Non-fiction Picture Books

I’ve always read more fiction than non-fiction. I’m glad my kid balances their time equally between fiction, non-fiction, and comics/graphic novels. There are a lot of gems to be found in the non-fiction side of the publishing universe. Below are a few fact-based picture books that are beautiful and informative!

Koko’s Kitten by Francine Patterson and Ronald H. Cohn (1985)

This one is a favorite from my childhood. Koko is a gorilla who knows ASL and communicates her desire for a kitten. The story is illustrated by journalistic photographs that reminded me of Jill Krementz’s work. A great choice for kids who are interested in science and research.

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins (2004)

A book all about scale. Jenkins draws animals — tiny and massive — in actual size to give us a sense of how bit they really are, like the giant squid eye peering out at us on the page. This would be an interesting book to pair with one about the powers of 10. What an interesting way to get a sense of where one fits into the scope of the world!

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal and Luisa Uribe (2018)

Another biographical picture book, this time about the remarkable biologist Just. He overcame personal tragedy and fought against racism to become a professor and researcher. He made discoveries in the study of the cell and published widely. He was also devoted to teaching and has a legacy that stretches on through his students.

Listen to the Language of the Trees by Tera Kelley and Marie Hermansson (2022)

I thought of this beautiful book as a kids’ version of The Overstory by Richard Powers. Both depict how trees communicate with each other and even protect other plants when threatened. The picture book is an adeptly simplified version of this science, giving kids an introduction to this seemingly startling idea that trees can talk.

Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden by Phyllis Root, Gary D. Schmidt, and Melissa Sweet (2022)

Thaxter’s family ran a hotel that brought the world — and many famous guests — to her doorstep. Through relationships with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Childe Hassam, she became a published poet. Her other love was her garden, which this book lovingly depicts.

Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock (2023)

This biography tells the story of Randolph Caldecott, one of the first illustrators of children’s books. The book includes reproductions of Caldecott’s pictures and the art by McClintock embraces his style. He believed that art for kids should be lively and engaging. One of the ALA awards for illustration bears his name.