Review: The Six Queens of Henry VIII by Honor Cargill-Martin & Jaimee Andrews (Children's, Non-fiction, 9/10E)

 October 2024, Hachette Children's, 48 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from Hachette Children's

 We all know Henry VIII had six wives. But these ladies are FAR too interesting to only be known as wives. Did you know that Catherine of Aragon rallied her troops in full armour while heavily pregnant? Or that Anne of Cleves met Henry VIII BEFORE they married – only she didn’t realise, because he was in disguise! Or that it was Catherine Parr who persuaded the king to return his daughters Mary and Elizabeth – two of British history’s most famous monarchs – to the line of succession?

Nayu's Thoughts

I studied the Tudors at school, and I can tell you what happened to each wife: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survied, but I can't recall all the names, what happened to which wife and a myriad of other details. Those are all in this absolutely gorgeously illustrated book! The cover is stunning, I love how often what I believe is called the Tudor Rose features for all the queens. The bright colours make the historical facts all the more engaging. Relearning information about the brave women is presented in manageable chunks. 

Some of the queens lacked morals in how they met Henry or dealt with him before they and after they were married, but those facts are clearly explained and not lingered on. They all have inner strength and definitely were lucky to keep living since he was fond of executions. Each has the tale of how they met the King, then key moments in their lives are portrayed which makes them seem more real. I mean I know they were real, obviously,  but their contribution to the world is rather fascinating. I never knew Henry's final wife Katherine Parr wrote a book, or that Anne of Cleves needed an interpreter because she didn't speak English. 

I really liked how at the back the timeline of the queens as well as how they fit in the family tree was explained; sometimes it is easier to understand things visually in a timeline rather than simply having dates written down on the page. This is a brilliant introductory book to the Tudor queens, with all knowledge needed for younger students and perhaps a gateway to more indepth books for older ones. 

Suggested read

If you love learning about facts check out DK My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things by Dorling Kindersley (Children's, Non-Fiction, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review) 

 

Review: Are You Small? by Mo Willems (Children's, Picture book, Non-fiction, 10/10E)

 July 2024, Union Square Kids, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Union Square Co

Are YOU small?

A little question sends readers on a BIG adventure to see the smallest of the small. From an average-size kid . . . to a cookie crumb . . . to a water molecule . . . all the way down to a single quark, readers discover that size is a matter of perspectiv

Nayu's thoughts

This was the second book from a publisher for young readers (I requested the books to be randomised) and it is so cute! the back cover has a ruler on the side to provide context for what is small. Each page (except the first) has an image of the previous page's creature/item walking away, allowing space for the next object. It states the object that is small, but how the object is equally big at the same time. 

There are lots of questions for young inquisitive minds, with a comparison chart at the end to give an idea of how small all the tiny things discussed actually are. The colours are bold in their own way but not super bright, which makes a nice change from similar books. Don't get me wrong, I love bright colours, but colours can be more muted and still stand out. I'm sure readers will be able to identify other small objects, and may start measuring some if they have a tape measure to hand. 

Suggested read

More scientific facts can be found in The Greatest Show On Earth by Mini Grey (Children's, Non-fiction, 9/10E)

 

Review: Curious Words For Clever Kids by Sarah Craiggs & Fiona Powers (Children's, Non-fiction, 10E/10E)

  August 2023, Hodder Children's Books, 68 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary from Hachette Children's 

Have you ever wondered what an Indri is, eaten a Clapshot, grown a Cloudberry or come across a Colugo? Do you always find yourself looking up CURIOUS WORDS?

From Nefarious and Knots to Yuzus and Yews, this brilliant tour through over 1,000 wonderful words and their meanings, packed with awesome illustrations is the perfect book for kids who always want to know what EVERYTHING means!

Colourful pages burst with curious words on subjects from space and dinosaurs to colours and actions, while language spreads explain how different types of words can do what you want them to do.

Nayu's thoughts

Words to any language are strange and require time to learn, something I can still appreciate as I do speak more than one language and while I don't formally learn French and Japanese any more, I still pick up new words as I read manga and watch anime. It is impossible to learn every word that exists, and children have to learn a lot of words throughout school. Anything that makes learning memorable and interesting is an absolute must. Sarah's choice of words along with Fiona's illustrations are a perfect combo to portray over 1000 words stated in this book. I liked how immersive each double page is, no two pages are alike. Words are displayed at different angles; food words are shown through a food market, weather words are shown in a picture of the world including weather system. Some are brightly coloured, others in pastels. 

All are presented in unique ways  that hopefully makes assimilating the words easier to comprehend. I may be in my early fourth decade but I didn't know all the words in the book. I'd never heard of a "crwth", a welsh musical instrument played with a bow, and as a bird lover I'd never heard of an ovenbird, a bird who builds dome shaped nests (I guess like domed ovens). No matter our life experience we all have something to learn, and ok some of us may never need to know that a group of rhinos are called "a stubborness of rhinoceroses" (very apt name given their size and strength), but they might prove useful for general knowledge quiz games and are amusing to think about. The book itself is about A4 sized, which is plenty big enough to read alone or with a friend. I'm going to be giving this to my helper as I know her 4 children will enjoy reading this (two are far too young for now but it can wait until they are older). 

See more of Fiona's work on her website. 

Suggested read

If you love new words I believe there are some in A Kiwi Year and A Canadian Year by Tania McCarney and Tina Snerling (Children's, Non-fiction, 10E/10E)

 

 

Book review: Supendous Sports: Cracking Cricket by Robin Bennett and Matt Cherry (Non-Fiction, Children's, 9/10E)

 August 2023, Firefly Press, 140 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Firefly Press

 Originally a way for bored shepherds to pass the time, via a first international in New York in 1844, to an estimated 60 million players worldwide today – it’s no surprise that cricket is the second most popular sport in the world.

Find out all about the sport in Cracking Cricket – full of jokes, fun facts and spotlight on famous cricketers, perfect for cricket fans and newcomers alike.

Nayu's thoughts 

I'm fairly sure I'm about to insult most sports fans by saying prior to reading this book I thought cricket was a glorified game of rounders (the type I played in school). I'm not a sport person. I knew very little about cricket other than a bat is used to hit a ball (well, hopefully), and people ran after the ball got hit. And the ball got caught.

Despair not, after reading this really interesting fact-filled book I understand cricket is both more complex than rounders and also quite simple too. Somehow all the explanations made sense. With my poor memory I can't easily recall all the facts (or many of them, other than the names for parts of a cricket field are unusual) but that's what this book is for. Any cricket fan will love learnng more about their beloved game. Any non-sport person like myself will be surprised by enjoying learning the ins and outs of cricket, pun intended. 

I now understand why some matches can last literal days which always baffled me when I heard about major cricket matches on the news. I could never understand why a game couldn't be completed in a day. Now I understand how it can drag meander through countless hours when teams are evenly matched in a competitive level. I can't say I now want to watch cricket, or any other sport, but I absolutely did like learning about it and seeing how it is similar to but quite different from my childhood rounders (whose rules I barely knew, I ran when told to run (no-one minded I was slow)). There are loads of facts told in a humourous away, totally aided by the fun illustrations which made me smile a lot. 

Suggested read

 For another sport themed read check out this football poetry collection, Give Us a Goal by Paul Cookson (Children's, Non-Fiction, Poetry, 8/10)

 

Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, Theresa Wensing (Non-fiction, 8/10E)

 

                     June 2023, Walter Foster Publishing, 144 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Book Summary from Quarto 

 Practice the mindful art of hand embroidery with 18 gorgeous projects you can use to create home decor, upcycled clothing, and personalized gifts.

Creative Embroidery & Beyond expands on the best-selling Creative...and Beyond series, which includes Creative Lettering & Beyond, to focus on one of the most popular crafting methods out there: embroidery. In this visually stunning book that presents hand sewing as accessible and fun, three talented, on-trend artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find:
 

• Step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more
• Instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts
• Primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch
• Information on embroidery tools and how to use them
• Advice for threads and brands to use
• And so much more

Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world. Make your own embroidered gifts and more with Creative Embroidery & Beyond.

Nayu's thoughts

I've been doing cross stitch, a form of embroidery, since I was 7 or 8 years old, yet it's only in the past 2 years I've started to dabble in what I call 'proper' embroidery, every stitch that isn't cross stitch. It meant that the request to review Creative Embroidery & Beyond was well received and I was delighted to check out the book. There are so many beautiful designs, mostly what I call classical looking embroidery style but used in interesting ways (such as on clothing and household items). I had never thought of using fabric pen to colour in the centre of a design instead of stitching it, something I may try in the future. I liked most of the designs which made choosing just one a little tricky In the end I opted for Cup of Planets by Theresa Wensing. 

 

Design in the book

As you can see it is a beautiful pattern...however I'm not mad about hands so I removed them. I needed some fabric so I decided to put the design onto a spare hijab I had. Let's bypass the unorthodox methods I used to get the pattern onto the headscarf, here is it on me. 

 

And here it is as a full hijab. 

 Now, while the book does do some diagrams for most stitches, there was one stitch, reverse chain stitch, which was not explained in the book so I had to Google it as I had no clue how to do it. Given how many other stitches are explained I felt this was a bit of a let down as beginners will not have a full library of stitches in their heads. I also had to watch some videos of the stitches that were given diagrams, whipped backstitch,  as I didn't fully understand exactly how to do it from the diagram which used a really dark thread which is not the best for when stitches are displayed. Again this was a bit of a let down as I had expected the book to explain all the stitches required for every pattern. 

Stitch explanation aside the pattern was a delight to work. I didn't use the recommended 6 threads for the french knots so had to do many more than the pattern indicates, but I rather like French knots so I didn't mind. Please ignore the pink planet: again I didn't do the recommend number of threads for the planet rings, so I unpicked it but it wasn't easy to unpick, resulted in holes and um yes moving on from that! 

I love how the planets turned out overall, I made do with what thread I had, whch is why the green dots are green rather than white, so I like to think of them as little aliens floating around space. I loved doing whipped backstitch, it gives a pretty looking effect on the cups. 

Apart from not having all the stitches explained in the book, or explained clearly enough for a beginner, this book is full of great designs to use. I'm already eager to use some planets on the bottom border on my hijabs, as well as some of the flower designs as they would look good since they are mostly plain. I like how Creative Embroidery & Beyond sparked my interest in using embroidery on clothes I own to make them unique, and will share my progress as I slowly do more.

Review: How To Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto by Dean Regas and Aaron Blecha (Children's, Non-fiction, 10/10E)

 May 2022, Britannica Books, 112 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Book Summary

Pluto has not been a planet since 2006. But this tiny world still inspires people of all ages while sparking controversy. In this delightfully witty book, astronomer Dean Regas teaches you how to educate your grown-up about the cutting-edge science of space, most crucially the reason why Pluto is NOT a planet anymore.

Delving into the history of space discoveries, the key players who have helped our understanding of the universe (including the 11-year-old girl who named Pluto in the first place), and the ever-changing nature of science, this book will equip every reader with the tools they need to bring their grown-ups fully up to speed, and to sneak in as many amazing astronomical facts as possible. 

And there’s a handy quiz at the end so that you can check your grown-up has been paying attention!

Nayu's thoughts 

I am one of those grown-ups who likes to believe Pluto is a planet. As a child I grew up with it being a planet, so I was eager to read why it isn't. There is so much good information in this book, and yes it's possible to spend an entire book talking about Pluto! Even though technically it isn't a planet as what makes a planet's definition has been changed, to me Pluto will always be a planet. It was for a time, and therefore it can be in my mind!

I liked how clearly it was explained why Pluto was a planet, and is not one. Rather than black and white illustrations they are blue and white, in keeping with what Pluto looks like.Despite being 2D some of the pictures popped off the page and felt 3D, almost all had a sense of humour to them.  I learnt about planets in general, moons, various scientific beliefs that changed over time as technology provided new evidence that change previously known facts. There is a timeline dedicated to Pluto facts, quizes at the back to see how much info was retrained from reading the book, and a much needed glossary, more useful to those new to astronomical terms. 

This is definitely essential reading if you don't understand why Pluto technically isn't a planet any more, and perhaps you will will join my team who pretends it still is a planet. I'm stubborn and I don't care! But at least the youth will know what Pluto really is, a once upon a time planet which is still an important part of our solar system. Or galaxy. Or both. I can't remember the difference between the terms. 

Suggested read

If you love space check out When We Walked on the Moon by David Long and Sam Kalda (Non-fiction, Children's, 10E/10E)

 

Review: The Gita for Children by Roopa Pai and Sayan Mukherjee (Children's, Non-fiction, Spiritual, 8/10E)

  October 2022, Swift Press, 304 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Swift Press

The Gita For Children is an accessible friend, philosopher and guide, designed to, reassure, empower, and provide direction to young readers in an increasingly chaotic and morally topsy-turvy world.

The Bhagavad Gita has been on India’s must-read list for an incredible 2500 years (at the very least), and with good reason. Secular, liberal, and unfailingly compassionate towards human frailty, the divine song is a call to war against the most powerful and dangerous enemy of all – the one that lives inside our heads.

Pai’s spirited, one-of-a-kind retelling of the epic conversation between Pandava prince Arjuna and his mentor and friend Krishna is the best introduction to the Bhagavad Gita. Lucid, thought-provoking and brimming with fun trivia, this book will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Nayu's thoughts

Initially I was going to turn down reading this book, after all I'm Muslim rather than Hindu so why do I need to understand The Gita? However, I do like learning about other religions, understanding people is a step towards getting on with them (in theory), and I was curious about it. There are very few illustrations inside, which was a shame as they are gorgeous. 

There is a lot of explaining of the key essential parts of The Gita, which I appreciate is useful for those new to it. Some concepts were complex even when explained clearly. I liked how the explanations used were relevant for both children and teens, relating to homework and seeing friends. There are a lot of philosophies which are very similar in Islam, some were quite strange to me, and I didn't agree with all of them, but overall I feel I have a vague grasp on Hindu philosophies and why Krisna is believed to have fought the battle despite not wanting to fight his own family. 

Kindness and a sense of duty to others as well as oneself were the messages that came across strongly to me, and that people regardless of their spiritual inclination can appreciate how The Gita is a foundation for Hindus. It touches on ideas that I learnt about when I studied Pyschology at sixth form, different part of the self and how we can give in to certain thoughts or feelings or we can be stronger than them and do the dull tasks that are necessary in life. I do feel young Hindus will find this book invaluable to their spiritual journey, and other readers can broaden their knowledge which is never a bad thing. It's not a book I will peronally reread, but it is very good and I definitely recommend checking it out.

Suggested read

If you want to learn more about India check out A Jar of Pickles and Other Stories by Chitra Soundar and Uma Krishnaswamy (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 

Review: The Greatest Show On Earth by Mini Grey (Children's, Non-fiction, 9/10E)

 April 2022, Puffin, Hardback, Ebook, Review copy 

Book Summary from Penguin

 Take your seats for the ENTIRE history of Planet Earth, as we take a whistle-stop tour from the birth of Earth, to the age of bacteria, the era of dinosaurs . . . to the moment of people (blink and you'll miss it).

Narrated by a friendly troop of insects and with mind-blowing, lively illustrations, this illustrated non-fiction book will entertain and educate, as we put on a show, the greatest show, the show of the evolution of life on Earth.

Nayu's thoughts

Our planet has been around for a phenomenal amount of time. Often history looks at more modern issues, but The Greatest Show on Earth focuses more what happened many millions of years ago rather than ancient civilisations. It looks at how the earth's creatures evolved to meet the changing atmosphere. The style is as a circus act with several cute creatures (even if in real life they might have some readers including myself squealing and running far from them) as the performers. There is a timeline at the bottom of the page to help keep perspective on how far back the current era is. In the margins on each page there are further details about the talked about era with fascinating facts to learn about.

The watercolour style which is in a sort of muted tone suits the feel of the book and is a pleasure to look at. There is humour in both the text and the images themselves, which will make the information more palatable for younger readers. Stopping to think of all that's happened is quite a marvelous feeling. Even now, millions of years on there are constantly new discoveries about the past which is an important part of our present. It's not all dinosaurs or amoebas, there are many other almost mythical creatures (sadly no unicorns) that I had forgotten about from when I learned about this in school. The Greatest Show On Earth is by far better than a dull textbook, and I feel is a companion book to a home library encyclopedia as facts presented in a fun way are so much easier to learn about and remember. Hopefully this will interest younger readers in historical science!

Suggested read

Take a step back in time to 2010 and check out one of Mini's fiction books:Three by the Sea by Mini Grey (Children's, Picture book, 5 years +, 9/10E)

 

Little Bunny's Book of Thoughts by Steve Smallman (Poetry, non-fiction, 10E/10E)

 

November 2020, Graffeg, 48 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Graffeg

When everything feels like a challenge, take time to stop and breathe with Little Bunny's book of calm, quiet and mindfulness.

Nayu's thoughts

I adore bunnies, so it was a no-brainer in saying yes to reviewing this book. Life isn't easy, we all know that. Honestly I could have done with rereading this gem of a read far more than I have in the past few months. Little Bunny is going through some stuff of its own, but the poetry within expresses how tough can can feel and encourages what action can be taken. I don't have ears I can dangle off a branch with like Little Bunny, and performing headstands isn't in my list of things I can do, but following the advice of speaking with friends, taking a step away from worries and trying to find the positives in life is something I can do. 

The simple black and while illustrations convey more than what's written on the pages, expressing the feelings more swiftly than the words do. I want to keep looking at the adorable Little Bunny, and eventually the words will take route in my head and provide comfort when I need them. A total must for everyone's bookshelf, regardless of if you love bunnies, which you totally should! 

Find out more on Steve's website. 

Suggested read

For other encouraging reads involving rabbits check out Poor Little Rabbit by Jorg Muhle (Children's, Picture book, Board Book, 10E/10E)

 

 

 

Review: The B on Your thumb by Colette Hiller and Tor Freeman (Children's, Poetry, Non-fiction, 10/10E)

 

 September 2020, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Quarto Knows

The B on Your Thumb is a book of 60 hilariously illustrated rhymes and delightful ditties to boost early reading—each poem teaches a specific sound, spelling, or rule. Using rhythm and wordplay, they promote phonics awareness, thinking skills, and literacy. But most of all, this book delights young readers with the fun and silliness of the English language.

This is a book where words like to play,
where letters get cross when they don’t get their way.
There are sounds to make and jokes to uncover.
An owl in your bowl, for you to discover.
Meet the K on your knee, who’s ready for fun,
and don’t be alarmed by the B on your thumb!

 

Nayu's thoughts

This is a perfect read for anyone learning to read and spell in English. Each poem uses creative rhymes and rhythm to explain how various spellings exist in English, using the focus of the poem within it repeatedly. Each poem comes with funny and sometimes weird depending on what your definition of weird is, Sometimes it's a weird that for me personally goes into freaky let's not see this territory, but it's a styles that most readers will love. The pictures tie in closely with the poems, which even as someone who has learnt to read English reminded me of when I did focus on learning the language, and how illogical English can be compared to other languages.

At the back of the book there are seven thoroughly explained word games for the teacher/parent/guardian/family to use to help the targeted reader get even more from this book. It can be read alone but it also suits being read with someone more experienced of English who can help the learner understand the poems better.  There is also a separate teacher's guide available for purchase.

Find out more on Colette's website and Tor's website

Suggested read

If you like poetry check out My Life As a Goldfish and other Poems by Rachel Rooney (Children's, Poetry, 6/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 

Blog Tour Spotlight: One Chance by Terroll Lewis (Non-fiction, Crime, Young Adult)

 

21st January 2021, Ad Lib Publishers, 256 pages, Hardback,

Summary from press release

“It’d be easy for me to go back to my old life, but I know where that old life leads you. You’re either behind prison bars or six feet underground.”

Born and raised on Brixton’s notorious Myatt’s Field and Angell Town estates, Terroll Lewis has lived a crazy life. Surrounded by gang culture from an early age, like so many other young inner-city people, he found it hard to resist the lifestyle.

By the time he was 15, he had already joined a gang, been stabbed, shot at, and was selling drugs. A chance to play professional football at Stevenage offered him a way out, but the short-term allure of a glamorous street life — the promise of girls, money, and cars — compared to the £50 a week he was being paid to play football, led Terroll back to South London and the notorious OC, or Organised Crime, gang. 

Violence and drug dealing were the norm in OC, and in 2009, aged 20, Terroll was accused of being involved in an extremely serious crime. After spending 11 months inside Thamesmead’s Belmarsh prison, he was acquitted of all charges and released back into mainstream society, which signalled the start of a new life.

Having used fitness, and calisthenic exercises in particular, as a coping mechanism while in prison, Terroll soon realised that there were other people like him who couldn’t pay for a gym membership, but still wanted to keep fit. Determined to spread the word further, he created a YouTube video demonstrating his workout regime. The views and messages quickly began rolling in, which encouraged Terroll to start conducting classes in local parks. As his client base grew, so did his ambition and self-belief. Leveraging his rapidly growing social media fame to reinforce his case, Terroll was granted a spot – a converted depot on Somerleyton Road in Brixton – to turn the newly titled Block Workout into a fully-fledged street gym.

 

Through Block Workout and Brixton Street Gym, Terroll is now able to give something back to the community he was raised in, offering young people an opportunity to follow a different road to the one he took during his adolescence — helping them to develop their minds as well as their bodies — and the chance to live a better life.

Not only is One Chance a truly authentic guide for the urban youth, steering them through the world we live in today – from education and relationships, to jail, social media and mental health issues – it also has the power to educate wider society on the experiences that this frequently demonised demographic face. Whichever form it takes, the aim of the book is to increase understanding on both sides, leading to a more harmonious, progressive, and positive society.

 

Nayu's thoughts

It being winter and given the state of the world I had to decline reviewing this book as from the info it isn't a light read. However I asked to be a spot on the tour because I have reviewed other crime books, with issues affecting young adults and feel that some of you may like to go check it out! It's impressive how much Terroll has turned his life around, he really is inspirational to other young people who also get lured in by the appeal of being a gang. Gangs are not good, but there are ways out and ways to stay away from them. I have faith this is an excellent read and may yet read it one day when life is less chaotic.  

More about Terroll from the press release

Terroll Lewis is the founder of the Brixton Street Gym, a charity-based community gym that has gained a huge cult following in the short time that it has been around. He also founded the BlockWorkOut Foundation — the charitable base that supports this amazing gym, making it accessible to everyone regardless of income — and The ManTalk, an online platform that promotes male positivity.

Terroll had been embroiled in some of the most serious street gang warfare even seen in London, leading a band of armed and dangerous young men through the streets of the city, a wild time that ended in him being accused of murder. He was eventually acquitted of the crime and proven innocent, but is thankful for his time in prison, as it enabled him to re-evaluate his life and come out a better man, the man he is today.

You can find Terroll on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention by Christopher Lloyd and Andy Forshaw (Non-fiction, Audiobook, 10/10E)

1st June 2020, What On Earth Books, 7hrs 30 minutes (approx) Audiobook (also in Hardback), Review copy

Summary from What On Earth Books 

From the author of the bestselling What on Earth Happened? comes a new, highly entertaining 15-chapter narrative history of the world for children and adults alike from the beginning of time to the present day.

AN ARMADILLO the size of a pick-up truck. A 4,000-year-old bowl of noodles. A legendary Chinese Empress said to have invented silk. Bees waggle dancing. Researchers figuring out how ancient Egyptian embalmers really got the brains out of dead people. An African emperor on a gold-laden pilgrimage….

T.REX, King Tut, Confucius, Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, William the Conqueror, Toussaint Louverture, the Wright Brothers, Adolf Hitler, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, Gravity, microbes, wars, epidemics, climate change, conquistadors, slavery, revolutions, religions, railways, computers, artificial intelligence… You get the idea!

Nayu's thoughts

Some of my fondest memories from my childhood were hours spent pouring over the mini range of encyclopedias I had in my home library. I loved all the pictures that accompanied the facts. Obviously an audiobook does not have pictures, but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of Absolutely Everything! You can see the style of illustrations on the publisher's website and they are good! The narrator did an amazing job of making every single fact interesting. I knew a lot of the info, and was surprised when it poked my memories of when I first learned certain informaiton. For example in one chapter there's talk of a man buried in the ice, with no knowledge of why he as in that location. I rememer being at secondary school, around 11-13, being in history class and having my teacher talk about the famous discovery. I can even vaguely remember the page layout in the text book! I am not blessed with a photographic memory, but it is weird what I can recall from the depths of my mind. 

I feel that having this fact filled book in audiobook format will actually help children who prefer to be active rather than sitting still with a book which is what I loved as a child, to absorb the facts without realising, while being able to keep themselves busy with something else. Audiobooks are great because they can be paused at any moment, and restarted at any moment. It's possible to skip whole chapters, relisten to parts of the listener's mind was wandering. I liked how the history of the world is explored as if it were a clock, leaving our human era in the last few minutes before midnight. That is fascinating, because it's a reminder that while it seems we have been around for centuries (we have), there are millions of years where we didn't exist at all. 

Speaking frankly, even though I am very much a creationist in terms of scientific belief, and I am not ashamed of having that viewpoint, how the earth is considered to be created is explained thoroughly and scientifically. One part of the book grossed me out - I was feeling a bit under the weather at the time, and with a high imagination the enthusiasm and detail of gore at how the ancient civilisations (particularly Egypt) removed organs before embalming and buriel made me a little queasy, which is a sure sign that a lot of children will love that part for being so gross! There are plenty of cultural references which readers will find it easier to understand certain points. Honestly if this doesn't intrigue someone into learning about the hundreds of topics covered, I don't know what would. 

While this could easily stand on it's own as an audiobook, I feel that it could also be given alongside the physical copy, so that reluctant readers can read along while they listen, the pictures can be enjoyed alongside the appropriate pages, and little beats being able to flip through a non-fiction book and read whatever catch's your eye. Chapters can be hopped betwee in the audiobook version, but there are some experiences that only physical books can give. That doesn't affect how great this book is, and I really hope Christopher creates more like it, perhaps focusing deeper into particular points in history. 

Amazing Islands by Sabrina Weiss and Kerry Hyndman (Non-fiction, Children's, 5 years +, 9/10E)

4th June 2020, What On Earth Publishing, 64 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from What On Earth Books

Embark on a breath-taking tour of over 100 islands found all around the world!

Discover over 100 of the planet’s most magical islands!

Their wildlife, history, diversity, people, cultures, treasures and more…

From islands that have been taken over by animals to disappearing islands, islands made of shells, artificial islands and even islands that were once prison colonies, this book takes you on an exciting tour of some of the smallest land masses in the world.

Nayu's thoughts 

I love learning about we live in. I know islands exist, some are really big, bigger than the United Kingdom where I live in England, some are smaller like nearby Jersey in the Channel Islands which I have visited as a child, and some are tiny. I knew a lot of islands existed, but having a book devoted to them shows the sheer number and how varied the environment of each island is. Some islands are volcanoes. Some islands are too dangerous for humans to visit. Some have unique tribes or architecture. Some are a wildlife paradise. 

Amazing Islands covers a lot of tiny islands, using gorgeous illustrations to help the reader understand what the islands are like. There is an incredible amount of info crammed into this book, which should encourage further study into other islands, or the life of explorers and wildlife in general. The only issue I have is that the text wasn't always put in the best font/colour/brightness, so it may not be the easiest read for people with visual impairment. I can read most things, but when I am tired I can struggle if a text is the wrong shade/colour for the background it is printed on.

Suggested read 

I have to do a shoutout to one of my favourite non-fiction reads, which goes into detail about what a particular country is like: A Kiwi Year and A Canadian Year by Tania McCarney and Tina Snerling (Children's, Non-fiction, 10E/10E)

Also a book focusing more on wildlife about an island is The Great Big Book of Irish Wildlife by Juanita Browne and Barry Reynolds (Children's, Non-fiction, 10E/10E)

Girlhood: The Story by many authors including Maria Purcell and Amone Gbedemah (Non-fiction, 8 years +, 8/10E)

Inside cover

The yellow version, nothing to denote what it holds within, in keeping with the personal nature of the book.

May 2020, The Hood, 66 pages, Ebook and Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from FAQ section on Girlhood: The Story website

The perfect gift for girls aged 8 to 14. Part journal, part guide, “Girlhood: The Story” invites girls to capture their unique story of growing up while providing information and insights about the changes their bodies will go through. It's a great way to learn about, prepare for and ultimately to celebrate the transition from girlhood to womanhood.

Nayu's thoughts  

Being in my 30s I have read several books aimed at girls who are growing up personally and also for book review. They all have information about what to expect for menstruation, how to keep as happy and healthy as they can. What I liked about Girlhood, The Story, is that it feels unique in how it is more of a private journal than an actual book, with weekly calendars to put how you feel each month, it debusts myths and gives the facts in a fun way. The uniqueness is found in the fact it is all in black and white, leaving it up to the reader to colour in the plentiful fun illustrations. There are ideas on how to fill in the calendar parts and period tracker, but each reader can customise it to themselves. 

Image from the press kit.

Please note that I think this is a really good resource for any young girl growing up. However there were two minor issues that I had. The first is that in one of the tips it says menstrual blood is normal blood, which while true at that particular point it doesn't explain it is also other materials too, it later says this in the glossary, and I have forgotten if it is mentioned earlier in the book before the tip is given, but I felt that could have been clarified at that particular tip. 

The second point I didn't like, which absolutely nothing to do with the author of those pages, who I am not naming (I had never heard of her) is the part where the journal talks about sugar. It is widely known sugar isn't healthy, and I accept that. I wasn't keen on the fact the section made it feel like sugar was demonised, and that it should be avoided at all costs. I know that is a strong word to use, and I did reread the section in question a few times, but that is how I feel. 

Yes eating healthily is important, especially as a girl developing into a woman, and it should be strongly encouraged. However I do not feel it is bad if a girl does fancy some chocolate while having her period. It felt like sugar was being made to be the Big Bad, which it may be but I would have preferred a more neutral approach. Healthy recipes are suggested from that particular author's site, which I don't have a problem with. I just feel given how impressional young women are, portraying sugar in some a way could make them obsessive about it, when there isn't harm in having the occasional cake or ice cream.

Where to buy Girlhood

Girlhood: The Story was a kickstarter project and has its own online store found here. It comes in three cute colours, can be either digital (no cover) or physical, with the price on each fairly reflecting the different mediums used. If I was getting this I would get both versions, one to fill in, and one to save so I could print it out to use each year. 

God Made the World and God Made Space by Steph Bryant and Lizzie Henderson (Non-fiction, Children's, 9/10E)

March 2020, Faraday Kids Science and Religion, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

God Made the World summary from Lion Hudson

God has given us lots of clues about how He made the world. This is how we think He did it. Discover how our world was made, beginning with His amazing stars. Follow the process of how Earth was formed and filled with amazing life. The 'God made' series encourages young children to explore and discover the world around them and tells them about the loving God who made it all. Scientific ideas about how and why everything was created are simply explained through the lively narrative and wonderful illustrations, leaving children marvelling at God's creativity, love and power. With additional information by the Faraday Institute about Science and the Bible for parents to open up discussion and some simple science experiments to engage budding young scientists. 

 

God Made Space summary from Lion Hudson  

God has given us lots of clues about how He made the space. This is how we think He did it. Discover how the wonders of the universe were made, beginning with a huge explosion. Follow the process of how stars, asteroids, comets, moons and planets were formed. The 'God made' series encourages young children to explore and discover the world around them and tells them about the loving God who made it all. Scientific ideas about how and why everything was created are simply explained through the lively narrative and wonderful illustrations, leaving children marvelling at God's creativity, love and power. With additional information by the Faraday Institute about Science and the Bible for parents to open up discussion and some simple science experiments to engage budding young scientists. 

 

Nayu's thoughts

On reading the blurb I knew the books were based on Christianity, but I was intrigued to see if the information can be for other faiths too. I can report they can! I am Muslim, so read the books from an Islamic perspective.These two books are well written and can easily be applied to Abrahamic faiths. God Made the World goes into how the big bang may have happened which can indeed fit with creationist views. God Made Space focuses on what's in the universe, and equally fits in with my views. 

Colourful illustrations coupled with clear text in varying size depending on the topic explored help make it the opposite of a dull science book. It is refreshing to see God's existence sitting alongside scientific facts, which is how it should be. I would prefer a few more pages in lighter colours, to help those with visual impairment be able to read it all easily, but those are the only issues I had with the books. The information contained will easily lead to inquiring minds investigating the subjects further on their own. 

Nose Knows by Emmanuelle Figueras & Claire De Gastold (Non-fiction, Children's, 9/10E)

 October 2019, What On Earth Books, 38 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from press release

 In this fun flap-filled book, you'll learn how smell plays a key role in the lives of animals and how it shapes their behaviour and relationships. Each flap reveals the hidden side to each environment only perceptible through smell, providing a clear layering of information and contributing to the element of surprise throughout the book.

Nayu's thoughts

I am so happy - somehow there are no snakes in this book, which is brilliant! I had to cautiously open each page in case there was a giant sn*ke staring back at me. Yay! Although this probably marketed at children, in all honesty when it comes to non-fiction I prefer so-called children's books because they explain the facts in a fun way. There are ever so many facts crammed in this very big book! Many I didn't know, as well as some I had forgotten from my science lessons many moons ago. 

I like how every aspect you could possibly think of about noses eg size and shape as well as ones you wouldn't automatically think of eg communication are explored in this book. Each page explores a main fact about noses, with extra facts sometimes along the bottom of the page which I liked the format of. The illustration style is of a similar colour to actual animals so looks realistic. As expected us humans are not very incredible with our noses. Not every animal has a nose as a nose: by that I mean there is one that has a nose in it's beak! 

I liked how dotted throughout the book were flaps to lift that showed a different aspect of the animal in question and how they used their nose. This is why the book didn't get full marks as one or two were a bit scary for me which I hadn't been expecting the first time of seeing one, and it wasn't always easy figuring out how to lift up the flaps: I am the first person using this book so nearly all were wedged into the page: there isn't like a small indent that provides a means to lift the flap up. This book would get full marks for the amount and quality factual info about animals. I learn an awful lot, and I know children whose school I am donating this to will probably like their science lessons a bit more because of how fun a read it is. My favourite animals with interesting noses are bees and sharks! 

See more gorgeous artwork on Claire's website which is in French. 

Suggested read

If you love non-fiction books check out The Great Big Book of Irish Wildlife by Juanita Browne and Barry Reynolds (Children's, Non-fiction, 10E/10E)

Be A Narwhal by Sarah Ford and Anita Mangan (Non-fiction, Inspirational, 9/10E)

Cute cover!

 October 2019, Spruce Press, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Octopus books

Let Narwhal show you the true meaning of a successful life. He is always prepared to put in the hours, whether he’s nurturing his sea anemones or doing a big presentation to the reef. Feisty and passionate, Narwhal is no back-seat driver - he’s always bursting with ideas, from how to break the ice at parties to how to tickle a fish. And when all around is in meltdown, he’ll stay in control and bounce back with a cool head and  a calm heart.
 

Nayu's thoughts

This is at least the 3rd book in the series that I have read, and it is as entertaining as the rest. I love narwhals because they look like unicorn dolphins/whales, a highly cool combo! I love the rainbow coloured horn on this narwhal. 

The advice is given 98% brilliant. I like the extra info at the front filled with positivity and making sure that you are you, and you don't copy people. Being yourself is the best you that you can be! Every page has an illustration with an important quote, some are funny, all are true and great when you need a pick me up. 

The reason this didn't get full marks is because I disagreed with one point Narhwal makes, this one. 

Comforting things are comforting for a reason, and I see no point whatsover in giving up what makes you happy - especially plushies! And on a later page Narwahl has a different plushy, so clearly it didn't get rid of everything comfy.  So this is the 2% that wasn't so brilliant for me. I did approve of a cat making an appearance, I marvelled the magic of books that let it breathe underwater., less so much the slight mutilation of said book. The little narwhal plushie was super cute! I want one. Narwhal has a positive attitude to live in general, even the parts that are less than rosey. 

Sarah and Anita have once again created a fun little read that I will reread many times over for life tips! 

Find out more cute illustrations on Anita's website.

Suggested read

Check out the other books in the series by Sarah and Anita including Be A Mermaid and Be A Llama by Sarah Ford and Anita Mangan (Non-Fiction, Inspirational, 10E/10E)

This book swam (flew) all the way to Australia for my cousin who loves mermaids! He loved it ^u^

This is one proud Llama!