Kids like reading nonfiction. An excellent, entertaining children’s book packed with facts may frequently compel even hesitant readers to spend hours reading. All the reference books on this list are the favorites of my two sons. Although we have copies of our own, my kids rarely leave the library without a children’s nonfiction book.
In reality, a student has purchased a nonfiction book at each school book fair. They just devour them. These fact-filled novels are split into two groups. These two groups conveniently (and not by chance) match the ages of my two fact-hungry youngsters. There is some crossover, so if you’re not sure which books your kid who loves factual books would like, check the suggested age or look inside.
NONFICTION BOOKS FOR PRESCHOOL AND LOWER ELEMENTARY KIDS
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why. Who among children doesn’t ask several why questions? I enjoy this National Geographic series. The huge hardback volumes are filled with lovely photographs and are simple to hold on the lap. The topics covered by the whys in this book range from space to the human body. Plus! My favorite aspect of the book is how it suggests simple activities to help students put their newfound knowledge into practice.
National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space. I could create a separate entry for every book in the “First Big Books of…” series. This collection of children’s nonfiction books is very exceptional. Each book develops with the youngster. For children aged 3 to 7, each double-page spread provides fundamental and in-depth information. Kids are also encouraged to use their new knowledge by asking them questions such as, “If you could send a spaceship anywhere in space to capture pictures, where would you send it?” The following are other novels in the series:
- First Big Book of Animals
- First Big Book of the Ocean
- First Big Book of Bugs
- Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs
Jet Plane: How It Works. I’m really happy that David Macaulay has a series of early readers so that young children may appreciate his excellent explanations of how machines operate or how architectural wonders are made. His books for older children (and adults) are so renowned. Should I mention that my kids like the story about the toilet the most? Check them out all:
- Eye: How It Works
- Toilet: How It Works
- Castle: How It Works
NONFICTION BOOKS FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY KIDS
5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) (National Geographic Kids) This book has reportedly been on hold at the library for six months. My oldest kid is completely enamored with it. He loves it and can recall every little thing.
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Weird but True: 1,000 Wild & Wacky Facts and Photos. Who doesn’t like learning really weird stuff at random? Additionally, there are six small Weird but True books with 300 facts apiece, including my favorite history-focused one: Ye Olde Weird but True: 300 Incredible Historical Facts
National Geographic Kids Quiz Whiz: 1,000 Super Fun, Mind-bending, Totally Awesome Trivia Questions. I’ll suggest another book series from National Geographic at the risk of seeming like an infomercial. What can I say? The NG team is knowledgeable. However, when you give your youngster access to this book, be ready to take a lot of quizzes.
The Way Science Works. These huge, beautifully illustrated encyclopedia-style volumes are widely available from DK Publishing. Children may explore the format’s many pictures and explanations.
How to Be a Genius. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get the answer to that query! The companion book, How to Be a Math Genius, is also a favorite of my elder son’s. The book includes several puzzles, brainteasers, and games to keep developing brains occupied as well as information on the facts behind how the human brain processes and retains information (and learning).
G Is for Google: A Math Alphabet Book, and Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book. Don’t let these books’ “alphabet book” appearance mislead you. They aren’t books for young children! There are some in-depth but understandable explanations for students who enjoy S.T.E.M. topics, ranging from A is for Algebra to Z is for Zzzzzz (I’m not giving that one away!).
National Geographic Kids World Atlas. I am aware that this list does not include any history-specific literature. That’s because my boys’ hobbies have a specific focus. My oldest kid, however, loves geography and spends hours studying maps. Even though we have a large map above our dining room table, he still chooses to use his atlas, which he got at the school book fair, for more in-depth research.
