One of the first and most exciting ways to spark the curiosity and imaginations of children is through the wonders of the real world around us—a truth that publisher What on Earth! has made their guiding philosophy in each of their wondrous nonfiction books.
Founded in 2010 by journalist and author Christopher Lloyd, What on Earth! has made it their mission to inspire and excite young readers through books that lean into warm and relatable text, playful arrangements, and plenty of fact-filled surprises. Their titles include board books for the youngest readers; explorations of specific facets of science, history, and geography, all combined with world cultures of high interest to early elementary school audiences; and expansive fold-out timeline “Wallbooks” for upper elementary and beyond. Each title is carefully researched (and often authored by experts in the field) and filled with detailed illustrations and/or brilliant photographs that perfectly enhance the text and offer readers a deeper dive into each topic.
One of What on Earth!’smost impressive titles—perfect for those curious young minds that want to know “all the things about everything”—is their BRITANNICA ALL NEW KIDS’ ENCYCLOPEDIA, now in its second edition. This meticulously researched compendium of knowledge is filled with descriptions, facts, figures, and a visual feast of illustrations, photographs, maps, and more—and all on a robust variety of topics. When it comes to answering curiosity’s call, What on Earth! is definitely the go-to source!
However, let’s not underestimate the role of fun and humor in exploring our world. What on Earth!’s nine-book, can’t-put-it-down FACTopia series, authored by Kate Hale and illustrated by Andy Smith, is the ideal combination of expert-verified, eyebrow-raising facts and humor. Each fact is laid out along a chose-your-own-path adventure allowing a reader (at each reading) to choose which fact to follow where into the compendium. With each title containing 400 facts, no volume needs to be read through the same route twice. Bringing the adventure to hilarious life are irresistible and giggle-inducing illustrations and photographs. Who knew facts could be so much fun? What on Earth! did for sure!
What on Earth! also knows that there are many ways to dive into real world facts and history. Leaning into the beauty of art and poetry together, HARRIET TUBMAN, FORCE OF NATURE: A Biography in Poems author and illustrator Caroline Brewer, former chairwoman of the Taking Nature Black Conference combines powerful, rhythmic poetry and luminous, rough-edged collage to tell the story of Harriet Tubman’s life, leadership, and spirituality, all against the backdrop of her relationship with nature. Tubman’s story is enriched by the detailed backmatter that includes a glossary, a map noting key places, historical photos, and a bibliography.
Let What on Earth! first quench your curiosity with their amazing nonfiction titles and then raise new areas of interest and new elements of our world about which to be curious with each book you see.