Best Children's Nonfiction Arts & Music Books
Inspired by the original Hogwart’s textbook by Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original screenplay marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling is the author of the bestselling Harry Potter series of seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, which have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, are distributed in more than 200 territories and translated into 79 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films by Warner Bros. She has written three companion volumes to the series in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in aid of Comic Relief; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard in aid of her children's charity Lumos.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"For Potterheads worried that Fantastic Beasts will be another Harry Potter fan fiction that messes with your view of the original characters, fear not. While the original HP series revolved around one hero and his fight against the all powerful You Know Who, Fantastic Beasts seemed more lighthearted without being childish. And then there are Tina and Queenie, beautiful, talented, charming and kindhearted sisters, stuck in menial positions in the wizarding world and wanting more."
"I did not read this until after I had seen the movie, so I had the visuals playing in my head as I read, down to Newt's awkward lovability and Jacob's wonder."
"Once again Ms. Rowling delivers a fantastical world within our own."
"In whatever form, this world created by JK Rowling will always be amazing."
"Amazing and exciting story!!"
"Imagine an adult "Harry Potter" scenario wirh different characters, set in 1920s New York."
"You know that fresh book sound when you open it the first time. If you saw the movie before getting the book, you'll lovingly remember every beautiful scene."
"The writing is in the spare style of a script, not the lush with details style of the Harry Potter novels."
His mom thinks video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wants her son to put down the controller and explore his “creative side.”. As if that’s not scary enough, Halloween’s just around the corner and the frights are coming at Greg from every angle. Jeff Kinneyis a #1 "New York Times" bestselling author and six-time Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award winner for Favorite Book.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I always love the smell of a new book but the smooth outside texture of the book adds a good feature to the book. It is a well worded book from the first page to the last page (217 pages overall) each page has a complete word filled page but the pictures adds to the imagination of the child reading this book. He's now 10 and he LOVES this book series so much he looks forward to the new books that come out and every once in a while re-reads the older book series. I can't say enough good things about this book or any other book from the series."
"We just received the book!"
"My teenage son loves the series."
"This was a Christmas gift for my granddaughter and she was thrilled with it."
"just what my grandson wanted, for his Collection - an avid reader!"
"-I would recommend this to my brother because he has a great sense of humor. -No other series I’d rather read more!"
"10 year old granddaughter loved the book."
"Great book for my 8 year old."
Learn how to create awesome drawings of everything from crazy monsters to monster trucks. Aaron Sautter is a Capstone Press author.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"He has shown an interest in drawing and asked for art supplies for Christmas."
"Great, great gift for boys who love warrior and anime type characters."
"This is a great how-to for drawing all different kinds of characters."
"This was a Christmas gift for my stepson and he has really enjoyed it!"
"So fun to watch my son use this -- little advanced for an 8 year old, but great options."
"My son thought that it was "cool"."
"I would recommend this for any boy who is into drawing!"
"This is not for a beginner and my 11 yo son found it discouraging till he just gave up and started tracing the pictures."
Best Children's Nonfiction Art Books
Learn how to create awesome drawings of everything from crazy monsters to monster trucks. Aaron Sautter is a Capstone Press author.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"He has shown an interest in drawing and asked for art supplies for Christmas."
"Great, great gift for boys who love warrior and anime type characters."
"This is a great how-to for drawing all different kinds of characters."
"This was a Christmas gift for my stepson and he has really enjoyed it!"
"So fun to watch my son use this -- little advanced for an 8 year old, but great options."
"My son thought that it was "cool"."
"I would recommend this for any boy who is into drawing!"
"This is not for a beginner and my 11 yo son found it discouraging till he just gave up and started tracing the pictures."
Best Children's Nonfiction Music Books
Its easy and joyful learning style enables the young student to think, feel, and develop musically. * Ode to Joy by Beethoven. * Amazing Grace. * Happy Birthday. * Jingle Bells. * Yankee Doodle. * When the Saints Go Marching In. * Scarborough Fair. * Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. * Mary had a Little Lamb. * Take Me Out to the Ballgame. * Michael, Row the Boat Ashore. * House of the Rising Sun. * This Little Light of Mine. * Home on the Range. * Shenandoah. *And Many More Great Songs and Pieces! Praise for Damon Ferrante's Books and Piano Music: "As a piano teacher I can assure the reader that the Little Piano Bookworks well with students of all ages. As a pianist and professor of piano studies for over 25 years, I was alwayslooking for a book that would teach beginner piano in a fun, useful and musical format. The Little Piano Book is the product of these efforts and is designed for beginner piano students, either learning on their own or working with a teacher.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have played self taught for years but after looking through this book I found that it would have been so much easier for me to learn with this."
"This book is great on the Kindle Fire!"
"I give it five stars because this little book helped me understand something that I wanted to do for the last 20 years...I not only can play the piano but I understand what to do with each hand I tried a couple of left handed lessons (I'm a leftie) first, then I tried a couple of right handed lessons."
"As a pianist and former piano instructor, I wish I had known about this book sooner. I feel that my students would have been able to understand the concept of music much easier than other lesson books such as Alfred’s Basic Piano Books."
"I think this book was very helpful in learning some new things about playing the piano. It helped me learn many new things, and I definitely will recommend the Little Piano Book to anyone trying to learn the piano - young or old!"
Best Children's Nonfiction Performing Art
A NEWER, REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION OF THIS BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE, The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary (DOG DAYS EDITION), INCLUDES 32 NEW PAGES ABOUT THE THIRD WIMPY KID MOVIE, DOG DAYS, PLUS AN ALL-NEW COVER ILLUSTRATION. Jeff Kinney is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and five-time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award winner for Favorite Book.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have a 7 year old grandson, who HATES reading."
"Thanks for this very valuable, likeable books that encourage he to read."
"My son loves these books."
"Great quality."
"I get that the sort of "middle school boy" humor is not necessarily what I find amusing, but I found the character's nonexistant moral grounding to be distributing."
"This book seemed too young for me but my little nephews loved it."
Best Children's Craft & Hobby Books
Deanna F. Cook presents more than 50 recipes designed for the cooking abilities and tastes of children ages 6 to 12. VERDICT Though there are plenty of cookbooks aimed at the younger set, this is a worthy addition to the profusion of similar titles.—Kathryn Diman, Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME IACP Award Finalist. 2015 “National Parenting Publications Awards” (NAPPA) Gold award winner. 2015 Parents’ Choice Award Silver winner. 2016 Mom’s Choice Award Gold winner. 2015 NPR Great Reads. "Of all the kids' cooking books that have crossed my threshold over the years, this is the one that seems to have struck gold. I usually hand kids' cookbooks to my daughter (she's 9 now) for a first opinion before looking at them myself; this one I never got back. Cooking Class , written by family-magazine editor and kids'-cooking specialist Deanna Cook, seems to know how to talk directly to kids (or at least bookish kids who are seriously motivated to feed themselves) with minimal interference from parents. It's got pictures of other kids cooking by themselves. "There comes a time, kids, when you've got to expand your kitchen repertoire beyond mac 'n cheese, hot dogs, and PB&J.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"On the other hand, a new cookbook arrived at our doorstep last week and my kids hovered over it--drinking in the recipes, excited to cook! Cooking Class is divided into seven sections that cover the basics, meals, snacks, and of course--dessert! The recipes are easy to follow and have great pictures which give clear instructions. I know that my first grade son can read most of the words in these directions, but the size of the type would be a stumbling block for him. Aside from the recipes, the cookbook includes some fun stickers, place cards, and conversation questions for the dinner table. I think you get the idea... when choosing a great kids' cookbook, this one tops my list! Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this cookbook for review from Storey publishing."
"This book is so easy to follow it makes me look like the best mom ever!"
"After window shopping several children's cookbooks on Amazon I decided on the Cooking Class cookbook for my daughter's birthday."
"Really cute cook book!"
"Same as Baking class cook book."
"My 10-year-old daughter loves this and is making her way through the recipes."
"My grandsons (ages 6 & 3) love to cook in the kitchen with their mom."
"My 8 year old granddaughter LOOOOVES this cookbook!"
Best Children's Architecture Books
The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. In the Caldecott Honor Book Castle , David Macaulay--author, illustrator, former architect and teacher--sets his sights on the creation and destiny of Lord Kevin's magnificent castle perched on a bluff overlooking the sea. This talented author also has a keen sense of irony and tragedy, which is played out in the intricacies of the human story: a castle can be built as a fortress, but ultimately it becomes obsolete when humans discover that cooperation works best.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Another great book."
"Love this book."
"Maria's book has some of the most unique recipes I've ever made and they've been delicious!"
"Excellent and informative."
"I love this book!"
Best Children's Nonfiction Animal Books
And he is carrying medicine to sick children miles away in Nome, Alaska. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IA. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. "A compelling account, told in easy-to-read format, of a sled dog who led his team over 53 miles of Alaska wilderness to deliver medicine during an outbreak of diphtheria in 1925.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Though this was a required book for my first grader, it was actually an interesting story for me to hear as well."
"True stories are good for kids to know about!"
"IT IS A CHILDRENS BOOK (7-8YR OLD)."
"My 5 year old grandson loves this book."
"My 6-year old son really liked it, seemed to be genuinely interested in Balto's heroic story."
"My Grandson has read it three times in a week."
"My 8 year old son loves reading non-fiction books (moreso having them read to him) and this one was a winner for sure."
"I got mix of 2-3-4 levels for the second grader, second level is too easy, but it creates some fun and he reads them with pleasure."
Best Children's Nonfiction Religion Books
The multiple award-winning Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. Tullian Tchividjian, Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church -- PCA, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Jago's award-winning cover art is a foretaste of the whimsically insightful and richly colored drawings that await you on every one of the book's 351 pages. Lloyd-Jones does it as well as any biblical commentator....The title and subtitle are even better than the book's delightful illustrations and narrative -- because they provide, in one deft stroke, the interpretive key that unlocks the meaning of the whole Bible. True, that's to be expected when you combine the mesmerizing illustrations of Jago and the award-winning writing of Sally Lloyd-Jones, a Brit with an uncanny knack for storytelling. True, that's to be expected when you combine the mesmerizing illustrations of Jago and the award-winning writing of Sally Lloyd-Jones, a Brit with an uncanny knack for storytelling. -- More to Life Magazine In the interests of full disclosure, let me reveal that I had the privilege of reading the manuscript of this book several years ago as a theological consultant to Zondervan, the publisher. I hope that every family, and even people without young children, would get a copy of this book just to remind them of what the Real Story of the Bible is all about.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've tried three or four toddler Bibles, but they ranged from the meaningless and banal (Read With Me Bible For Toddlers) to the downright horrifying in their interpretation (The Story For Little Ones). The Jesus Storybook Bible, on the other hand, seeks to show how God's plan of salvation is unfolding through each story, and largely succeeds in doing so. First of all, there are children's Bibles like the Read With Me Bible that are simply bland. Granted, toddlers are not going to pick up on every nuance of a story from the Bible, but the Read With Me Bible often chooses the wrong points to emphasize, entirely leaving out important points of narrative along the way. One story simply lists miracles Jesus did with no context, failing to communicate that Jesus' miracles actually anticipate and begin to realize a new world, a world where God's Kingdom and rule are breaking into the world in a new and exciting way. This simply displays a level of ignorance about the story of Samson that is beyond belief for someone writing (interpreting) a Bible for children! So, for example, the story of the Exodus is told not as the story of God's great magic show, but instead on the great, mighty, and terrifying rescue of God's people from their slavery, pointing forward also to humanity's slavery to sin and coming rescue in Jesus. But again, the strength of this Bible is that it gets the story right, interpreting the main idea correctly and always pointing toward Jesus."
"Along with "God's Love" by ChampThornton, "The Bible's Big Story" by James Hamilton, "The Biggest Story" by Kevin DeYoung and "What's in the Bible With Buck Denver?""
"I love this, I have toddlers and want them to know about the happiest, greatest story in all the world<3 Its simple and sweet and I love how each biblical story ends with how that story paves the way for Jesus. Mostly the main message, the good news; God loves the world, loves YOU, no matter what!"
"It’s great to read alternate translations (even kids versions) while retaining biblical accuracy."
"I was delighted to find out that not only did we finish it but she also brought it back to me after a few weeks and wanted to read it through a second time!"
"So many of the versions out there are just the regular bible verses with colorful kids pictures incorporated."
"Every single Bible story is tied to Christ and points children to the understanding of God's overall plan of redemption and salvation through Christ."
"They were 3 months when I. started reading to the twins."
Best Children's Nonfiction Computer Books
In the first book of this hilarious Minecraft adventure series, we get to read the diary of an actual 12 year old, Minecraft Zombie.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The ten year old read this book. His review is, "It was good but short." Here is the question and answer session that followed in order to elicit more information: What's it about? A zombie who has troubles at schools and goes on a couple of adventures. Is there any bad language or violence in it?"
"Obviously the premise of the story is based on the Wimpy Kid series, so you're basically getting a point-of-view story in diary form. There are little black and white pictures scattered throughout, so it breaks up the story and makes it more entertaining for the reader. I also have to add that we were given a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair review, but I went ahead and purchased another copy for myself as well as book 4 in the series for my son - we loved it that much!"
"He got it for Christmas and spent that afternoon reading it--and this is a kid who didn't really read on his own for fun!"
"Overall I think it is a great book- especially good for encouraging boys to find the love for reading."
"My 6 year old read this in one day, he thought it was so entertaining!"
"It is for a younger group but I have been reading the freebie digital copy on my tablet and I have to admit, I am amused with it."
"Great gift for 10 yr old grandson!"
"My son loves being read to and we read to him every night, but this is the FIRST book that he has read independently!"
Best Children's Nonfiction People & Place
So when the siblings’ lemonade stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win—or even if their fight will ever end. Brimming with savvy marketing tips for making money at any business, definitions of business terms, charts, diagrams, and even math problems, this fresh, funny, emotionally charged novel subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent. The story is highly readable and engaging, filled with real-life problems that relate to math, getting along with siblings and friends, dealing with pride, and determining right from wrong. The result is a funny, fresh, and plausible novel with likable characters, and is suitable for reluctant readers.– Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Davies, author of Where the Ground Meets the Sky (2002), does a good job of showing the siblings' strengths, flaws, and points of view in this engaging chapter book.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great book."
"My son who is in 4 th grade really liked this book."
"In fact, she's now read 2-4 other books in the series (I can't remember)."
"Fun book that I'm reading to my class of Fourth Graders!"
"My 10 year old grand daughter enjoyed this book so much that we did not have to force get to read."
"I thought the lemonade war was a fun book because the whole story was being seen from two very different personalities."
"It was a great book that could actually make you see into Evan and Jessie's feelings about the situation."
"This book was a lovely start to the Lemonade war series!"
Best Children's Nonfiction Science & Nature
You can discover the answers to these questions and more with The Everything Kids' Easy Science Experiments Book . Using easy-to-find household materials like soda bottles and flashlights, you can build bubbles, create plastic--even make raisins dance! This is the perfect book for a rainy Saturday, a lazy vacation day, or even after school. Tom Robinson teaches high school science and math and has coauthored an online advance placement physics course.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There are so many great experiments in this book!!"
"He loves this book."
"Purchased for my 9yr old nephew."
"Lip balm and slime kit were gifts & I haven’t heard how they were liked."
"Great gift for grandkids."
"Fun book with good ideas."
Best Children's Sports & Activities
Treacle Tart--Harry's favorite dessert Molly's Meat Pies--Mrs. Weasley's classic dish Kreacher's French Onion Soup Pumpkin Pasties--a staple on the Hogwarts Express cart. They can make the mince pies that Mrs. Weasley sends Harry every Christmas, and the pumpkin pasties from the Halloween feast scene I loved reading as a kid. As long as you don't mind your kids going down the weird meat-pie, haggis, and Scotch collop–filled path that is the world of British food, this book is sure to be a hit." (Epicurious). "Cooking dishes from popular fantasy books--from Harry Potter to A Game of Thrones to the Twilight vampire tales--has become a pastime for fans seeking to immerse themselves in their favorite fictional worlds. Literary foodies are trading tips on how to cook eel pie and nettle soup, sharing ideas on blogs, YouTube and Twitter, and occasionally scoring cookbook deals. Lucky for all of us muggles, Dinah Buchholz has penned The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook , a guide to recreating all sorts of witchy and wizardy vittles introduced throughout the series." With more than 150 easy-to-make recipes, tips, and techniques, you can indulge in spellbindingly delicious meals drawn straight from the pages of your favorite Potter stories." "After a long winter's day, ever wish you could just cozy up in the Burrow and have Molly Weasley whip you up a little roast chicken with mashed potatoes? "From Cauldron Cakes to Pumpkin Pasties...this magical tome for muggles is filled with awesome facts about each recipe."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It's pretty basic sometimes, it's more European type quisiene so if you don't like haggis, liver, lamb, or other English/Scottish dishes etc then these recipes aren't for you."
"I know for a fact the first recipes he. will be looking for are butter beer and polyjuice potion!"
"Contains British food recipes, not necessarily mentioned in the Harry Potter books and some are not exclusively British."
"I suggest to not buy it if you are not good with cooking, you definitely need some skills to make most of the recipes."
"It has many family oriented recipes like Nutty Fruitcake for kids, Big Fluffy Pancakes, Pumpkin Juice, Hot Chocolate, Orange Marmalade, Irish Stew, and Shepherd's Pie to name a few."
"As an Ashkenazic Jew my family's cuisine doesn't vary much- lots of noodles and potatoes for us, thank you very much- and this cookbook is an adorable and delicious shock!"
"The BEST part was that each recipe has the correlating book and page number of where it appeared!"
"This cook book is great for any Harry Potter super fan!!"
Best Children's Reference Books
With The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book , all you need to do is gather a few household items and you can recreate dozens of mind-blowing, kid-tested science experiments. You won't want to wait for a rainy day or your school's science fair to test these cool experiments for yourself! Tom Robinson teaches high school science and math and has coauthored an online advance placement physics course.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There are so many great experiments in this book!!"
"He loves this book."
"Great gift for grandkids."
"Fun book with good ideas."
"Cute book to get crafty with the kids!"