2022 nonfiction favourites for children
We've enjoyed a diverse, stunning and highly informative range of nonfiction titles for kids this year. Here are a selection of our favourites.
Wild Australian Life by Leonard Cronin & Chris Nixon (illus.)
This stunning atlas of Australian animals features thousands of different species from the deepest parts of the ocean to the tops of the mountains. Discover the remarkable stories behind some of the world's most extraordinary animals in this must-have collection for every Australian family.
Ages 8 and up.
Flights of Fancy: Defying Gravity by Design and Evolution by Richard Dawkins & Jana Lenzova (illus.)
The inimitable Richard Dawkins writes beautiful nonfiction stories about the wonders of flight, from the mythical story of Icarus, to the first airplanes and flight patterns of great winged birds. He also delves into flights of the mind through science, ideas and imagination. With stunning illustrations throughout, this is a treasure for those interested in flight in any of its guises.
Ages 8 and up.
Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples by Isaiah Firebrace & Jaelyn Biumaiwai (illus.)
This wonderful picture book introduces children to 20 important concepts of First Nations knowledge in Australia. With vibrant illustrations and stunning design, Firebrace describes the value of caring for Country, explains the importance of Elders and the Dreaming, and much more. This is an essential introduction to the longest continuous culture on earth.
Ages 5 and up.
Our Country: Ancient Wonders by Mark Greenwood & Frané Lessac (illus.)
This is a brilliant geography and travel book featuring some of the most stunning ancient sites around Australia. Full-colour double page spreads visit places including Lightning Ridge, Great Ocean Road, Cradle Mountain, Lake Mungo, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kakadu, Wolfe Creek, the Bungle Bungles and many more. With a map to follow the journey, this is an enticing trip around the natural wonders of Australia.
Ages 6 and up.
Scientists are Saving the World: So Who is Working on Time Travel? by Saskia Gwinn & Ana Albero (illus.)
This delightful book, presented as a large-format graphic novel, looks at 20 scientists around the world who are doing amazing things, including zooming through space, protecting the planet, singing with whales, and always asking questions. This is a highly illustrated, exciting introductory science book that will get kids inspired to ask more questions about the world we live in.
Ages 4 and up.
Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World by Yuval Noah Harari & Ricard Zaplana Ruiz (illus.)
The author of the incredible bestseller about human history, Sapiens, has now written a book that is perfect for young (and old) readers who want an accessible introduction to how humans became the most dominant species on earth. Including maps, a timeline, full colour illustrations, this stunningly written book is utterly fascinating.
Ages 9 to adult.
Eyes on Flies by Bryan Lessard
Written by an award-winning Australian entomologist, this fun book celebrates the hidden life of flies and all the astonishing things that they can do. Flies have been around for millions of years and they’re still going strong. Filled with fascinating facts and amazing photographs, this book will show that flies really are quite incredible and we can't do without them.
Ages 4 and up.
The Cosmic Diary of Our Incredible Universe by Tim Peake & Max Rambaldi (illus.)
Written by astronaut and author Tim Peake, this book is presented as a diary, but it answers all the big questions about the universe and how it began. It explores black holes, antimatter, and how stars are made, amongst many other topics. Written in an accessible and fun style, with brilliant illustrations, this is a fascinating look into the origins of the universe.
Ages 7 and up.
A History of Words for Children by Mary Richards & Rose Blake (illus.)
This history of the world is told through the prism of language. It explores the development of language and written words, including inventions and civilisations that have changed the way we communicate. It also looks at the words of people including Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, Anne Frank and many more. With stunning illustrations, this is a fascinating book on the development of language and the future of language.
Ages 7 and up.
Wonders Under the Sun by Tai Snaith
This wonderfully quirky compilation of animals that are active during the day by artist Tai Snaith is an animal book with a twist. Species are grouped with fun titles such as ‘Spotted Bottoms’ and ‘Happy Hoppers’, featuring insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. Including snippets of information about their habitat and distinguishing features. Great for poring over for hours for all ages.
Ages 4 and up.
The Book of Dirt: A Smelly History of Dirt, Disease and Human Hygiene by Piotr Socha &Monika Utnik-Strugata
This coffee table book is a stunning, full colour production on an unusual, but vital topic. Filled with fascinating facts on the history of hygiene, disease and bacteria, it is also highly illustrated and often quite hilarious. This is a quirky coffee table book that will be an utter delight for the science, history and fact lovers.
Ages 7 to adults.
Full of Life: Exploring Earth's Biodiversity by Isabel Thomas & Sara Gillingham (illus.)
This stunning book uses the evolutionary tree to explore the diversity of life on earth, including microbes, fungi, plants, animals and even humans. Each double page spread focuses on one group that shares a common ancestor and shows what the members have in common and what is different. Using incredible infographics, this is a fantastic gift for budding scientists.
Ages 10 to adult.
The Secret Life of Butterflies by Roger Vila & Rena Ortega (illus.)
This gorgeous coffee table book is a testament to the fascinating lives of butterflies and moths. Full colour illustrations complement simple text about different types of butterfly species, discover how they evolved and how they eat, sleep and travel the world. Written by one of the world’s foremost butterfly experts, this is a very special book.
Ages 7 and up.
In an Artist’s Garden: A Seek-and-Find Book by Claire Orrell
This unique seek-and-find book will have children actively exploring the work and gardens of celebrated artists from all over the world. The artists collected here were all inspired by nature, and illustrator Claire Orrell matches her choice of palette perfectly to each. Perfect for secret-seekers and those who like to take their time.
Ages 3 and up.
Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge With Uncle Kuu by Victor Steffensen & Sandra Steffensen (illus.)
A bright and accessible introduction to First Nations fire management for younger readers. Children are encouraged to observe, listen and learn from their surrounds as Uncle Kuu shares Aboriginal burning knowledge while on Country. Uncle Kuu explains how Indigenous fire management is used to promote thriving ecosystems and how future generations can move forward with respect.
Ages 5 and up.