Non Fiction Picture Books

           Non-Fiction is my favorite genre.  I don't know why, but I love being presented with the facts and having excellent pictures to look at.  I choose books that I believed would grasp the interests of the average elementary students and could be used for classroom instruction.  All of these books could be incorporated in a multitude of lessons and would be excellent additions to a classroom library.  Non-fiction picture books are like miniature textbooks that are a lot more fun, and easier to wrap your mind around.  Here is a brief description of the books I've chosen.

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

             Ms. Frizzle, the world’s greatest science teacher, takes her classroom on another journey, this time being through the solar system.  What began with a field trip to the planetarium, led to a Ms. Frizzle being lost in the asteroid belt and the students flying all the way to Pluto.  Each page is illustrated with plenty of detail that capture varying levels of astronomical aspects.  There are captions which describe vocabulary and explain processes. 

            This book has the ability to empower a solar system unit overview.  There are various vocabulary and definitions to assist student’s learning.  Students can pick this book up on their own and be not only enthralled by the storyline, but also by the information presented, and the excellent illustrations.  Once again, I just love looking through the pictures and learning all of the excellent information.

Spies

          This book is an amazing exploration into the world of espionage.  It takes you on an illustrated journey from the beginnings of spies to spies of the future.  It also describes many of the exciting tools and gadgets that spies have used in the past and are being used.  Every kid has wanted to be a spy once in their life.  This book explains the ins and outs of espionage including where to place bugs, where secret information is commonly shared, and the best ways to disguise yourself.  Once again, this book would be an excellent addition to a classroom library, most likely in upper elementary.

Creating Cuisine: Have You Got What It Takes to be a Chef

       This book takes the essence of being the head chef of a four star restaurant and fits it into forty pages of excellent illustrated inviting text.  This book includes recipes, daily schedules and routines, global food listings and more.  I always wanted to be a chef and after reading this my dreams have just grown bigger.  This is a great book and can be used in first through secondary classrooms.  It is that good!

Ripley's Believe It of Not!: Human Body

       Now you may think that anything sponsored by Ripley's believe it or not is not really made for classroom purposes.  Well, I was thinking the same thing when I picked up this great work of non-fiction.  I wish I had this book when I was in school.  I think I would've became a doctor.  This book not only contains excellent information that students can use for projects and research, but also it contains fun facts and interesting ways people have pushed the limits of the human body.  I can imagine students in upper elementary grades fighting over this book during independent reading.

31 Ways to Change the World...by 4,386 children, we are what we do, :) and You!

        I can't even remember how I found this book.  Actually I think it found me with its amazingness.  This is exactly what I needed for my classroom and I know it will be included in my first writing activity on the first day of school.  This book is really written by 4,386 children.  It is simply ideas that students have that can change the world.  This is an excellent way to boost students excitement about environment awareness and responsibility.  But this book is more than just a product of the green revolution.  It is a product of good people looking to have a great impact on society.  I think it captures the essence of what is sought by loving and caring teachers.

I decided to do a video in order to show you all how truly excited I am about non-fiction.