Happy Non-Fiction Christmas 2024

Whether you are looking for in depth histories or light-hearted trivia; books to inform, inspire, or entertain here is a selection of some of the best non-fiction books published this year, chosen for you by Sue McGonigle.

Our World

Amazing Asia Rashmi Sirdeshpande, ill. Jason Lyon, Wide Eyed Editions (10-14)

An ambitious book which takes an encyclopaedic look at the world’s largest continent from ancient empires to modern technology and culture. Five distinct geographic regions are explored looking at the landscape, wildlife, key historical events and significant individuals including Genghis Khan and Bruce Lee.

Celebrating and saving our natural world

Life in the Wild by Lizzie Daly ill. Chiara Fedele DK Publishing (8-10)

True stories about ten real animals tagged and monitored by scientists are introduced here, including ‘Polar bear 20741’ who loses her cub on an epic swim for food in the face of disappearing ice floes. Each story is followed with information about the animals and their habitats, the dangers they face supported with notes from the scientists who tracked them.

Wildlife Crossings, Catherine Barr, ill. Christine Engel, Otter Barry (8-10)

This book describes efforts to link wild spaces to create animal pathways, whether elephant corridors in rural India or hedgehog highways in British suburbia.

With an attractive and clear layout and a good balance of text and illustration each page has an introduction and additional bite size chunks of information on annotated maps and images.

Slug Life Moesha Kellaway Rocket Bird Books (5-8)

Crossing the boundaries between fact and fiction this is a very entertaining introduction to slugs challenging the generally accepted view that slugs are revolting and damaging creatures. We learn amazing facts about slugs including their role in the food chain and the amazing liquid crystal they produce which helps them move and navigate.

Blue Heart  Nicola Davies, Graffeg, (8-10)

In a more lyrical but equally genre busting book, wildlife expert Nicola Davies draws on her personal experience and knowledge in this stunningly illustrated celebration of whales in pictures, poems and informative notes.

Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Susan Martineau ill. Vicky Barker b small publishing (5-8)

On a perennially popular topic this is the perfect book for young dinosaur enthusiasts. It covers a range of topics including their size, diet, fighting potential and how we know about them. Each topic has a well-designed double page spread with clear and attractive illustrations and just the right amount of engagingly worded text

100 Ways to Save the Planet by Tom Jordan, ill. Joshua Rice Button Books (8-10)

Packed with ideas to help young readers become green superheroes from big projects, such as making a wildlife pond to smaller life changes such as brushing with a bamboo toothbrush.

Human invention – past, present and future

The History of Information Chris Haughton, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, (10-14)

A comprehensive and fascinating look at information, how we share it and the inventions which have paved the way to create our modern data collection and communication systems.

Each spread includes a brief introduction, short explainers and commentary with interesting examples supported with a range of graphics and photographs. Those familiar with Haughton’s picture books will recognise his distinctive style and use of colour.

Money Alex Woolf, ill. Nick Taylor Big Picture Press (10-14)

A fascinating history of money and banking throughout history taking us from bartering to crypto currencies. Key events such as The Wall Street Crash are covered and there are clear explanations for complex topics including inflation, the financial markets and the economy. Well-illustrated and attractive.

Future Vision Dr Cathy Rogers, ill. Madeleine Rogers, Button Books

Guaranteed to spark discussion, the writer draws on the knowledge and predictions of a range of experts, seeking to explore what the world might be like in 2070. Whether you fancy travel by hi line cable cars or tasting 3D chocolate, this is an optimistic vision of an exciting future.

The World’s First Roller Coaster (and other amazing inventions) by Mark Barfield, ill. Franziska Hollbacher Templar Books (8-10)

With a very attractive comic strip layout this is a great book to dip into and entertain friends and family. It is full of amazing facts, inventors and inventions; find out about the world’s tallest skyscraper in Dubai or Japan’s super-fast bullet train.

The Truly Terrible History of the Toilet Terry Deary, ill. by Martin Brown.

The creator of the Horrible Histories series ‘lifts the lid’ on the past in this new volume.  With lots of humour and gruesome tales about ways toilets have caused death or injury there are serious messages too, with insight into how lucky we are to have toilets and the importance of sanitation and hygiene.

Creativity – art, music, cookery and craft

Small Stories of Great Artists Laurence Anholt, Taschen (8-10)

This anthology draws together Anholt’s popular picture book with stories about famous artists told from the imaginary perspective of the real-life children who knew them. Engagingly written and beautifully illustrated this new volume also includes reproductions of each artist’s work, a mini biography, photographs and questions for the reader. Featured artists are predominantly male except for Frida Khalo, although Berthe Morisot is mentioned within the story of Monet.

42 Artists Everyone Should Know, Prestel (10-14)

A chronological introduction to a range of artists from Hieronymus Bosch and Leonardo Da Vinci to Banksy and Yayoi Kusama. Some will be household names though others, particularly some of the women artists featured, less so.  Large colour illustrations depict some of their best-known work and a timeline gives context. Useful tips on where you might visit the artist’s studio or see collections of their work are also included.

Raising the Roof Jack Pepper, ill. Michele Bruttomesso, Templar Books (8-10)

Ideal for budding musicians this book offers a short history of classical music introducing some key composers, the instruments of the orchestra, different types of composition from symphony to screen music and the ingredients needed to create a piece of music.

Chefs Wanted! Allegra McEvedy, ill. Alice Bowsher DK Publishing

Ideal for families to explore together this book is jam packed with mouthwatering recipes from around the world demystifying cookery and demonstrating being a chef is ‘part artist, part scientist and part magician.’ The cover doesn’t do justice to the design of the book, which combines photography and artwork beautifully.

A World Full of Christmas Crafts by Helen Mortimer, ill. Joy Laforme Frances Lincoln (8-10)

Twenty-four customs and traditions from around the world associated with the festive season are introduced each with an activity to try – involving ‘baking or making.’ Discover the legend of the Christmas spider from Ukraine and make your own sparkly web decoration.  Make heart shaped baskets from Denmark or sweet pancakes from Syria. Packed with ideas to keep children happily busy in the build up to Christmas.

Fun for Christmas day or throughout the year

Cluedle by Hartigan Browne Macmillan Books (8-10)

Help private investigator Hartigan Browne solve the case of Rudolph’s revenge by solving a series of mystery puzzles including logic and code cracking. Great for entertaining young sleuths over the Christmas season.

Happy Days – 365 facts to Brighten Every Day of the Year by Emily Coxhead, Walker Books (5-8)

Did you know … that some buildings in Hong Kong have large holes designed for dragons to fly through? This book is full of entertaining trivia perfect to delight young readers on Christmas day or every day of the year.

Sue McGonigle is an independent consultant and Co-creator of Lovemybooks (www.lovemybooks.co.uk)

We’ve compiled a complete list of our Christmas gift recommendations.