Non-Fiction - Sondra Zalewski

The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

written by Thor Hanson, illustrated by Galia Bernstein

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Green Willow Books/Harper Collins

The Escape Artist is one of those stories kids would enjoy if it were fictional, but they’ll enjoy it all the more when they realize it’s true. What could be better than an octopus escaping from an aquarium! Thor Hanson does a great job describing Inky and his personality while weaving in many octopus facts. Galia Bernstein’s illustrations take things further with expressive eyes and intriguing scenes. Back matter provides details about the real Inky along with several unique octopus facts. Rhyme keeps this story light-hearted and keeps readers rooting for Inky long after he’s gone.
Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution

written by Julie Winterbottom, illustrated by Susan Reagan

48 pages, 6–9 years; published 2025 by Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House

Julie Winterbottom nails the opening line of Magic in a Drop of Water: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” This biography shows how Ruth’s father nurtured her interest in nature and science. She went on to do groundbreaking research that proved the health of a river could be measured by the presence of diatoms (microscopic algae). The watercolor illustrations by Susan Reagan pair beautifully with this topic and contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Ruth Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination among scientists will inspire readers of all ages. This picture book highlights the power of persistence in following your dreams.
Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall

written by Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Chin

48 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House Publishing

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall shares an incredible amount of scientific information. Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life that never feels didactic and yet offers the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. Jason Chin’s detailed paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. Additional back matter organizes the information for in-depth teaching or deep conversations with inquisitive kids. This book has won several awards and lives up to them all.
The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife

written by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books

This picture book presents a unique approach to a non-fiction topic. Silverman pairs informative poems with short success stories about wildlife projects around the world. The poems reflect the practical, hands-on activities people are doing to improve the natural habitats of their communities. These lyrical verses engage listeners’ ears while Hsu’s artwork delights their eyes. Back matter adds additional content and resources. The breadth of this book means you can read only the poems, only the non-fiction paragraphs, or take a deep dive that includes everything. No matter how you enjoy it, The City Sings Green will inspire readers to become rewilding activists.
Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller

written by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by April Harrison

40 pages, 5–8 years; published 2024 by Dial Books for Young Readers

Go Forth and Tell celebrates one of the greatest children’s librarians, Augusta Braxton Baker. McDaniel does a wonderful job describing the love of story that Baker cultivated throughout her lifetime. Readers learn about the special collection of books she curated and the authors she supported in her quest to provide positive stories for and about black children. Baker’s indelible contribution to children’s literature is mirrored in the remarkable illustrations by Harrison. Her bold colors and patterns create visual textures that dazzle. This picture book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Augusta Braxton Baker did.
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.