Not too many years ago when I thought about “picture books” all that came to my mind where favorite fictional storybooks such as the Little Critter series and Dr. Seuss. I don’t think that I ever really realized how many beautiful and amazing nonfiction picture books there are out there until I became an adult. I’m sure they existed when I was a child, but I hadn’t quite discovered them yet. Boy, was I missing out!
Since then I have fallen in love with great nonfiction picture books. A great nonfiction picture book is one that “sucks you in” and fills every curious crevice of your mind with oodles of fascinating information. They show us that the more you learn, the more you realize you have so much to discover and they teach us that the thirst for knowledge, thankfully, can be unquenchable. I prefer my nonfiction picture books simply bursting with interesting facts and beautiful illustrations. The kind that you can use as a resource or pour over for hours. Below are some books that fit that description and are wonderful for curious little minds everywhere.
*this post contains affiliate links
Botanicum by Katie Scott and Kathy Willis- This book is HUGE in format and full of all kinds of information about plants large and small. It also has an extensive index at the end with all the plant species that it includes.
Animal Journeys by Patricia Hegarty and Jessica Courtney-Tickle- This book is small in size, but its thick with over 60 pages. It is such an interesting as well as beautifully done book. I feel like it is a small sampling of all the fascinating things there are to learn about different animals.
50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History: Weird Inventions that Seem To Crazy to Be Real! by Joe Rhatigan- This book contains information about 50 inventions that range from ones that never quite made it to the market to others that you can purchase today. It is a testament that there are no limits to the imagination and what science can achieve.
Curious Constructions: A PEculiar Portfolio of Fifty Fascinating Structures by Michael Hearst and Matt Johnstone- This large book highlights 50 different constructions that inspire curiosity and wonder that were created by nature and man alike. Some of the constructions include ginormous termite towers, the Gateway Arch, Stonehenge and the Marsh Arab Reed Houses.
Day of the Dinosaurs: Step into a Spectacular Prehistoric World by Steve Brusatte and Daniel Chester- This stunning book with its neon illustrations is packed with anything and everything that you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs. A feast for the eyes as well as curiosity!
The Big Book of Beasts by Yuval Zommer- Have you ever heard of a Binturong? I hadn’t! Apparently they are omnivorous mammals with rotating ankles that allow them to turn their feet to help them climb face first down trees. Who knew?! Just one of the amazing things I learned in this new book
Wild Animals of the South by Dieter Braun and Jen Calleja- This book features different animal species found in the southern hemisphere of the globe with captivating information and beautiful, prismatic illustrations. One that you could pour over for a while.
The Egg by Britta Teckentrup- It is a hefty nonfiction book bursting with all sorts of information covering a wide range of topics surrounding eggs. Everything to their size to myths surrounding them. A beautiful tribute to eggs in all their wonder.
Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures: Step into a Prehistoric World by Emily Hawkins and Lucy Letherland- Not only is this book huge, it is hugely fascinating! With page after page packed with dinosaur facts and tidbits you can easily find yourself getting lost in the Jurassic Era. (And the other Dinosaur eras as well ?). It pairs so beautifully with its predecessor “Atlas of Animal Adventures” .
To save this list for later pin the image below:
Leave a Reply