Top Ten General Nonfiction Picture Books
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear is the true story of Winnie-the-Pooh. In this book, we learn about Harry Colebourn, who was compelled to purchase a $20 black bear cub while on his way to war in 1914. He named the bear Winnie, in honor of his hometown, Winnipeg. The story follows Winnie’s adventures in both military training camps and the London Zoo. Though lesser-known than his fictional counterpart, the real story of Winnie-the-Pooh is sure to delight readers big and small.
Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
Grand Canyon is full of breathtaking illustrations showcasing the glorious splendor of the Grand Canyon. With an almost story-like beginning, the text not only entralls and teaches its readers, but the book also includes many interesting nonfiction features, including maps, a diagram of Grand Canyon rock layers, ecology, types of rocks, and so much more! This book is packed full of knowledge and beauty! One can’t help but gain a greater appreciation for this natural geologic wonder!
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frane Lessac
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a beautifully book featuring the Cherokee people. Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word the Cherokee people use to express gratitude. The story begins in the fall and ends the following summer, showcasing many unique Cherokee celebrations and experiences. As a nonfiction text, it is complete with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary of the words used in the book. We Are Grateful is a wonderful look into Cherokee culture and will help readers remember to be grateful and express gratitude for all the amazing things we are given in this world!
A Green Place To Be: The Creation of Central Park by Ashley Benham Yazdani
Many people know Central Park in Manhattan to be a beautiful, vibrant, green park, but this wasn't always the case! This book tells the story of architect Calvert Vaux and superintendent Fredrick Law Olmsted, who submitted plans for the space in an 1850s contest for Central Park design. They won the contest, then were tasked to create and build Central Park as their “green gift to everyone.” In an illustrated version of their process, the book includes many lesser-known facts about the park and its structures (did you know there are over 30 bridges in Central Park?). The final question of the text, “Who are these parks made for?” is answered with the reminder “They were made for you.” Worth a read!
The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!) by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by Chris Hsu
As the title implies, this is the true story of the accidental invention of Earle and Josephine. A caring husband concerned for his new bride’s frequent cuts worried about the risk of infection, so together they created a solution— Bandaids®️! And the best part? They didn’t keep their solution a secret— they shared it with the world! So next time you are putting a Bandaid®️ on your little one, remind them of this powerful story and accidental invention!
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Fry Bread is a story written in beautiful, simple verse, following a Native American family and showcasing the importance of fry bread to their culture and community. “Fry bread is food...Fry bread is time...Fry bread is nation...Fry bread is us.” The illustrations are powerful, and readers will learn to better appreciate both the food and the Native American culture it represents.
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet
This is the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the iconic balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From his childhood dreams of becoming a marionette man to the many clever inventions of his adult life, this book showcases both the ingenuity of creating something new as well as the importance of pursuing dreams. The illustrations are intriguing, and this tale won’t soon be forgotten!
Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy
Did you know that chewing gum has been around for centuries? Neither did we! In this book, you’ll learn that even Ancient Greeks chewed sap as their own version of “gum.” But a gum that could blow bubbles? That took an accountant in a 1920s Philadelphia candy and gum factory months of work! Not only is it fascinating to learn about the invention of bubble gum, but this story is also a reminder of the value of perseverance. Bonuses at the end include more information about ‘The Man Behind Bubble Gum” and lots of extra facts about gum!
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This is a wonderful tribute to Black lives and American history, written in beautiful prose and the kind of lyrical language that stays with readers for a long, long time. The book also includes an Afterword written by the author, a list of over 35 historical figures and events, and a short biography and/or information for each of the events mentioned in the book. Kadir Nelson’s illustrations are masterful, beautiful, and realistic, and when paired with the words, create an incredibly powerful message and tone. The Undefeated is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
The Hole Story of the Doughnut by Pat Miller and illustrated by Vincent Kirsch
The Hole Story of the Doughnut is the story of Hanson Crockett Gregory, master mariner from Maine, and the invention of the doughnut over 160 years ago. The creation of these “holey cakes'' as a solution to fried dough with uncooked middles quickly gained popularity among sailors and others during the time period. And since “sailors like their stories bold,” this book includes a few exciting tales and legends of the origin of doughnuts—retelling their invention story with escapes from monsters and other exciting details! This a fun book—check it out!