8 Best non-fiction books for kids making learning fun

Tags: Harper Children's, HarperCollins Publishers, Kokila, Penguin, Tulika Publishers

If it’s important to introduce kids to the varied types of stories and characters for better understanding and acceptance for people, it is equally essential to introduce them to the history and general knowledge subjects. Here’s a list of non-fiction books curated by P3 to compliment the curriculum.

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What subjects do you think our education system needs to touch upon more? Which non-fiction books would you add to this list?

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Title: Stories of Courage and Valour

Author: Soundar Chitra

Publisher: Harper Children's

Price: 199

Pages: 248

Blurb:

Stories of Courage and Valour shines a light on famous and little-known heroes of real life. In this collection, you’ll meet: Shravan, who worked tirelessly to fulfil his blind parents’ wishes Razia Sultana, who bravely defended her kingdom Siddhartha, who gave up his royal life to find contentment and peace for everyone Prahalada, who stood up for his beliefs even in the face of danger Kerttu, who roamed unknown lands in search of her nine lost brothers Rostom, who fought bravely for his king and displayed undying loyalty Laurencia, who inspired an entire village to stand up for what was right and many more!

From popular Indian legends to tales from across the world, these are stories about extraordinary young men and women who fought for what they believed in, whether it was love, loyalty or fairness.

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Title: The People of the Indus

Author: Nikhil Gulati, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer

Publisher: Penguin

Price: 599

Pages: 192

Blurb:

Who were the people of the Indus?
Why didn’t they build pyramids like the Egyptians?
And ultimately what happened to them?

Supported by extensive research from a leading Indus archaeologist, this graphic novel seeks answers to precisely these questions. It is not history in the form of a dull record of dates and events but a beautifully illustrated glimpse into the lives of the people of the Indus civilization, dating all the way back to 3200 BCE.

The People of the Indus is a rare account of how one of the most unique and enigmatic civilizations of the ancient world changed the course of human history. It is sure to enthrall young adults and older readers alike.

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Title: Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Author: Simran Jeet Singh

Publisher: Kokila

Price: 315

Pages: 48

Blurb:

The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community. Every step forward is a victory.

Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn’t allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn’t stop him. Working on his family’s farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential. He never stopped striving.

At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race. With exuberant text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, this non-fiction book reminds us that it’s both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable.

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Title: India in Space

Author: HarperCollins Publishers India

Publisher: Harper Children's

Price: 199

Pages: 88

Blurb:

India’s sky-rocketing Space story! As we rocket into space on the back of several successful missions, this book examines India’s glorious space trajectory starting from its first venture, the Aryabhata, to its most recent mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-2.

Presented through crisp stories and timelines accompanied by pictures from ISRO and other space agencies, this brilliantly designed, information-rich non-fiction book will give you a complete update on India’s unique place in the world of space exploration. It also looks at India’s collaboration with space agencies such as NASA, ESA, Roscosmos and others on the world stage besides listing future projects that India will be launching in the coming years.

This book also includes space trivia, timeline of the Indian space programme and milestones of other spacefaring nations; information on observatories and telescopes; valuable tips on space careers and scholarships for aspiring astronauts, space scientists and explorers; and exciting activities by NASA such as building your own satellite and rocket and even making an edible asteroid!

Pick up this book to explore India’s incredible journey into space!

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Title: Learned Men and Women of Ancient India

Author: Sreelata Menon

Publisher: Harper Children's

Price: 250

Pages: 260

Blurb:

Discover the lives of the great learned men and women of ancient India who could control their minds to achieve anything they desired. From pioneering surgical techniques to solving mathematical puzzles and even attempting to turn metal into gold, read about the incredible contributions of Vyasa, Sushruta, Valmiki, Surya Savitri, Chanakya, and others.

Learned Men and Women of Ancient India is a non-fiction book that give you a glimpse into the lives of the greatest rishis and rishikas from Indian history and their quest to unearth and reveal the mysteries and truth about mankind and the universe. Through their lives, learn how these extraordinary individuals laid the foundation for the scientists, doctors, philosophers and inventors of today.

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Title: Cave Art - The First Paintings

Author: Vishakha Chanchani

Publisher: Tulika Publishers

Price: 250

Pages: 40

Blurb:

How did art begin? Where did colour come from, before paints in tubes and bottles? Taking a long step back in history, this non-fiction book explores how the world’s first artists may have tried their hand on the very first canvases the walls of rocks and caves. Arising more from artistic imagination than archaeology, this story of art unfolds with photographs of the ancient paintings at the Bhimbetka Caves in Madhya Pradesh alongside creative reproductions of rock art.

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Title: The Incredible History of India's Geography

Author: Sanjeev Sanyal

Publisher: Penguin Books

Price: 250

Pages: 264

Blurb:

Maps and mountains, lions and tigers, rivers and oceans-all sorts of things you didn’t know about India’s geography. In this non-fiction book, you will discover all sorts of things you never expected, like the fact that we still greet each other like the Harappans used to or that people used to think India full of one-eyed giants. Full of quirky pictures and crazy trivia, this book takes you on a fantastic journey through the incredible history of India’s geography.

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Tags: Harper Children's, HarperCollins Publishers, Kokila, Penguin, Tulika Publishers

Amritesh Mukherjee

Amritesh doesn't know what to do with his life, so he writes. He also doesn't know what to write, so he reads. Gift him a book if you chance upon him and he'll love you forever.