There have been some great informational picture books that have come out this past year. And I thought I would take a moment to show you five of my favorites. So, if you know anyone who wants to learn more and have that information presented in a beautiful format with fantastic illustrations, this list is for you!
By Nell Cross Beckerman
Illustrated by Kalen Chock
Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic, 2022.
I have always been fascinated by speleologists—possibly because I may or may not be a tiny bit afraid ever since I read Tom Sawyer and imagined myself trapped like Becky and Tom. Anyway, this book totally grabbed my attention. It shows all the beauty (both the small bits and the grand, majestic parts) of caves. Readers who love adventures and exploring will enjoy learning more about this part of the world.
By Melissa Steward
Illustrated by Howard Gray
Peachtree Publishing, 2022.
This is one of those books that you hand to a reluctant reader that loves facts and knowing cool bits that they can tell others in casual conversations. It also has a human shadow that can be compared to the early predators so readers can visualize just how monstrous these carnivores really were. This is the type of book that elementary school kids will be wowed by.
By Greg Pizzoli
Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2022.
I love pizza—and so do millions of people around the world. This is a fantastic informational book that tells all about the history of pizza. When it was first made, how it evolved to what it is known as today, and how it varies around the world. Give this to young Food Network fans who know their way around the kitchen and who like to know the history of their favorite foods.
By Antoinette Portis
Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, 2022.
All of the stages of the life cycle of a plant can’t always be seen by children—since some of what happens does so below ground. This book has a series of illustrations that show the above and below ground bits of a sunflower as it grows from a seed. With limited text and bold pictures, this is a perfect book to explain plants and growing to young preschoolers.
By Jason Chin
Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, 2022.
This is a fantastic book that shows just how small things are. Caldecott medalist Chin first starts by showing a person compared to the smallest hummingbird. Then shows the hummingbird compared to the smallest butterfly. This continues until readers get to the elementary particles that make up all the atoms that make up everything. But because Chin starts things by comparing a person to that first hummingbird, readers can really grasp just how microscopic things really are. Brilliant!
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