Intriguing Non-Fiction for Kids

2012-01-16

Begin the winter school semester with educational books that take young readers on amazing journeys.

“How the Weather Works” by Christiane Dorion and Beverly Young; Templar Books/Candlewick Press; 16 pages; $17.99.

Kids are always intrigued by the weather. Where do hurricanes come from? Why does it snow? Are we really changing the climate? This interactive book lets kids explore the world's weather with pop-ups, pull tabs, flaps to lift and other cool, hands-on features. Not a toddler pop-up book, “How the Weather Works” is best for elementary grades and is set up like a detailed scrapbook with fact sections peppered throughout each page spread.

First comes “What causes the weather?” with information about the sun, atmosphere and seasons. Next up, “Where does rain come from?”, which includes a mini-book about the story of a raindrop. Other detailed, colorful, hands-on page spreads are titled “How can we predict the weather?”, “Why does the rain blow?” and finally, “Are we changing the climate?” Though the later is not an alarmist section, the thoughtful book does end by acknowledging that climate changes are occurring and offers readers fodder to ponder — “Should we wait and see what happens? Or should we take action now?”

“Real Love — The Drawings for Sean” by John Lennon; Insight Editions; 48 pages; $16.95.

When Beatle John Lennon's son Sean was born, the rocker took a sabbatical from performing and became a stay-at-home dad. During these five years before his untimely death in 1980, John and son Sean spent hours sketching animals, flowers and people. The result is a creative, fun collection of drawings with witty descriptions from one of the most gifted artists of our time.

Newly designed from a previously published edition (with a richer color palette and larger size), plus six added never-before-seen sketches, “Real Love” makes a fantastic Valentine's Day gift for child or parent. Animal lovers especially will enjoy Lennon's whimsy in his watercolors showing that “a small pig is a happy pig” and presenting “crabs crabbing, fish winking, an elephant forgetting and a duck ducking.”

Toddlers who don't know the Beatles from a beetle will thoroughly enjoy this witty, fun picture book. Beatle fans, too, will want it for their collections.

“Born and Bred in the Great Depression” by Jonah Winter & Kimberly Bulcken Root; Schwatrz & Wade Books; 32 pages; $17.99.

Though this lovely picture book tells a family-oriented, homey tale in an entertaining manner, it's actually a true historical chronicle. Award-winning Jonah Winter shares the touching story of his father's childhood and paints an intimate portrait of the Great Depression with honesty and optimism.

Opening with black and white photographs of the author's Granny and Grandpa Winter, the book then begins with a cozy watercolor night blue scene and “Where you grew up, on the edge of town, next to the tracks, you could hear the trains going by at night. East Texas, the 1930s — the Great Depression.”

The gentle tale tells of hardship but emphasizes most family closeness and the power of hard work and perseverance. Water-colored sketches by Root emphasize the love felt by the Winters' entire family, and they showcase fun porch banjo-playing and chess sessions.

A highly beneficial read for families struggling to make ends meet in today's economy, Winter's story pays tribute to a loving father who “learned to love those things that didn't cost a penny.”

“People Around the World” by Antony Mason from Kingfisher Publishing; 18 pages; $12.99.

With zesty colors and a kind of “Where's Waldo” set-up, this lift-the-flap, sturdy, oversized, board book introduces youngsters to a football game, beach, African village, farm, Middle Eastern market, Brazilian carnival, a Bollywood movie set and a city street. Each active page spread features multiple people engaging in all sorts of activity, while brief descriptions of each locale add to the educational aspect.

Preschoolers and early elementary-school kids will enjoy each page spread's busy activity and will see more to find upon each viewing. The 50 flaps to lift add to the surprises.

“California History for Kids” by Katy S. Duffield; Chicago Review Press; 127 pages; $16.95.

Kids yearning to learn all about California's history and hot spots will enjoy this hands-on book. A time line of significant events, list of historic sites and Internet resources for further study add to the appeal. Activities help readers bake and eat hardtack like a gold miner, decode a railroad cipher, immortalize their handprints in plaster (like in Hollywood) and assemble an earthquake preparedness kit.

The story of California is a great one — full of dreamers turned explorers, gold miners, immigrants, moviemakers and everyday Americans who headed west for a fresh start. “California History for Kids” captures all the adventure with 21 activities and tons of amazing information.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.