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Non-Fiction Resource Books for the Primary Years Programme of Inquiry |
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February 2008 This is a list of books which I hope will be a useful resource for teachers and librarians for the Primary Years Programme of Inquiry of the International Baccalaureate. I have tried to choose books which do not have a narrow focus but which are trans-disciplinary in concept. Please contact me if you would like recommendations for books on specific subject areas, and at a particular age level. The list will gradually be added to and improved as I have time to add to it and as I get more feedback from teachers and librarians. I have divided the list into the six organizing themes (though I realise that there can be considerable overlap between various themes) and have made up separate lists for fiction and non-fiction titles. I have given an indication of reading levels to each of the titles. Titles newly included in this updated list are marked • Please Note All prices are in Australian dollars and include the 10% GST tax. However this GST does not apply to exports from Australia. If you would like to order any of the books on the list, send the orders to Austral Ed by post, fax or by email. Payment can be made with bank cheques in Australian dollars, by direct bank transfer or by Credit card. Freight is sent by the most economical method within Australia or overseas, depending on urgency. Recommended by Kate Shepherd Who we areAll About Me by Debbie MacKinnon Photographs by Anthea Sieveking pb $15.95 Big book $39.95 Beautifully photographed, this is a most engaging picture book for preschoolers showing the exuberance of young children in play, eating, getting dressed etc. (3 – 7 years) Around the World series by Kate Petty in association
with Oxfam pb $14.95 each title Playtime, Home, Bicycles and Hair Hats Hats Hats by Ann Morris photographs by Ken Heyman pb
$17.95 Living, Learning and Playing Together series by Jane Pearson hardback $29.95 each Working Together is simply written but describes very effectively the ways we can cooperate with others in order to work, play and learn. It has many examples of the people in the community also work together to achieve good results. This is a very helpful series which will facilitate discussion of these topics. The full series is My Feelings What are my Rights and Responsibilities Why do we Have Rules Working Together (7 – 10 years) Beginning and Endings with Lifetimes in between by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen pb $16.95 This is a simply but beautifully written description of how for every living thing, there is a beginning and an ending and in between there is life. For some creatures, the life span is very short, for others it is long. Sometimes living things become ill and get hurt so badly that they can no longer stay alive. “This can happen when they are young, or old, or anywhere in between.” Death is not an easy subject to write about but Mellonie Bryan writes about it in a sensitive, straightforward way showing that it is all part of life and this makes it easier to understand and to wonder at. (4 years up) W is for World by Kathryn Cave (in conjunction
with OXFAM) pb $15.95 Big Book $39.95 A large number of countries are included and the daily life of adults and children is brought to life with simple text and stunning photographs. It is much more than just an alphabet book as it also has a message about
people’s basic rights of shelter, food, water, health care and
education. (5 - 9 years) • M is for Mexico by Flor de Maria Cordero hardback $27.95 • J is for Jamaica by Benjamin Zephaniah hardback $27.95 • P is for Pakistan by Shazia Razzak and Prodeepta Das hardback $27.95 Geeta’s Day: From Dawn to Dusk in an Indian Village by Prodeepta Das pb $15.95 Geeta’s day is typical of children in villages throughout India. Vivid photographs and simple text show us Geeta’s family, her school, the jobs or crafts of village people and the games she plays. It is part of an excellent series called A Child’s Day. In similar format are Bongani’s Day (South Africa) hb $27.95, Boushra’s Day (Egypt) hb $27.95, Cassio’s Day (Brazil) hb $27.95 pb $15.95, Enrique’s Day (Peru) hb $27.95, Huy & Vinh’s Day (Vietnam) hb $27.95, Lina Marija’s Day (Lapland) hb $27.95, Nii Kwei’s Day (Ghana) hb $27.95 pb $15.95, Polina’s Day (Russia) hardback $27.95 pb $15.95, Yikang’s Day (China) pb $15.95. (5 – 8 years) Ikenna Goes to Nigeria by Ifeoma Onyefulu hardback $27.95 When Ikenna goes to Nigeria to visit the country where his mother was born he visits busy Lagos and also a quiet village. Excellent photographs show us many aspects of life in Nigeria. (6 – 10 years) Prita Goes to India by Prodeepta Das pb $15.95 This is the diary of Prita’s trip to India to meet her father and mother’s family. She describes her excitement on visiting the Taj Mahal, New Delhi and her many relatives in villages in Orissa. The excellent photos and interesting text give us many different impressions of life in India. (6 – 10 years) Shanyi Goes to China by Sungwan So hardback $27.95 This is Shanyi’s diary of her trip back to China. She visits her relatives in Hong Kong and also on nearby mainland China. Interesting text and vivid photographs give us many different impressions of life in China. (6 – 9 years) For Every Child The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in words and pictures text adapted by Caroline Castle pb $21.95 A beautiful picture book which restates in simple language fifteen of the most important Rights of the Child. Each Right of the Child is illustrated in a very different style by a different artist from round the world. There is much to discuss. (7 – 11 years) Wake Up, World! A Day in the Life of Children Around the World by Beatrice Hollyer pb $15.95 An exploration of the lives of eight children each from different countries showing the similarities and contrasts as the children wake up, get dressed, go to school, play, have dinner and get ready for bed. The children come from Australia, Brazil, Ghana, India, Russia, Vietnam, UK and USA. There are very different levels of comfort in their way of living but the excellent photographs show us the vitality of the children, the strength of their family life and the ingenuity of their games. A very appealing photographic picture book celebrating the diversity of the children of the world. (7 - 11 years) Let’s Eat! Children and their Food Around the World by Beatrice Hollyer hardback $27.95 pb $16.95 The format is similar to Wake Up, World! with a slightly more difficult text. Children in South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, France, and in India describe the food they eat on an ordinary day and the special food they love to eat when there is a festive occasion. There are many contrasts and similarities to discuss. (8 – 11 years) Children Just Like Me by Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley In Assoc with UNICEF hardback $29.95 This is a celebration of children round the world. We learn about the lives of 36 children from round the world. Where they live, their families, their hobbies etc are shown through expressive photographs and a lively text. This book gives a feeling for the very wide range of peoples and cultures in different countries throughout the world. (7 – 11 years) A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World by UNICEF hardback $39.95 The Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the basic needs of all children and this book explores how these needs are met in countries throughout the world. The book is divided into sections on Survival, Development, Protection and Participation and also on Education, Play, Love and Care and Work. The excellent photographs of children round the world show the diversity of their lives. It provides a good introduction to some very complex questions. (8 - 12 years.) • A School like Mine: A unique celebration of schools around the world hardback $39.95 Published in 2007, this book follows the same format as the title A Life Like Mine. Children from schools around the world describe their school, what they learn, the time it takes to travel to the school and they also talk about their teachers, friends and family. Lively photographs show the school buildings, school equipment and the children at their lessons and play. Some schools are very poor with little in the way of equipment. Others are wealthy. This is a beautifully presented book giving insight into children from around the world and the schools they attend. (6 – 12 years) • A Faith like Mine: A celebration of the world’s religions – seen through the eyes of children by Laura Buller hardback $29.95 This book has the same format as A Life Like Mine and A School Like Mine. The principal religions from round the world are discussed in general terms and then more details of the beliefs of each religion are given as well as examples of how children in many different countries practise and celebrate their faith. There is also additional information about some faiths such as Jainism and Bahai, which have a smaller number of followers. ((8 – 13 years) Festivals (Little Nippers series)
by Monica Hughes pb $16.95 each These are very simple information books. Each title looks at the preparations and details of the festival described. Each book follows a young child enjoying the preparations and then the celebrations. Very helpful for there are few books as simple as these at this level. (5 – 7 years) Come to the Party! Celebrate Malay Muslim
Festivals by Suzanne Lauridsen and Sally Heinrich pb
$15.95 each This is a simple introduction to some of the Muslim
festivals in Malaysia in a story book format. Ahmad is a young
Muslim boy and he invites his friend Max to his home on an evening
after Ramadan and a number of other festivals and Max joins in the
family celebrations. Very simple text with bright lively
illustrations. A glossary and activities are also included. Max
is also invited to Rani’s house to celebrate Hindu festivals
and to Ping’s to celebrate Chinese festivities. (7 – 9
years) What Makes Me Me? By Robert Winston hardback $29.95 Children’s Rights series hardback $34.95 each Culture in series by Melanie Guile hardback $29.95 Culture
in Malaysia Culture
in Singapore Culture
in Vietnam Life Times series by Anita Ganeri pb $19.95 Where we are in place and timeHouses and Homes by Ann Morris, photographs
by Ken Heyman pb $17.95 Out there Somewhere It’s Time to … by
Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom One World series: Where We Live pb $17.95 Simple text and colourful photographs show us a variety of homes around the world. Good for discussion of the different of places where people live round the world. Also: In the City and In the Country showing life around the world for city and country dwellers. Pb $17.95 each ((5 – 8 years) My Place by Nadia Wheatley illus by Donna Rawlins pb
$19.95 Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325 – 1354 by James Rumford pb $14.95 This is the most amazing story of Ibn Battuta who at the age of 21 left his home in Morocco to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. However he continued on travelling to Jerusalem, Persia, south by sea to Delhi, on to China and finally reached Morocco again after an amazing 29 years. This picture book is beautifully illustrated with detailed maps showing his travels and the world as it looked in 1325. (8 – 12 years) One World series: Where We Live hardback
$35.95 Building History series • Stephen Biesty’s Castles written by Meredith Hooper illustrated by Stephen Biesty pb $20.00 This book tells the stories of ten amazing castles which existed in England, Europe, the Middle East and Japan from 1100 to 1880s. Biesty’s extraordinarily detailed illustrations show the castles in all their glory and the text gives us interesting historical background perhaps of an important battle or of the time the castle was built. Fascinating. (10 – 13 years) Fly on the wall series: Viking Longship by Mick Manning
and Brita Granstrom hardback $27.95 This is a new lively
historical series for younger readers. The illustrations and their
annotations are a vital part of this story which depicts vividly the
life of a small group of warriors and their children who left their lands
and settled in England. It is a lively portrayal of everyday life
and battles and sea journeys. There is also a detailed glossary
and index giving much archaeological information. (8 – 4
years) Greek Hero hardback $27.95 Fishing for Islands: Traditional Boats & Seafarers of the Pacific by John Nicholson hardback $24.95 Nicholson links his obvious love of boats and their design, decoration and how they are built with an outline of how the islands in the Pacific were settled. He describes through beautiful detailed illustrations and text, the first boats or rafts that must have been built and how they were used, through to dug-out canoes, outriggers and the canoes used by the Polynesians on their vast journeys across the Pacific. (9 - 16 years) Picture History of Great Explorers by Gillian Clements hardback $37.95 pb $19.95 The explorations of over 80 explorers are discussed briefly in this book which begins with the very first explorers back in prehistoric times, moving through Ancient times and ending with space exploration. The text is short but well written and there are many maps and illustrations giving more information. Timelines on each page pick up related historical events giving a greater understanding of what was happening in the world at that time. (8 – 11 years) Tough Stuff: True Stories about Kids and Courage by
Kirsty Murray pb $14.95 Three Wishes: Palestianian and Israeli children speak out by Deborah Ellis pb $14.95 In 2002, Deborah Ellis talked to many children in Palestine and Israel about their daily lives, their frustrations and their hopes for the future. In this book Deborah Ellis records what these children said. Many of these stories are extremely moving and revealing of the suffering of children living under at times under great difficulties. Deborah Ellis has also written a short introduction to the present day situation in Palestine and Israel. (11 years up) Legacies from Ancient China by Anita Ganeri pb $19.95 • Eyewitness series from DK. The following titles are very well presented and give much information about the various civilisations through paintings, photos and illustrations. They are great for browsing and for gaining an impression of the life and culture of these civilisations. Titles are: Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Aztec China Viking pb $19.95 each (8 – 13 years) Rivers through Time series hardback $37.50 Archaeology by Trevor Barnes pb $18.00 • The Usborne Introduction to Archaeology - Internet-Linked by Abigail Wheatley and Struan Reid hardback $39.95 Published in 2004. This very interesting book looks at examples of famous archaeological excavations round the world by continent. It also describes how archaeologists work and some the difficulties they face when excavating sites, whether underground or underwater. It discusses some of the painstaking detective work necessary and also some of the latest technological advances in dating, conserving and reconstructing the past. (10 – 16 years) • The Usborne Introduction to the First World War by Ruth Brocklehurst and Henry Brook hardback $35.00 This is an excellent introduction to the complex causes and events of World War 1. As well as describing the fighting on the western front, there are also detailed descriptions of the eastern front against the Russians and the fighting in Italy and Rumania and also the Ottoman Empire especially in Gallipolli and Palestine. The many photographs, illustrations, paintings and maps help bring a greater understanding of the horror of this terrible conflict. There is also a detailed description of the political turmoil which occurred after the War. It is shown that this was sometimes as a result of the new boundaries drawn after the Treaty of Versailles but also because of the many new political ideas. Also Usborne Introduction to the Second World War by Paul Dowswell hardback $35.00 (11 – 16 years) Upside Down World Map pb $10.95 Laminated
$24.95 How we express ourselvesDiscover other Cultures series by Meryl Doney pb $19.95 each • Art School by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $15.95 Manning has set out this book as though he is conducting an art course and he takes children through a wide variety of projects and activities. He encourages children to think of art as an exploration – of the senses, of the world around them and also of memories or dreams. This book is absolutely full of ideas, hints and tips for children and will extend their interest and their skills, either at home or at school. (8 – 12 years) Look! Zoom in on Art! by
Gillian Wolfe pb $16.95 Picture the World: Children’s Art around the Globe by Tracy V Spates hardback $45.95 This book features a number of art works from children of different ages and from eight different countries. The artwork presents an opportunity for storytelling and discussing similarities and differences between cultures as well as a chance to focus on familiar and new ways of being creative. Countries included are Japan, Ecuador, India, Russia, Kenya, USA and Vietnam. (10 – 14 years) The Art Book for Children hardback $29.95 • Art Book for Children Book 2 hardback $29.95 has a similar format and is just as absorbing. It introduces artworks from another 30 artists in a way that helps children to think creatively. (8 - 15 years) • The Usborne Introduction to Art – Internet-Linked by Rosie Dickens and Mari Grifffith hardback $36.95 This book should have been called the Introduction to Art of Europe and the Western World since there is very little reference to art from other parts of the world. However it is an excellent introduction to the development of art from the Classical period, through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance Baroque, to the Modern period of 1900 and to the present day. Developments and changes are clearly described and there are many examples of paintings and painters. Perhaps its strongest point is the clear explanations of how artists’ styles and techniques have changed over time. (12 – 17 years)How the world worksMy Body, Your Body (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $16.95 Children will love to compare their bodies with a variety of animals and the surprising way their bodies work. An innovative introduction to the bodies work. (4 – 8 years) Tick-Tock (Wonderwise series) by James Dunbar pb
$16.95 Splish, Splash, Splosh! A book about water (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $16.95 This lively book relates the water cycle to the everyday life of a young boy and his dog. (5 – 8 years) Wheels Keep Turning (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $14.95 An imaginative exploration for young children of the history of the wheel, from rolling logs and a potter’s wheel to air filled tyres and a spinning CD. (5 – 8 years) Yum-Yum! A Book about Food Chains (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $16.95 An excellent introduction to the concept of a food chain in which every living thing plays a part. It is also great fun to see who eats what in the chain. (5 – 8 years) • Ways into Science series by Peter Riley pb $17.00 each Changing Materials Electricity Floating and Sinking Growing Plants Keeping Healthy Lifecycles Magnets Push and Pull This series provides an excellent simple introduction to these topics. There are simple experiments and observations which children can make themselves. Brightly coloured photos and simple but interesting text allow children to gradually come to a better understanding of each of these topics. (5 – 8 years) • Lifecycles series by Dr Gerald Legg illustrated by Carolyn Scrace pb $16.00 each From Caterpillar to Butterfly From Egg to Chicken From Seed to Sunflower From Tadpole to Frog The beautifully detailed illustrations are matched by the informative and very interesting descriptive text. There are also suggestions of additional activities teachers can do with each of these books. (6 – 9 years) • How Did I Begin? by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $17.00 Manning and Granstrom manage to convey factual information simply, clearly and always with humour. Illustrations are always informative as well being humorous. The following titles provide a follow up to this subject: How Will I Grow? How Should I Behave? What’s My Family Tree? pb $17.00 each (7 – 10 years) Let’s Talk about Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends by Robie H Harris illustrated by Michael Emberley hardback 34.95 A book which answers the many questions young children ask about their bodies, how babies are made and growing up. The engaging illustrations are at times humorous but also provide additional information to the clear accurate and lively text. (7 – 10 years) • Usborne Facts of Life: Growing Up by Susan Meredith pb $16.95 This is a very straight forward, non-threatening but informative small book which gives reassuring answers to the many questions for children going through adolescence. It contains information on the role of hormones, sex, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and drugs as well as advice on healthy eating, exercise and hygiene. (11 – 15 years) • DK Human Body Encyclopedia hardback $35.00 This book gives an overview of the human body and the amazing ways in which it works. Photographs and diagrams show what is happening inside and outside and as well as details on how the body works, there is also information the keeping healthy and how we communicate. (8 – 11 years) Materials (Kingfisher Young Knowledge series) by Clive
Gifford pb $16.00 Can you feel the Force? by Richard Hammond hardback
$29.95 Think of a Number by Johnny Ball hardback $29.95 • Earth’s Cycles series by Cheryl Jakab hardback $29.50 each The Animal Life Cycle The Food Cycle The Plant Life Cycle The Rock Cycle The Seasons Cycle The Water Cycle This is an interesting series in that each of the six titles has a section in which reference is made to the other cycles in an attempt to give an overview of the whole complex cycle of life. (Normally there seem to be only books on Water, Plant, Animal and Food Cycles.) The text is straightforward and concepts clearly explained with the help of many diagrams, charts, illustrations and photos. The books also emphasise the necessity of understanding the balance of nature in order to keep the environment healthy. (9 – 11 years) • Materials: The Usborne Internet-Linked Library of Science: pb $16.95 This is a very helpful introduction to materials, their atomic structure and how they behave. There is detailed description of the chemistry of solids, liquids and gases with examples from everyday life. Suggested experiments and observations are also included and there are many illustrations, graphs and photos. Attractively presented, with clear explanations of many scientific terms and also links to over 100 tested and approved web sites. The complete list of titles in The Usborne Internet-Linked Library of Science series are: Animal World Earth & Space Energy, Forces and Motion Human Body Light, Sound & Electricity Materials Mixtures & Compounds World of Plants pb $16.95 each (9 – 12 years) • The Usborne Internet-Linked Introduction to Weather & Climate Change by Laura Howell hardback 34.95 A fascinating and clearly explained introduction to this most complex subject. It describes climate changes and their possible explanations over many millennia and also looks at a number of possible reasons for the present changes in climate. It also looks in details at many other phenomena of our weather. Very well illustrated with photos, maps, charts and drawings. (9 – 14 years) The Big Picture Book. See Life on Earth unfolding through time by John Long illustrations by Brian Choo hardback 29.95 This book truly deals with the Big Picture since it explores the origin of the Universe and the solar system as well as the origins of life on Earth. On the left of each page is a timeline showing the vastness of the time scale involved and this really helps us understand the Big Picture. The many excellent photographs and illustrations help explain clearly the changes in the Universe and the evolution of life on Earth. John Long is a palaeontologist and he also has a talent in explaining his science to children and in creating beautiful books. (9 - 14 years) • Body: An Amazing Tour of Human Anatomy by Robert Winston and Richard Walker hardback (includes CD) $39.95 I know there have been many books which try to reconstruct the human body and give an idea of its amazing complexity but this one I think does it extremely successfully. The book looks at the various body systems such as skeletal, muscular, nervous etc but then looks in more detail at the head, and upper and lower body sections. The illustrations are exceptional and enable us to visualise the amazing complexity of the body through reconstruction which has been made possible apparently through modern scanning machines and computing. (10 – 18 years) Eureka! Great Inventors and Their Brilliant Brainwaves by Richard Platt pb $18.00 This book emphases the “eureka moment” when an inventor discovers the idea which leads to the invention. This can sometimes be as a result of many years of work, or a chance connection of ideas or even by accident (very unusual this one.) Richard Platt also includes interesting background information on each inventor as well as his work and the particular problem he was working on. The book includes a wide range of discoveries from the time of Galileo and his work on the pendulum in the 1500s to the development of the World Wide Web in the 1970s. (10 - 15 years) Communication: From Hieroglyphics to Hyperlinks by
Richard Platt pb $18.00 Richard Platt is himself a skilled communicator
and is able to make this discussion of many different types of communications
both interesting and accessible. In his introductory chapter, he
discusses various types of communication such as communication between
animals, facial expression and gestures, language and speech, and written
language. The second chapter concentrates on sending messages from
the development of the alphabet to the postal service, use of fires and
flags, telegraph and the telephone. The third chapter covers printing,
recording of sound, as well as photography, cinema, radio, television,
video and DVDs. The final chapter looks at the world as a global
village in which the internet has made enormous changes to our ability
to communicate and in which many media are now merging. Very well
set out with many photos and glossary and index. (12 years
up) • Future Energy by Julie Richards hardback $45.00 This title was originally published as six individual books: Solar Power, Wind Power, Nuclear Power, Water Power, Fossil Fuels and Geothermal and Bio-energy in 2003. The information from those six titles has now been updated (2007) and published as one hardback volume. This is a very comprehensive book giving examples of how people have used various types of energy throughout history. Detailed information of each energy source is given again with examples from round the world. At the end of each section, advantages and disadvantages of the various types of energy are described. The many photographs, illustrations and charts make this a most useful up to date resource. (10 – 13 years) • The Usborne Internet-Linked Book of Astronomy & Space by Lisa Miles and Alastair Smith pb $26.95 A good introduction to astronomy. There are sections on Our Solar System, the Stars, but the most interesting perhaps are the detailed maps of the constellations of both the northern and southern hemisphere and hints on helping students to identify constellations in the night sky over different times of the year. (9 – 12 years) • The Usborne Introduction to Genes & DNA by Anna Claybourne pb $30.00 Published in 2007 this book discusses many aspects of this complex subject, including cloning, gene therapy, human genome, DNA testing, GM foods, genetic engineering etc. The diagrams, photos and illustrations add to our understanding and the recommended websites will also be helpful. (9 – 13 years) • The Way Science Works by Robin Kerrod and Dr Sharon Ann Holgate hardback $39.95 This is an excellent overview to the complexities of the science world. Key theories are explained in clear accessible language and many experiments are suggested for each section so that students can do their own practical experiments. Key areas covered include Looking at Matter, Atoms and Elements, Forces and Energy, Heat and Sound, Light and Colour, Electricity and Magnetism. Published in association with the Science Museum London in 2002. (10 – 16 years) • The Way the Universe Works by Robin Kerrod and Giles Sparrow hardback $39.95 Packed with information and photographs, this book describes the story of astronomy, the Solar system, the planets, the stars, galaxies and also discusses some of the mysteries of the extended universe. Many simple experiments are included throughout the books which help students in their comprehension of some of the various phenomena described. (10 – 16 years)
How we organise ourselvesOn the Go by Ann Morris, photographs by Ken Hillman pb
$17.95 • Let’s Build a House by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $15.00 Part of the Wonderwise series, this book imagines building different types of houses and which materials are needed to build them. This is a very simple introduction using the imaginative play of children to give us lots of information through simple text and clear illustrations. (6 – 8 years) One World series: On the Move pb $17.95 Kids Around the World Play! by Arlette N Braman illustrated by Michele Nidenoff pb $24.95 This book contains an array of games from round the world, clearly described and illustrated so that children can make their own and then play them. The games are divided into those that Tease Your Brain, Games of Chance, Board games, Toys and also Games of skill. They include games from Russia, India, China, Italy and Board games from Kenya, Germany and Ancient Egypt. (8 - 12 years) Building Works series by John Malam hardback $33.00 each • See How It’s Made by Penny Smith and Lorrie Mack hardback $29.95 • Everyday Inventions by Jane Bidder hardback $36.00 each Around the House Get the Message On the Move Toys and Games For each invention such as pens, there is a description of the different types of pens used over the ages with the final entry about the Biro brothers who invented the biro in 1938. A timeline down the side of the page gives additional information about other adaptations. Clearly set out with photos and illustrations showing the various inventions. (8 – 10 years) • 1,000 Inventions and Discoveries by Roger Bridgman DK in association with the Science Museum (UK) pb $29.95 This book is so much more meaningful than I would have imagined because of the way Bridgman has organised this subject. The inventions and discoveries are arranged chronologically and so there is an explanation of how these discoveries have changed over time (from the Stone Age to very Modern Times) and it also becomes very clear how the speed of invention has accelerated greatly over the past fifty years or so. From time to time, two additional pages explain in more detail some of the changes happening throughout the world; for example in agriculture or in writing systems or monumental inventions such as the first printing press or the telephone. Inventions such as the magnetic compass, gunpowder and paper from China are also acknowledged. Many inventions are so much more interesting when we can see how they have developed over time. A quick reference time-line across the bottom of some pages gives an instant overview of events in the world at that time. There are many photos and paintings of examples of the 1,000 inventions and discoveries over the years. (9 – 16 years) *Humanitarian Organisations series by Ann Parry hardback $29.50
each Australian Volunteers International Save the Children Published in 2005, this series focuses on the work and history, core values, and the activities of each organization. The books also describe where each organisation works around the world and profiles some of the people working there. ( 10 – 15 years) World Organizations Series: European Union pb
$19.95 • Children of the Tusnami : Khao Lak – A story of Hope compiled by the students of Bangkok Patana School edited by Robin Nagy hardback $30.00 This beautifully presented hardback book is the result of a project undertaken by 52 senior students of the Bankok Patana School in Thailand to help the children of Khao Lak, a coastal village in Thailand. The community at Khao Lak was shattered by the effect of the tsunami which devastated so many regions in South East Asia in 2004. The students collected stories, poems and illustrations drawn by the children of Khao La and they also took photographs of the children and of their village to make this very moving tribute to the children and their courage in re-building their lives. All proceeds from the sale of Children of the Tsunami will go to the education and schooling of the children in Khao Lak. (10 years up) Sharing the planetWhat if ? A book about recycling (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $16.95 This absorbing picture book for young children discusses what could happen to a glass bottle thrown away at the beach. (5 – 8 years) Wild and Free. A book about animals in danger (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $16.95 This simple introduction to endangered animals describes a range of animals in danger from around the world through the eyes of children from different countries round the world. (5 – 8 years) • Animals Like Us (DK in Association with Arkive) hardback $34.95 Five endangered animals from each of five habitats around the world (forest, desert, ocean, grassland and mountain) are featured. The lives of these animals are described, what makes them special and also the problems that they face. Beautifully photographed, this is a worldwide look at the threat to habitats and also to the unique animals living there. Beautifully photographed. (8 – 12 years) Me and My Community series: Rubbish and Recycling by Jane Pearson hardback 29.95 Informative simply written text describes which part of the rubbish we put out in the bin is recycled, why recycling is important and how we can help the process. Also Environment Alert which looks at energy resources, pollution, recycling and the school environment. (7 – 9 years) • A Water Report series by Michael and Jan Pelusey hardback $29.50 each This series discusses water and its conservation in general terms but the emphasis is on water and its use in Australia. Even through most of the examples given are Australian, it is a very useful series since there are very few books which discuss in such detail this precious resource and the pressures on its use. Titles are: Natural Water Recycled Water Water Conservation Water Quality Water Supply Water Use (9 – 12 years) If the World were a Village: A book about the World’s
People by David J Smith illustrated by Shelagh Arstrong hardback
$34.95 pb $16.95 • Action for the Environment series pb $20.00 Clean Air Food for All Energy Supplies Protecting Habitats Rubbish Disposal Saving Wildlife Transport Solutions This series was published in 2006 and so is fairly up to date. It discusses problems around the world and also initiatives that are being taken to fight these problems. Photos from around the world show some of the problems and solutions. (9 – 12 years) • Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, Rethink by Kate Walker hardback $45.00 This title was originally published as six individual books: Glass, Aluminium, Household Waste, Paper, Plastics, and Steel in 2004. The information from those six titles has now been updated (2007) and published as one hardback volume. This book gives a brief history of each material or product and how it is used and how it can be recycled. Points for and against recycling are listed as well as some excellent ideas of examples of successful recycling from round the world. There also suggestions of what wee can do to help recycle. This is a very helpful up to date resource with examples from round the world. (10 – 13 years) • Our World Our Future by Sharon Dalgleish hardback $45.00 This title was originally published as six individual books: Saving water, Cleaning the Air, Managing the Land, Renewing Energy, Protecting Forests and Caring for Wildlife in 2002. The information from those six titles has now been updated (2007) and published as one hardback volume. It looks at the problems of sustaining the environment round the world and also our responsibility to contribute to the protection of our planet. There are suggestions throughout the book on what we can do to have an effect on improving the environment. (10 – 13 years)
Books marked * cannot be supplied by Austral Ed within Australia All prices are in Australian dollars. If you would like to order any of the above books, send orders to Austral Ed by fax, post or email. For additional lists of recommended books and newsletters from Austral Ed, visit our website www.australed.iinet.net |
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