Celebrating children's non-fiction books: with shortlisted Non-Fiction Book of the Year authors

"A child will remember these moments of realisation forever - moments that all came from a book."

Saskia Gwinn, author of I'm Building A Nest

We are so lucky now to have access to such a wealth of voice-driven and narrative non-fiction which is perfect for read-aloud and shared reading experiences. It's through non-fiction that children really learn what makes our world tick: from the wild animals they may never see in real-life, but will now aspire to see, to the inventions that might inspire them to create something of their own or the scientific discoveries that will teach them that one single person can change the world. Here, children are reading about their world, one they are yet to fully embrace but now fully know is there. A child will remember these moments of realisation forever - moments that all came from a book.

Today, we all recognise the value of presenting non-fiction as part of a narrative combined with beautiful, fun, bright, animated illustrations - the kind that children are already lovingly familiar with from their picture book reads. These gorgeously crafted non-fiction books are so pertinent to holding a child's attention, which in turn gives information memorable and inspiring meaning.

This can't be said of googling sporadic facts. A non-fiction book is crafted by an entire team over years ensuring every word and illustration is working its hardest. Robust sources are checked over and over; specialists are emailed. I recently emailed a conservationist at ZSL to ask for the accurate measurements of a crocodile's open jaws! We still need real answers from real people!

I love that non-fiction can be presented through storytelling combined with humour and warmth; non-fiction in which characters lead them through facts that have beginnings, middles and ends; beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture books, graphic novels - these are all brilliant formats for reading non-fiction.

The fact that young non-fiction can often be read in one sitting means kids are returning to them each night in the same way they return to a picture book, meaning non-fiction's place has been fully cemented as part of pre-bedtime reading routines, which is such a wonderful thing to be part of.

VIEW I'M BUILDING A NEST

"The simple fact that 'this actually happened' ties children directly to their history and identity."

Kate Winter, creator of The Cave Explorer

Non-fiction books offer a unique experience: they connect the reader to a real world, a real place, and a genuine experience captured in words and images. A non-fiction book speaks of times and places that once existed and a shared human history.

As a writer and illustrator of non-fiction, I feel a powerful connection to the reality I write about. By immersing myself in the topic—visiting historical sites or holding artefacts—the world, historical figures or past events come alive for me. My goal is to deliver that vivid experience and imagined encounter to the reader. I believe non-fiction can achieve this if it embraces its capacity to transport the reader.

When children discover a book holds a true story, it's a powerful revelation. The simple fact that "this actually happened" ties them directly to their history and identity.

Amid the constant flood of online information and misinformation, books offer a sacred space. The careful, slow process of creating a book stands in stark contrast to the fast, furious pace of fleeting content on our screens. Significant effort from not just the author but also the whole publishing team, ensures that non-fiction works are factual and historically truthful. A lot of work and time goes into crafting a book.

A book's value lies in its permanence; a good book takes time to make, read, and cherish, it becomes a powerful, timeless thing. As Bulwer-Lytton said “the pen is mightier than the sword”. Books are just what we need right now to help educate and shape the minds of young people.

There are many things I enjoy about making non-fiction books for children. The first is having the privilege of introducing the reader to a real person or an incredible story they might not have heard before. I love that this might open their mind up to a possibility for their own lives, to follow a dream or be empowered somehow.

I love that the books seem to open up conversations between children and the adults in their lives. Somehow non-fiction seems to be something that is shared and is a launchpad for further discussions and investigations into the person, era or ideas within the book.

And finally, I love feeling connected to young people. That I can deliver an almost theatrical experience to the reader. It’s such a privilege to have control of not only the words but the images so that I can bring the drama and hopefully the excitement to the story.

VIEW THE CAVE EXPLORER