Books make the best gifts. I may be a little biased, but I love giving books as gifts. I think they offer a personal connection. You are either saying, I loved this book and I think you will too. Or, I know you love cats, science, history, etc so I thought this would be a great book for you. It means you have listened to them when they have shared something with you and that you took the time to notice. To see all the posts in this series, click HERE.
WEIRD BUT TRUE! 10
350 Outrageous Facts
Published: August 28, 2018
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books
Non-Fiction
The tenth in the Weird But True series is here and I’m sure kids are happy about it. These little books pack a punch with lots of facts that are…weird. Kids love reading these books and then telling anyone who will listen to the weird fact they just learned. These books are always the first chosen from my book bag when I’m in a classroom.
Facts are from various topics including science, space, weather, geography, food, and pop culture to name a few. National Geographic quality photography and illustrations fill the pages along with the facts. There is just enough silliness in these facts to keep kids excited to find out the next fun fact. Did you know that 99% of people can’t lick their elbows? I bet you just tried it too. I can’t. Can you?
Some facts that I enjoyed include:
There are more book titles on earth than living species!
Adding salt to pineapple makes it sweeter. (I love adding salt to watermelon. I’ll have to try this!)
A library in Iowa has more than 4,000 tiny book many of which can be read only with a magnifying glass. (It’s the University of Iowa Library)
Two artists in London built a maze made of 250,000 books.
The average rain cloud weighs as much as 100 elephants.
There is a fun fact for everyone and will keep kids busy for a while. It may even encourage them to research further like I did, looking up the Iowa library that had 4,000 mini books. With its smaller size, it would make a perfect stocking stuffer. This book would also be great for a classroom teacher gift.
To purchase a copy of WEIRD BUT TRUE! 10, click the photo below:
WHY NOT?
Over 1,111 Answers to Everything
By: Crispin Boyer
Published: August 21, 2018
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books
Non-Fiction
If you have a child that asks, “Why” a lot, then this is the book to have in your house. This book answers questions related to animals, oceans, space, science, history, your body, technology, and popular culture. This book doesn’t just answer the questions but also gives examples and extra information to cover the whole picture. For example, the question “Why don’t cats and dogs get along?” is answered with a historical background, the why, and then tips to help cats and dogs get along.
Questions about the Titanic, life prior to TV and internet or refrigerators, odd laws, or the ability to roll a tongue can spark conversations and would make for fun family entertainment. Taking a chapter a night or a page at dinner and then discussing the answers to the question can really engage the whole family.
Of course, lots of amazing photographs, fun facts, real explorer profiles, and cool activities make this a jam-packed book! It’s a large book so not one you can take a long, but great for at home or while getting dinner ready to keep the kids busy. There is plenty to learn in the pages of Why Not?
To purchase a copy of WHY NOT? click the photo below:
I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama’s regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children’s and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.
To see all the great NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS BOOKS I’ve reviewed, click HERE.