5 books packed with facts

These new books are full of information that will amaze your family and friends.

Weird and Wonderful Nature

Why do Mexican jumping beans jump? How do sea cucumbers defend themselves? What causes the northern lights? If you’re fascinated by nature, you’ll enjoy these stories of the most unusual, bizarre and curious aspects of the natural world, presented with great illustrations.

Kay’s Incredible Inventions

by Adam Kay.

Illustrated by Henry Paker (Puffin Books)

This entertaining new book takes you on a trip through the history of the world’s most incredible inventions – from the first ever toilet to the story of how Velcro was invented by a dog. Some of these inventions changed the world; others definitely did not. They’re all fascinating to read about, though.

How to Chat Chicken

by Nick Crumpton.

Illustrated by Adrienne Barman (What On Earth Publishing)

If you want help learning how to chat with chickens, gossip with gorillas and babble with bees, this book is for you. Explore the ways animals communicate, from what your dog’s bark might mean, to how an orangutan says “hello”.

Lore of the Stars

by Claire Cock-Starkey. Illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross (Frances Lincoln Children’s)

For thousands of years, humans have looked to the heavens for answers. Did you know that the stars were once believed to be mythical beings? This illustrated book explores some of the most fascinating legends inspired by the stars and the skies.

Ultrawild

by Steve Mushin (Allen & Unwin)

“Maverick inventor” Steve Mushin is the creator of this amazing book, which is crammed with wild and wonderful ideas for tackling our climate crisis – from flying bicycles to turning cities into jungles. The pages are packed with visual details to explore and will leave you feeling energised and bursting with fresh ideas.