Exceptional Non-Fiction Picture Books

Exceptional Non-Fiction Picture Books

A list by Doug, Branch Manager

There seems to be a veritable flood, rash, boom of very good picture books about real people and events. Each of the books on this list represents a striking representation of a striking individual such that their stories, and the amazing illustrations that go with them, make for a great way to learn right alongside your kids.

Books

I love this book! The color, design, eye symbolism, and, not to mention the radical story, all make for a great lesson you're not likely to hear in history class.

I like Alberto Giacometti's gangly sculptures quite a lot, but I never knew about Diego Giacometti and his involvement with his brother's work or his own artwork. I wish I had been more aware of his designs for the fixtures at the Chagall Museum in Nice, France during my visit there.

This book won the Caldecott Medal in 2017, as well as the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and represents a terrific display of Basquiat's approach to art as well as each person's need for some mode of expression.

The entire "Little People, Big Dreams" series is excellent so it's hard to pick just one.

These words are used to describe, upon discovery, their local library: suspicious, improbable, unbelievable, surprising, and unimaginable. Quote: "Books became our language. Books became our home. Books became our lives." Perfect!

I read this with my son and was astonished at the early struggles of Thomas Paine. Along with his "Common Sense" contribution to the American Revolution, you learn about the rough and tumble life that led to it.

This book helps me feel better about raising kids who are willing and capable to dissent, argue, and think for themselves. I also highly recommend the documentary "RBG" about the life and work of this amazing figure.

Okay, one more "Little People, Big Dreams" book.