Non-Fiction for giving? No problem!
Sue McGonigle wraps up our non-fiction gift selection 2025 in neat categories.
General Knowledge
The Week Junior Big Book of (Even More) Knowledge Bloomsbury
With bite sized chunks of information and stunning photography this is an ideal book for browsing and sharing. Packed with a cornucopia of incredible facts on a range of topics, find out why ants are amongst the strongest animals, meet a house-proud mouse, discover bricks made from meteorites or how to plan the perfect sleepover.
Animals
A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night by Dara McNulty ill. Barry Falls, Macmillan
The writer’s passion for the natural world shines through in this beautifully written and illustrated book which invites young readers to explore five habitats at nighttime. We meet a range of wildlife from badgers in woodland to glow worms on the coast and learn about phenomena such as echolocation and bioluminescence. Practical suggestions on how to make a difference are included, such as how to make your garden hedgehog friendly. From the creators of Wild Child – A Journey through Nature and The Wild Child’s Book of Birds.
I am BIG I am SMALL My book of Animal Opposites by Vicky Woodgate, Scholastic
Comparing fast and slow, big and small, soft and spiky this is a book full of animal opposites. Very young children will enjoy the striking, colourful illustrations and simple comparisons on each double page spread, but there is interesting information for older children waiting to be discovered too with bite sized facts included in the varied layout.
Please Look After this Cat Kasia Antczak, ill. Kasia Fryza translator Agnes Monod- Gayraud, Post Wave
This book is a guide for young pet owners ‘narrated’ by Dot, a friendly cat with a very sophisticated vocabulary! It covers a broad range of topics including feeding and exercise as well as less obvious ones such as ageing. The design is bold and stylish with clear and attractive illustrations. A companion volume to Please Look after this Dog by the same creative team.
History
The Cave Explorer by Kate Winter, Puffin
The amazing discovery of prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, France in 1940 is depicted beautifully in this stunning picture book. 
Storytelling and information are woven expertly together, and a sense of wonder is created about the purpose of the cave paintings. The illustrations are fabulous and include several panoramic fold-out pages portraying the paintings themselves, maps of the caves and other prehistoric finds throughout the world.
Ancient Egypt by Justine Willis, Dorling Kindersley
On a perennially popular topic, this is a sumptuous look at a fascinating period of world history covering everything from the everyday life of ordinary people and pharaohs to the importance of the river Nile. The text is easily accessible, there are colour photos of original artefacts, alongside maps, diagrams and artwork from a number of illustrators.
Jerusalem Simon Sebag Montefiore, ill. Rui Ricardo and Catherine Rowe, Hodder Children’s Books
Highly contested throughout its history, the writer describes Jerusalem as a city built not only of stones but also of stories. The book contains thirty of these stories covering 3000 years, making untangling the city’s complex history more accessible for young readers. With topical relevance, the continuing tension is acknowledged and hope for a peaceful two-state solution expressed.
Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic by Anna Davies, ill. Daisy Winter, Cicada
This is an elegant, fascinating and beautifully illustrated foray into a rather niche subject. As well as a brief look at the early history of shoes, 20th century footwear is explored in more depth. A wide range of iconic styles such as Dr Martens are introduced as well as key figures in the industry.
Science and Invention
Head to Toe: An Introduction to the Human Body Pui Lee, Post Wave
From external appearances to internal organs and systems this is a well-designed introduction to the human body highlighting what we have in common as well as what makes us unique. Interesting chunks of information alongside attractive artwork and diagrams make this an accessible read.
We are all Inventors Kate Pankhurst, Bloomsbury
From the best-selling author of Fantastically Great Women and with the same engaging format, this book guides young readers on the best approach to becoming inventors themselves. Along the way readers will meet successful individuals with an emphasis on female achievement including Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie and learn about a range of inventions which have made a difference to our lives.
The Wizard’s Guide to Magical Experiments by AJ Wood, ill. Jo Rioux, Magic Cat
Framed as a handbook for ‘wizardlings’ young scientists will discover how to set up a wizard’s laboratory and conduct a series of forty simple experiments. Each of these illustrate and explain basic scientific processes and principles in a straightforward but exciting way. The engaging artwork and varied page layout add to the excitement with lots of flaps to lift to find out more.
Heroes
Legendary Heroes Dorling Kindersley
Introducing legendary heroes (and heroines) from world history and mythology this is a great book to dip into. It is sumptuously illustrated with photographs of related artefacts and sculptures, has clear annotation with key information highlighted. Meet rulers and warriors as well as clever tricksters. Romulus, Mulan, Achilles and Scherherazade are just a few of the characters featured. We marvel at their stories and ponder on the question what makes a hero?
Sport
Little People Big Dreams: Chris Hoy by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vagara, ill. Edita Hajdu
Newly added to the highly popular series, this book tells the story of one of Britain’s favourite sporting heroes, the cyclist Chris Hoy. Readers will discover his original inspiration, (after spotting the bicycle on the film ET apparently!) his incredible achievements in the velodrome in successive Olympic Games as well as his more recent work to raise awareness of cancer after his diagnosis.
Shoot for the Stars by Danielle Brown, ill. By Jayde Perkin & Filigrana de Ideas, Little Tiger
Written by a former Paralympian champion this is an empowering book designed to encourage children, in particular girls, to have the confidence to take part in sport. As well as the author’s own story we meet a range of female athletes including Leah Williamson and Simone Byles and hear their advice. There are lots of tips and practical activities to help build confidence, get started with sport and manage difficulties.
Football School Facts by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, ill. Spike Gerrell, Walker Books
With a football fact for every day of the year, all aspects of the men’s and women’s game throughout the world are covered plus famous birthdays and monthly quizzes. Colourful and fun for football fans everywhere.
Creative Inspiration
Art School (in a Book) by Russell Tovey and Robert Daiment, ill. Rose Blake, Laurence King
Designed as ‘A future artist’s guide to contemporary art’ this book aims to introduce young readers to artworks by a range of mainly 20th and 21st century artists and encourage them to make their own art. It is filled with full colour illustrations of artworks, with short paragraphs about each of these and a number of practical starting points for art projects.
Kids Can Cook Around the World Ill. Esther Coombs, Button Books
This cookbook takes families on a tour of global cuisine. Children will learn the origins of familiar foods such as pizza and burgers and make lots of new discoveries too. Each section includes a selection of recipes with easy-to-follow instructions, a clear layout and fully illustrated with attractive artwork. There is also basic information on equipment, techniques and staying safe.
Sue McGonigle is an independent consultant and co-creator of Lovemybooks
Find a complete list of all our seasonal gift recommendations here.
