children’s nonfiction

Non Fiction Review: Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids

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Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids by Bob Katovich
Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids: 20 Original STEAM Robots and Circuits to Design and Build
by Bob Katovich

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book begins with a general introduction to robotics answering the question, What is and isn’t considered a robot? There are instructions about using caution and safety while creating the robotic projects, lists of common tools and materials that will be needed, and common places online where parts and supplies can be bought.

The first projects are simple, building a circuit with a battery, and creating a nightlight that looks like a mini robot. Then each chapter is divided by Robots for Entertainment, Robots in Space, Robots on the Job, and Robots in the Operating Room. In these chapters, the reader can build a small magnetic motor, a solar-powered dancing robot, a solar-powered propeller, and a dozen other projects!

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NonFiction Review: Let’s Party! Kids Cookbook

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Let's Party! Kids Cookbook by Ashley Moulton
Let’s Party! Kids Cookbook: Tasty Recipes Kids Will Love to Make, Eat, and Share
by Ashley Moulton

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book begins with some general advice about how to plan a party, make a guest list, and send out invitations. There are also some instructions about preparing the kitchen work space and using utensils safely, and a general list of common ingredients and kitchen equipment that will be needed. With examples of how to write an invitation, how to set the table, and basic kitchen skills like measuring and mixing, this book has everything a child needs to throw a party!

The next chapters are divided into sections for each type of party, with chapters for a sleepover, tea party, pizza party, ice cream social, birthday bash, Halloween party, and Christmas craft party. Each type of party includes special recipes, party decoration ideas, and a party activities or crafts. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Big Book of Bling

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The Big Book of Bling by Rose M Davidson
The Big Book of Bling: Ritzy Rocks, Extravagant Animals, Sparkling Science, and More!
by Rose M Davidson

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book gives amazing information and wacky facts about bling of all kinds, from gorgeous gems to flashy fish to colorful festivals around the world.
Not just about the diamonds and gold, this book talks about animals that use dazzling colors to attract a mate or fend off predators, the most expensive luxury items of the ancient and modern worlds, and the most extravagant palaces and mansions around the world.

There are caves that sparkle in the darkness with luminescence, showy waterfalls, armor from the middle ages, twinkling stars, stunning ice formations and glaciers, the most expensive cars, and the most iconic movie props of all time. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Nerd A-Z

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Nerd A to Z by Tamara J. Resler
Nerd A to Z: Your Reference to Literally Figuratively Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know
by Tamara J. Resler, National Geographic Society (Contributor)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


If you are interested in being that person who knows the facts, has the smarts, and can problem-solve with the experts, then this book is for you. Full of information about science, arts, culture, geography, history, and technology, this book is the perfect encyclopedia of knowledge for the coolest people on earth- nerds!

At the very beginning of the book there is a flow chart quiz, “What Kind of Nerd Are You?”, so you can discover if you’re a scientist, a culture connoisseur, a tech expert, a genius at geography, or a designer. Once you’ve found out your special interest, you can take another flow chart quiz to find your niche within that subject. No matter if your interests are sports, music, art, science, virtual reality tech, cartography, zoology, genetics, or botany, there is a cool quiz to take and a whole book full of cool information on that subject! Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Brain Candy

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Brain Candy by Julie Beer
Brain Candy: 500 Sweet Facts to Satisfy Your Curiosity
by Julie Beer,  Chelsea Lin

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


“Have you ever wondered which is hotter: the surface of the sun or the core of the Earth?” This book is packed with crazy facts and wild information to satisfy even the most curious minds! There are factoids about history, science, animals, writing, music, outer space, food, sports, and of course the weird human body.

I love how colorful this book is! Each page is full of vibrant photos and bright text boxes with nuggets of wacky information.

I only wish that each fact had more data explaining about the information. For instance, “A five-story inflated yellow duck travels to city harbors around the world.” Why is there a huge rubber duck that travels around? Who owns it? What is its purpose? haha! I need more info! I guess I’ll have to google it. Continue reading →

School Workbook Reviews: Phonics, Handwriting, Sight Words, Kindergarten, and First Grade

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Reviews of FIVE workbooks for children to learn Reading, Writing, and Basic Math during Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade.  Keep reading to see all Five workbooks!
My First Learn to Write Workbook by Crystal Radke
My First Learn to Write Workbook: Practice for Kids with Pen Control, Line Tracing, Letters, and More!
by Crystal Radke

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This adorable book is the perfect way to teach children to write their letters and numbers. Starting with the simplest tracing of lines and shapes, this book provides pages of writing practice for little fingers all through the alphabet and numbers. There is even a Certificate of Completion at the back of the book!

The colorful illustrations will engage the attention of young writers, and there are games and simple puzzles to solve. The lines for tracing are large, so that a child could use a crayon or marker in the beginning as they learn to trace the lines and hold a pencil correctly. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Book Review: Don’t Read This Book Before Dinner

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Don't Read This Book Before Dinner by Anna Claybourne
Don’t Read This Book Before Dinner: Revoltingly True Tales of Foul Food, Icky Animals, Horrible History, and More (Don’t Read This Book)
by Anna Claybourne, National Geographic Society (Contributor)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Have you ever wondered how much mucus your sinuses make every day? Or what types of insects various cultures around the world consider to be delicious cuisine? Or how much pee rodents are leaving in the walls of your house? Wonder no more, because this book covers a multitude of disgusting and disturbing facts about the gross things of the world.

With sections about rats, toads, plants, insects, germs, food, mold, skunks, mummies, and dozens more, this book will definitely gross you out! Heed the warnings, and do NOT read it before eating! Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff

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Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff
by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

The everyday things around us have fascinating histories of genius, inspiration, happy accidents, tradition, and ancient legends. How were zippers, scissors, candles, velcro, pockets, skateboards, hair dye, and chewing gum invented, and how have they changed over the years? This book tells the incredible origin stories of hundreds of everyday items, holidays, games, foods, and sports.

The colorful photos and illustrations bring each entry to life, as the reader dives into the history and legends of common-place items. The colors are bright and energetic, and draw your attention. The design of each page is calculated to spark the reader’s interest! Continue reading →

Non Fiction Book Review: The Book of Kings

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The Book of Kings by Caleb Magyar
The Book of Kings: Magnificent Monarchs, Notorious Nobles, and Distinguished Dudes Who Ruled the World
by Caleb Magyar, Stephanie Warren Drimmer

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book gives short bios on more than 100 amazing men who were (and are) leaders of nations, artists, inventors, revolutionaries, writers, scientists, astronauts, and shapers of their culture. Even fictional kings, comic book heroes, and mythical men are included, as figures of our imaginations that have influenced the way we think about men in power.

Each short biography shows how each incredible man came to gain fame and renown for his accomplishments and position. Every page includes beautiful photographs and illustrations, showcasing the history of the era in which these kings lived. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Book Review: The Book of Queens

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The Book of Queens by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
The Book of Queens: Legendary Leaders, Fierce Females, and Wonder Women Who Ruled the World
by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book gives short bios on more than 100 amazing women who were (and are) leaders of nations, artists, inventors, revolutionaries, writers, athletes, scientists, designers, and shapers of their culture. Even fictional queens and mythical women are included, as figures of our imaginations that have influenced the way we think about women in power.

Each short biography shows how each incredible woman came to gain fame and renown for her accomplishments and position. Every page includes beautiful photographs and illustrations, showcasing the history of the era in which these queens lived. Continue reading →