, illustrated by Molly Mendoza
Learn more about an azimuth, fireline, helitack crew, and more in this information-packed nonfiction picture book. Readers learn more about firefighters' different jobs when facing a wildfire--before, during, and after the fire starts. The back of the book contains even more information on fire ecology, fire management, firefighters, and more. The illustrations are bold, and the text is divided on page spreads, making the information easier to digest. A great read to share with kids to learn more about the helpers who protect us.
Imagine a Garden: Stories of Courage Changing the World
by Rina Singh, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi
Throughout this picture book, seven real-life stories are told in free verse, highlighting love, courage, and compassion in a troubled world, from a Palestinian mother missing her son making a flower garden from grenades to a Brazilian ballet teacher in a crime-wrought neighborhood to an experimental artist from Mexico transforming weapons into art and raising awareness to end gun violence to a woman who welcomed refugees in Greece even after receiving threats to stop becoming like a mother to man and more. All of the people in these stories are ordinary people, but they have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of many by having the courage to show up to make the world a little better.
Science Explorers: Search For a Giant Squid
by Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser
Did you know a giant squid can be over three cars long at up to 43 feet? This interactive read lets readers learn more about giant squid and deep sea life. Readers can choose their captain, submersible, dive spot, and more in this engaging story that centers around the quest to learn more about the giant squid. Will you spot the elusive squid, or if not, what else might you discover? Full of twists and turns, there are so many interesting facts to learn about the deep sea and researching the ocean; curious and novel-loving kids will return to this one repeatedly for new endings and bits of info. I love the inclusive crew and how readers still learn something interesting, no matter the ending.
Everything You Know About Dinosaurs is Wrong!
by Dr. Nick Crumpton, Gavin Scott
This eye-catching nonfiction title keeps its appeal as readers open it up to learn more. My eight-year-old was hooked from the first time he spied this title in our book stacks, and it has remained nearby ever since! Dino and nonfiction fans will delight in this new book highlighting new truths about dinosaurs.
by Isadoro Saturno, illustrated by Stefano Di Cristofaro
Have you heard of Shigeru Ban? This creative picture book biography highlights Shigeru Ban, an architect who used his skills to help create structures that both moved people and improved their lives. I love the highlight on his Disaster Relief Projects in the middle of the book. Earth helper kids will be inspired by this interesting read.
David Atherton's Baking Book For Kids
by David Atherton, illustrated by Harry Woodgate
Yummy breads, cakes, pastries, showstoppers, cookies, and sweet treat recipes are all part of this baking book for kids. The recipe steps are illustrated, making it helpful for young kids to follow along. Tips for bakers are included with recipes, and extra guidance is included at the beginning of the book.
Mini Artists
by Joséphine Seblon, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng
Twenty projects that were inspired by great artists of the past, modern artists, and contemporary artists make up this nonfiction book to inspire readers to get creative! Each project is composed of six steps to follow, discussion questions, a photo of the inspiring artwork, and a bit more information about the artwork and the artist who created it. My youngest loves this one and had to do the Covered in Dots project inspired by Yayoi Kusama immediately! This one makes a fun book to share and create together. (Tip: Gift Some art supplies with this book!)
