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Nonfiction Books to Explore Our World

11 Great Nonfiction Books to Explore Our World

Posted on June 28, 2017April 24, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

I’m exploring our world today through eight beautifully illustrated nonfiction books. I’m always on the lookout for books that teach my kids geography; they never seem to know where countries are located and often get even the continent wrong. Until they can world travel — my oldest is planning on taking a gap year after high school — we are armchair traveling via books.

I’m giving five of them away to five winners. Please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter.

How about you? What nonfiction picture books have caught your eye lately?

 

11 Great Nonfiction Books to Explore Our World

The Earth Book: A World of Exploration and Wonder by Jonathan Litton, illustrated by Thomas Hegbrook

This beautiful nonfiction picture book is broken out into four sections: physical earth, life on earth, earth regions, and the human planet. Each section then has one or two-page spreads that give a detailed overview of each “chapter.” For example, earth regions are broken down into oceans, islands, rainforests, poles, deserts, and extreme earth. This book does a good job of presenting a lot of information in a readable day. Rainforests use the illustration to show the different layers of the rainforest; it includes ten animals found in the rainforest, and it includes rainforests in different geographic areas, as well as a summarized paragraph about the current state of rainforests. Browse this book with your child to discover the earth and all its wonders. [nonfiction picture book, ages 7 and up]

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World by Matt Lamothe

Flowering Minds loves this book too: “In this wonderful non-fiction book, we get to peek into the lives of seven kids from around the world and see how different and similar their lives are.” I was struck by the beautiful illustrations and the information that includes what each child eats using their native words which can be looked up in the glossary in the back. She noticed that “all the families are nuclear – mother, father, kids. In many parts of the world, families will include a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, and uncle all living under a single roof. I feel that the opportunity to show diversity in families was lost.” I think that’s a great point. Darshana has further resources for those who want to compare and contrast or do a book extension such as cooking a recipe from the book.

I would also suggest What The World Eats which I think is fascinating. It shows the groceries that a family eats in the course of a week. Not only do you see the groceries each family uses for the week’s meals but also the members of each family. [nonfiction picture book, ages 5 and up]

Children of the World by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier

This is a beautiful book to explore how children live in their day-to-day lives around the world. Learn what people’s homes look like, what they eat, and the weather they experience. It’s an easy book to browse to learn about different cultures, languages, and customs while also realizing how much we are all the same. [nonfiction picture book, ages 7 and up]

Children of the World by Nicola Edwards

What Makes Us Human by Victor D.O. Santos, illustrated by Anna Forlati

What makes us human? This is a riddle posed by the story of what connects us as humans. It is something ancient. It is something that can be lost to time. It is something all humans need to communicate with each other. It is language! This is an interesting take on what makes us human. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

What Makes Us Human by Victor D.O. Santos and Anna Forlati

Boys Dancing: From School Gym to Theater Stage by George Ancona

I’m adding this book to my Top 10 Multicultural Dance Picture Books because you just never really see dance books that focus on boys. Four boys — Ely, Raptor, Logan, and Ryan — train with teachers from the National Dance Institute of New Mexico. From ballet to musical theater, tap dance, and sword fighting, the boys are part of five hundred students who will perform more than twenty dances inspired by children’s books. It’s a message of reading and dancing for all. [nonfiction picture book, ages 5 and up]

Animal Journeys by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

It’s a pocket-sized book but it packs a lot of information about animal migrations of both animals, fish, and insects. With enticing illustrations, this book draws readers in covering just the right amount of information on the page. The beautiful layout of the book makes this a great choice for reluctant readers. Pair this with Things That Grow by the same publisher.[nonfiction picture book, ages 7 and up]

A River by Marc Martin

I’m excited by hybrid picture books that read like fiction but have accurate and plentiful information about a topic like a nonfiction book. It’s a nice way to get kids who tend towards fiction into nonfiction and vice versa. In this case, the reader enjoys an imaginary journey in a silver boat in a river that starts in a city and meanders down through fields and farms, hills and valleys, rainforests and mangroves, before going out to sea. The illustrations and prose give the book the feel of a story, but it’s an accurate story of the geography of a river. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Things That Grow by Libby Walden, illustrated by Becca Stadlander

It’s interesting how this publisher has a consistent look and feel of a series but uses different authors and illustrators for its books. Things That Grow, Animal Journeys, and The Earth Book: A World of Exploration and Wonder all are beautifully illustrated and laid out with just the right amount of information on the page. Things That Grow covers Plants and Trees, The Animal Kingdom, and The Universe. These books beg to be browsed. They are a good fit for kids who like National Geographic Kids books. [nonfiction picture book, ages 7 and up]

Atlas of Miniature Adventures: A Pocket-Sized Collection of Small-Scale Wonders by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Lucy Letherland

Like Things That Grow and Animal Journeys, Atlas of Miniature Adventures is appropriately a small book that has a charm of its own. The story is a kind of scavenger hunt around the world for tiny marvels that include the world’s smallest primate, the world’s smallest postal service, and the world’s smallest sea horse. Because this book is an Atlas, the focus is on where the miniature marvels are located and maps are conveniently provided at the start of each chapter with each wonder tagged. Science and geography are combined to catch the interests of kids who like Ripley’s Believe It or Not type of books. I like how this book helps kids get a better sense of where countries are located. There’s also a gaming aspect to this book, hidden throughout the pages are things to find. Try this book with your gamer! [nonfiction picture book, ages 6 and up]

Curious Constructions: A Peculiar Portfolio of Fifty Fascinating Structures by Michael Hearst, illustrated by Matt Johnstone

The illustrations in this book are not as appealing as the rest of the books on the page, and I wish there were photographs included of each of the fifty structures. Still, future architects will like learning about structures that are eye-catching. [nonfiction advanced picture book, ages 8 and up]

5 Nonfiction Book Giveaway

I’m giving away 5 books to 5 winners. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below and also list your first, second, and third choice in the comments below. I can only ship to U.S. addresses due to the high cost of shipping.

    1. Things That Grow
    2. Animal Journeys
    3. A River
    4. Boys Dancing
    5.  Curious Structures

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

Great Nonfiction Books to Explore Our World and 5 Book GIVEAWAY

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

p.s. Related posts:

Nonfiction Picture Books About Nature

Top 10 STEM Expository Nonfiction Picture Books

Environmental Nonfiction Picture Books That Call Kids to Action

Fun Nonfiction Fact Books for Kids

Juneteenth Children’s Books

Celebrate Tree Picture Books for Earth Day

10 Picture Books About Women Scientists Who Became Activists

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

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44 thoughts on “11 Great Nonfiction Books to Explore Our World”

  1. Mother of 3 says:
    June 28, 2017 at 6:17 am

    These all sound amazing! I have not heard of any of them!! Pinned.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Thanks so much Mother of 3!

      Reply
  2. Patricia Nozell says:
    June 28, 2017 at 8:36 am

    I love how you are sharing all of these lists at the start of the summer school breaks in North America, when kids have more free time to read.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Patricia,
      I’m trying to get my own kids reading this summer :)!

      Reply
  3. Olivia says:
    June 28, 2017 at 9:12 am

    What a great list! I am definitely going to buy A River and some of the others for our library.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Olivia,
      Yay! A River is such an interesting nonfiction book! Beautifully done too!

      Reply
  4. Olivia says:
    June 28, 2017 at 9:15 am

    1. A River
    2. Things That Grow
    3. Boys Dancing

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks for entering Olivia!

      Reply
  5. M. Gianferrari says:
    June 28, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    Ooh! I would love to win one of the nature books. Thanks for all of the great book recs & giveaways, Mia!!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks for entering Maria! You are my go to expert in nonfiction picture books!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer Oliger says:
    June 28, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    First choice: Things that Grow
    Second choice: The Earth Book
    Third choice: What the World Eats

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks for entering Jennifer!

      Reply
  7. Kathy says:
    June 28, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    These look great! My favorites are: 1. Things That Grow, 2. The Earth Book, and 3. Atlas of Mini Adventures.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks for entering Kathy!

      Reply
  8. John Smith says:
    June 28, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    “What is your first, second, and third choice?”
    1. A River.
    2. Curious Constructions.
    3. Animal Journeys.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks for entering John!

      Reply
  9. maryanne says:
    June 29, 2017 at 1:12 am

    Oh wow! I think my family would love all of these! But if I have to choose, I’ll say…

    1. Things That Grow
    2. Animal Journeys
    3. Curious Structures

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks for entering MaryAnne!

      Reply
  10. Elisabeth says:
    June 29, 2017 at 7:05 am

    I hope I have good luck, and win any of these great books
    1-Curious Constructions
    2-Animal Journeys
    3-Things that grow

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks for entering Elisabeth!

      Reply
  11. Beth Anderson says:
    June 30, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    Great collection of NF PBs! Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks so much Beth!

      Reply
  12. Sandra says:
    July 1, 2017 at 7:43 am

    They are all fantastic!

    1 What the World Eats
    2 Curious Structures
    3 The Earth Book

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      Thanks for entering Sandra!

      Reply
  13. Jen says:
    July 2, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    1. The Earth Book
    2. Curious Structures
    3. Atlas of MIniature Adventures

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks for entering Jen!

      Reply
  14. Fiona N says:
    July 13, 2017 at 2:22 am

    I love them all, especially:

    1/ Curious Structures
    2/ Atlas of MIniature Adventures
    3/ The Earth Book
    Thank You for the chance!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks for entering Fiona!

      Reply
  15. Bianca Munoz says:
    July 27, 2017 at 9:43 am

    Animal Journeys
    Things That Grow
    A River

    Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks for entering Bianca!

      Reply
  16. Lisa says:
    July 28, 2017 at 2:44 pm

    Thanks for highlighting these great selections. I would choose:

    1. Boys Dancing
    2. What the World Eats
    3. A River

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      Thanks for entering Lisa!

      Reply
  17. Kimmy Ripley says:
    July 28, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    This would be so perfect for my Chloe Pearl. She loves to feed her brain with knowledge. Thanks so very much for the chance.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      Thanks so much for entering Kimmy!

      Reply
  18. Kelsey Vinson says:
    July 28, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    What the world eats
    Things that grow
    Animal journeys

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      Thanks for entering Kelsey!

      Reply
  19. Stacey Grantham says:
    July 28, 2017 at 11:08 pm

    My son would enjoy Atlas of Miniature Adventures for sure!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      It’s such a cute tiny book! Thanks for entering Stacey!

      Reply
  20. kelly woods says:
    July 28, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    I love them all so any is a blessing. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      Thanks for entering Kelly!

      Reply
  21. Kim Avery says:
    July 28, 2017 at 11:23 pm

    1.Curious Constructions
    2.Animal Journeys
    3. Things That Grow

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      Thanks for entering Kim!

      Reply
  22. Teresa Robeson says:
    July 29, 2017 at 9:03 am

    Thanks for this overview review! I love WHAT THE WORLD EATS…if I’m not mistaken, there might have been a TV series that went with the book. It’s utterly fascinating and shows what a bad diet some countries have. Will check out all the other book, too!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 29, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      Yes! There was a TV series too! Thanks for entering Teresa!

      Reply

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