From interactive board books and hilarious read alouds, to enlightening nonfiction and chapter books, publisher Nosy Crow has something for everyone on your list this holiday season. The award-winning independent publisher, American cousin to the celebrated British publisher, now creating their own list from their Massachusetts publishing house, is dedicated to providing high-quality, engaging reads for the whole family. All of their amazing board books and picture books are also equipped with their Stories Aloud QR code, so your little one can listen along to their new favorite book, complete with sound effects and original music. Nonfiction for slightly older readers deliver information elementary school aged kids will want to know. Let’s get a little nosy and see what the crow has to offer!
For the kid who loves dinosaurs
Explore the world of paleontology in Dig, Dig, Dinosaur by author and Dean of Postgraduate Education at the Natural History Museum of London Anjali Goswami and multiple zoological award-winning illustrator Maggie Li. Young adventurers in the making will enjoy peeking through die-cuts and unfolding the flaps to learn about the tools used to find these fossils as well as scientific facts about the dinos themselves. This prehistoric picture book is perfect for ages 2-5 and has a BIG surprise ending.
I know it seems strange to include a book that is not about dinosaurs in this category, but I hope you enjoy it, nonetheless. This Is Not a Dinosaur! is a giggle-inducing, tongue-twisting read aloud from dynamic duo Ged Adamson and Barry Timms. Full of fun wordplay and adorable illustrations, this title is all about the magic of friendship and imagination, but definitely NOT about dinosaurs!
Think you know about dinosaurs? What if I told you Everything You Know about Dinosaurs Is Wrong! Written by zoologist Dr. Nick Crumpton and illustrated by Gavin Scott, this ingenious book is chockful of interesting dinosaur facts and research that many have never encountered. All dinosaurs turned into fossils. WRONG! Dinosaurs were huge and scaly. WRONG! Surely, all dinosaurs are now extinct now, right? Surprisingly…WRONG! Learn the in-depth facts to all of these ancient assumptions and more in this engaging nonfiction picture book perfect for dino-experts of all ages.
Books for the young foodie in your life
Cakes are used to celebrate many things in life, including friendship! At least, that is Margot’s intent when she bakes a cake for her best friend, Oscar in Marvelous Margot. As she heads out into the city, with her scrumptious cake in tow, Margot encounters a multitude of characters that could use the pick-me-up that comes from a slice of delicious cake. Will she have any left by the time she gets to Oscar’s? This multi-layered picture book is full of endearing text from Lou Peacock that puts kindness and generosity to the forefront, and the stylishly nostalgic illustrations from Ingela P. Arrhenius are the icing on the cake!
Young Nabil shares some of his mother’s biryani rice with a penguin at the zoo and winds up with a new foodie friend. Pascal the Very Hungry Penguin has decided that he has had enough raw fish to last a lifetime and hitches a ride home in Nabil’s backpack. Can the boy keep his new friend a secret, or will his mom be furious when she finds out? With lilting, rhythmic text from author Nishani Reed and colorful illustrations by Junissa Bianda, this delightful tale about a peckish penguin is the perfect picture book for even the most sophisticated palettes.
Come in, sit down, and Welcome to Our Table! This multicultural nonfiction book by author Laura Mucha and trained chef and food writer Ed Smith dives into food from around the globe. Learn all about the textures, tastes, and traits that make up the food we enjoy. From pickles to pastries, and oodles of noodles, take a closer look at how different countries utilize ingredients. Colorful and realistic renditions of each delectable course by Harriet Lynas will have your stomach growling. Check out the pronunciation guides throughout as well as the map of included countries in the back.
For the career curious
Maybe make-believe and dress-up are more your style. If that’s the case, try on one of the “Suki Cat” series titles. Suki is no ordinary cat, she can be whatever she wants, with just a little imagination and a wardrobe change. From Suki Cat: Dancer to Suki Cat: Astronaut, Suki is always ready for an adventure and to help a friend in need. These career adventure board books feature chunky, easy-to-use sliders, rhyming text, and playful illustrations by Grace Habib. This interactive series is great for learning about occupations through imaginative play. Coming this spring, Suki Cat: Doctor and Suki Cat: Farmer.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to stop crime in its tracks? Investigate How to Be a Detective and Other Crime Fighting Jobs by Detective Alexandra Beever. This illustrated nonfiction book investigates the ins and outs of the training and hard work that make up this career. From dusting for prints to piloting a helicopter, the possibilities of this field are endless. Learn about the history of detectives and where the vocation is heading in the future as well as all the unusual criminology careers you may not have even known about. This title is part of a vocation-forward series that includes How to Be a Vet and Other Animal Jobs, How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs, as well as the upcoming spring title, How to Be an Astronaut and Other Space Jobs. Each book is illustrated by Sol Linero and authored by a female professional expert in each occupation.
This holiday season–or for any occasion–give the gift of laughter and learning with outstanding books from Nosy Crow.