Introduction to Information and Factual books
There are thousands of children's information books published every year and the task of selecting just a few of them for review is almost impossible. Information books that are attractive, colourful and well designed can support reading development as well as inform and can appeal to many children who may be reluctant to tackle a daunting-looking fiction text. While there is relatively little children's non-fiction published in Ireland, it is encouraging this year to see several Irish topics covered from Granuaile to the Titanic and the always enjoyable Terry Deary's new book on Dublin.
Download our guide to the Top Information Books for 2009 here: information
Top Reads 2009:
LEONIE FLYNN, DANIEL HAHN SUSAN REUBEN (EDS)
THE ULTIMATE BOOK GUIDE
A&C BLACK 2009, £12.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781408104385
A book with hundreds of lively book reviews for 8-12 year olds. Includes top ten lists and recommendations of books by the same and other authors in similar genres.
SYBELLA WILKES OUT OF IRAQ
EVANS Publishing 2009, £14.99 (HBK) ISBN 9780237539306
Words and paintings are used to tell the stories of the terror, grief and uncertainty of the life of refugees. A powerful book which is eloquently written.
Top Reads 2008:
Brendan O'Brien, Illustrated By Cartoon Saloon
The Story Of Ireland
The O'Brien Press, Euro 19.95, ISBN 9780862788810
The O'Brien Press is one of the few Irish publishers willing to take a chance on ambitious illustrated projects - think of their award-winning poetry collection, Something Beginning With P (2005). The Story of Ireland is another O'Brien Press book which is bound to win praise from children and adults alike. Written in a lively, informal style, its attractive pages are full of informative facts broken down into child-friendly, bite-sized pieces, ideal for internet-savvy modern youngsters. From Celts to the Celtic Tiger, it's a rollercoaster ride through Irish history.
The excellent illustrations by Cartoon Saloon, a group of highly talented young artists and animators based in Kilkenny, are full of witty, authentic detail. Their work has an almost child-like exuberance and I particularly like the delicate, wafting verdigris ‘statue' heads and the chubby American tourists in tartan trousers outside the GPO, both in the ‘Statues with a Story' chapter. There are also maps and photographs, old and new. Every household in Ireland should have a copy, not to mention libraries and schools. I can't recommend it highly enough. A triumph!
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Series
Walker Books, £18.99 (HBK)
Titles include: Dinosaurs by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart (ISBN 0744586909) and Sharks and Other Sea Monsters by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart (ISBN 0744586895)
Dinosaurs are always a favourite theme so this book automatically has a captive audience. What sets it apart, however, are the ingenious and very impressive dinosaur pop-ups that jump out of the pages at you. Check out T-Rex for a particularly scary encounter! Some of the pop-ups are cleverly hidden and when discovered, you feel the thrill of a palaeontologist unearthing some dinosaur bones! It is a clever book with plenty of concise and interesting information on the subject too. A visual treat. Age 6+