Non-Fiction - Sondra Zalewski

Wombats Are Pretty Weird

written & illustrated by Abi Cushman

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Greenwillow Books

Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide packs loads of humor around its non-fiction text (which includes back matter). Kids won’t realize how much they’re learning! Abi Cushman possesses incredible skill at drawing animals with both cute and expressive faces. She pairs her illustrations with hilarious dialogue and somehow gets animal facts in there too. The mystery of square poop is laid to rest thanks to Cushman’s relatable science speak. Turns out wombats are indeed pretty weird, and a whole lot of fun.

Butt or Face?

by Kari Lavelle, designed by Michelle Mayhall

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Sourcebooks Explore

Kids will love the silliness Kari Lavelle brings to her non-fiction picture book about unique animal heads and heinies. Readers are sure to giggle while gaining knowledge from text that’s often accompanied by a pun or two. This book includes extra factoids in the back matter regarding animal locations and diets. Book designer, Michelle Mayhall, creates wonderful artwork by pairing reference photos with colorful graphics in a fun collage effect. Butt or Face? provides a fun and interactive way to introduce children to non-fiction topics with visuals and jokes that will entertain everyone.

Annette Feels Free

written & illustrated by Katie Mazeika

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by Beach Lane Books

Such an interesting biography about world-class swimmer Annette Kellerman. Annette Feels Free is packed with information and yet it never feels didactic. Kellerman was a remarkable woman, and it’s fantastic to share her story with young children. Mazeika’s illustrations have delicate lines paired with powerful colors and composition. She shows how Annette went from wearing leg braces, to swimming, to winning races, and then designing her own swimwear. An amazing inspiration for females, and any child with disabilities, to show how you can break barriers and achieve success while striving to be your true self.

The Beak Book

written & illustrated by Robin Page

40 pages, 3–8 years; published 2021 by Beach Lane Books

Robin Page’s The Beak Book packs a visual punch. The stark white pages contain brilliantly colorful birds. These closeup illustrations of beaks contain unique patterns and intense gazes. Each zoom view is accompanied by a small vignette of the entire bird’s body. These two perspectives do a great job of entertaining and educating readers. Back matter adds yet another layer of intrigue by providing geographic locations, diet, and even the size ratio of one bird to another. What a striking compilation of non-fiction material!

Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge

written & illustrated by Rachel Dougherty

40 pages, 5-8 years; published 2019 by Roaring Brook Press

Dougherty brings incredible life to non-fiction topics with paintings that ingeniously blend whimsy with realism. This picture book story highlights the remarkable Emily Roebling, a woman that never intended to be part of the Brooklyn Bridge planning but who ultimately proved crucial to its success. The beautiful illustrations delight the senses with informative diagrams and detailed settings. There is also additional information in the back matter as well as further reading suggestions. Secret Engineer’s empowering story will inspire young, curious minds to seek STEM subjects in future studies. Readers of all ages can learn something from it.

You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood

by Aimee Reid, illustrated by Matt Phelan

40 pages, 5-8 years; published 2019 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a favorite of mine growing up. I loved the warm way he talked to the camera, and I enjoyed learning new things from his special guests. Aimee Reid’s book, You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood has the same warm vibe. It’s thoughtfully written and shares several facts about Mr. Rogers that readers may be surprised to know. Matt Phelan’s wonderful water color illustrations reinforce the gentle, nurturing tone of the story. Back matter gives additional details into Fred Rogers’ career path and provides more resources to explore. After reading this picture book, kids and adults will come away with a greater understanding of what made Mr. Rogers so special.

A Green Place To Be: The Creation of Central Park

written & illustrated by Ashley Benham Yazdani

40 pages, 7-10 years; published 2019 by Candlewick Press

Ashley Benham Yazdani paints whimsical depictions of Central Park in her fabulous debut picture book, A Green Place to Be: The Creation of Central Park. Her detailed illustrations allow for new discoveries on subsequent readings. Kids will learn about Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the park creators, but they will also learn the value of giving your all. Olmstead and Vaux go from uncertainly about even entering the city park contest, to rising to the top of the entrees. Not only did their winning design lead to the creation of an amazing park for the citizens of New York City, but it lead to future parks across America.

Before She Was Harriet

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome

by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2017 by Holiday House

Some picture books make you gasp. Before She Was Harriet is one of them. The exquisite paintings on each page hold your eyes as strongly as the words resonate in your ears. What a brilliant way to reflect on the life of Harriet Tubman by traveling backward through her life. Children will be captivated by the expressive portraits and intrigued by the various names and skills held by this remarkable woman. I quickly added a copy to my personal library.