Stories for curious minds—Ruth Ennis chooses non-fiction books for children
If you have a young reader in your life that is curious and eager to better understand the vast world they live in, these are the latest books you need to know about.
by Ruth Ennis
There’s a unique sense of awe that stems from reading true stories. Wonderous facts and incredible accounts of our world inspire us to learn more and to be more. Be it an exciting scientific fact, an encouraging idea, or a life-changing experience, these parts of every day life are celebrated throughout this selection of non-fiction books for children.
If you have a young reader in your life that is curious and eager to better understand the vast world they live in, these are the latest books you need to know about.
The Great Irish History Book, by Myles Dungan, illustrated by Alan Dunne (Gill Books)
The Great Irish History Book by Myles Dungan and illustrated by Alan Dunne (Gill Books) is the fifth instalment of the “Great Irish” book series. This giant hardback explores the history of Ireland, spanning from pre-historic lands and the Middle Ages to World War I and The Troubles in a clear, linear timeline.
With sporadic “spotlight” sections dedicated to biographies of key historical figures, a helpful index, and a fun quiz at the end, this fully illustrated book truly covers it all.
This book simultaneously demonstrates concise writing and comprehensive information. With moments of great humour sprinkled throughout, Dungan has mastered the art of offering fascinating information in an engaging format.
The illustrations complement the book well, with each period having a dedicated double-page spread. The spotlight pages are particularly enjoyable, with a laudable focus on Irish women as the highlighted historical figures. An impressive book that will make for a lovely gift for any budding historian that will last for many years. Suitable for ages 9+ years.
What Makes Us Human: A Scientist’s Guide to our Amazing Existence by Luke O’Neill and illustrated by Tara O’Brien (Gill Books)
What Makes Us Human: A Scientist’s Guide to our Amazing Existence by Luke O’Neill and illustrated by Tara O’Brien (Gill Books) is a detailed explanation of humanity through a scientific lens.
It is an adaptation of O’Neill’s Humanology by James Doyle specifically for younger readers. Covering topics such as the origins of humans, the future of robotics, the science of music, questions about death, and much more, this is an interesting book that is perfect for readers with a passion for biology and all things human.
A nice aspect of this book is the reference to Irish science, from naming Irish scientists to providing examples of everyday science in relation to a contemporary Ireland.
Consisting of clearly written and accessible essays filled with facts, this book has been carefully curated for a young audience. While the analogies are helpful examples and offer useful context, the frequency of jokes can be somewhat distracting from what is otherwise a promising read.
Tara O’Brien’s illustrations are nothing short of delightful. With inclusive representations of all types of humans, her artwork brings the excitement of the science to life. Suitable for ages 11+ years.
A Wild Child’s Book of Birds by Dara McAnulty, illustrated by Barry Falls (Macmillan Children’s Books)
For readers more interested in the natural sciences, A Wild Child’s Book of Birds by Dara McAnulty, illustrated by Barry Falls (Macmillan Children’s Books) is one to watch out for.
This book is filled with engaging facts about birds, several of which you’ll find in Ireland, and lots of tips and tricks for the aspiring ornithologist. In this book you’ll learn how to identify different birds by their songs and their feathers, the different functions of various beaks and fowl feet, and even some poetry that birds have inspired.
Written by a young author, naturalist, and activist, this book is beaming with personality.
It’s clear that McAnulty has a wholehearted and infectious passion for birds that could convert anyone into a nature-lover. The personalised touches throughout the book are lovely, especially McAnulty’s lists of his favourite songbirds and birds of prey.
Fall’s illustrations bring a distinct beauty to the production of the book. A perfect read to encourage any bird enthusiast to take the next step in their wildlife explorations. Suitable for ages 7+ years.
Be Inspired: Young Irish People Changing the World by Sarah Webb, illustrated by Graham Corcoran (The O’Brien Press).
Unsurprisingly, McAnulty appears in Be Inspired: Young Irish People Changing the World by Sarah Webb, illustrated by Graham Corcoran (The O’Brien Press). A collection of short biographies in a format similar to Webb’s Blazing a Trail and Dare to Dream, this book focuses on extraordinary young people under the age of twenty-seven in Ireland.
The book is divided into four sections: Science, Innovation, Business; Sports People; The Arts, Culture, Fashion; and Campaigners and Activists. From wheelchair-art designers and disability activists Izzy and Ailbhe Keane, to superbly skilled footballer Gavin Bazunu, to book champion and writer Sarah Fitzgerald, this book assures the reader that the future of Ireland is in good hands.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind book. Be Inspired is a tribute to young people and the endless possibilities to what they can achieve.
It is a beautiful reflection of the increasingly diverse contemporary Ireland. Young readers will walk away from this book, reminded that there are no limits to what they can do, and are given the repeated advice to follow their passions.
Webb’s writing demonstrates admirable sincerity and a great commitment to centering the child’s voice in this book. A beautiful, unique collection of important stories that every child in Ireland should have the chance to enjoy. Suitable for ages 7+ years.
You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska (Bloomsbury)
Last on this list is an absolute must-read: You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska (Bloomsbury). This book is a collection of diary entries written by twelve-year-old Yeva, beginning from a number of average days in February 2022, continuing on to daily entries from the very start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, up until May 2022 as she navigates her new life in Dublin.
Describing the loss and pain of war, the hardships of leaving her home, the complicated feelings of arriving in a new country, and little moments of joy, this is an autobiography of the decade.
This is a difficult and crucial read. As the title suggests, we cannot know what war is without having lived in it, but Skalietska’s committed record of her experiences during this transformative time in her life offers an intricate insight to war. She writes with great clarity and such vulnerability, with a wisdom beyond her years.
The book also includes a section where her friends offer their accounts of the days as war began, sharing with the reader the range of hardships these children face. What is remarkable above all else is Skalietska’s persistent return to hope; it is an accreditation to the author and her art. A book that should be read by all, this is suitable for ages 11+ years.
Non-fiction books are an important way for young readers to engage with the world around them, and this selection of books can guarantee you encapsulating stories from beginning to end, and beyond.
Ruth Ennis is a children’s literature writer based in Kildare. Her writing has been included in several publications and she was awarded an Arts Council Literature Bursary in 2021 and an Agility Award in 2022.
