Penguin Australia

These new Puffin collections for the younger readers in your mob are just terrific! Not so long ago I reviewed Puffin Little Cook: Snacks which took its place with our cookbooks to aid The Kid in her learning to be self-sufficient. These would be just as useful in her home school program as though her reading competence has exploded spectacularly, simpler information texts are still the ones I supply. Beautifully designed and with a format that lends itself to clear understanding of big concepts, this series will not only intrigue younger readers but will prove a valuable component in relevant classroom units.

Puffin Little Scientist: The Solar System

July 2020

• ISBN: 9781760897031
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $12.99

First up is this super exploration of our Solar System sectioned into easy-to-digest chapters starting with an overview and then of course details of our centrepiece, the sun. Following this, the planets are grouped together in their categories of rocky planets and gas giants concluding with a great section of fast facts. Each celestial body’s description begins with a simple fact spread and then goes onto to expand on various fascinating informational snippets.

Perfect for the budding astronomer, for your class unit on space for little ones or simply for those filled with scientific curiosity.

Puffin Little Scientist: Robotics

September 2020

ISBN: 9781760897680

Imprint: Puffin

RRP: $12.99

Surely one of the hottest topics in schools with both little and big kids getting into this area of science, this is going to be a real boon for the programs involving those primary kiddos (such as those at my school).

Find out exactly what is a robot, what makes them work, robots in various settings e.g. home, agriculture, fire-fighting and more, programming and a whole lot more.

Aside from the kiddos, if like me you’re a bit of a robot novice this provides a terrific, easy-to-understand and comprehensive overview of this super interesting topic.

Puffin Little Explorer: The OceanSeptember 2020

ISBN: 9781760897666

Imprint: Puffin

RRP: $12.99

From the heights of space to the depths of the sea, little scientists can explore underwater with this one, with facts that range from the biodiversity of the oceans to geographical features such as hydrothermal vents and seamounts. Readers will love the sections on Atlantis, the Arctic Ocean with creatures such as the narwhal (such a hugely popular creature with my students!) and additionally inspiration for protecting our precious oceans.

Again this would be a fabulous adjunct to any unit of work on the ocean as well your readers interested in the natural world.

Puffin Little Environmentalist: Composting July 2020

ISBN: 9781760897017

Imprint: Puffin

RRP: $12.99

And last but certainly not least, particularly in view of the popularity of being more caring and mindful in our current parlous times, this valuable volume on the ways and means of composting will be gold for either units of work or indeed, your environmental group.

Carefully explaining the science of composting including concepts such as micro-organisms and the needed components as well as big issue ideas like greenhouse gases, your young activists will jump onto this and be keen to put their new knowledge into transformative action.

I can’t tell you how impressed I am with these little books. In my experience, quality and contemporary non-fiction for our youngest readers is not always easy to come by and these with their attractive design and clear format are just fantastic additions to your shelves.

Highly recommended for curious minds from around six years upwards as well as inclusion in your classroom.