“Encyclopedia of Ordinary Things”
Author: Stepanka Sekaninova
Genre: Nonfiction
Summary: This book shows ordinary things, along with their origins and inventors, in a new way. It explores everyday objects we often take for granted — things like shoes, umbrellas, toothbrushes, beds, dolls, etc. The book has sections to cover how a thing came to exist, who might have invented it (or early versions), and how it evolved over time.
What I Like About This Book: The book shows that even simple items have histories and early inventors or cultures behind them. For children especially, it opens up “why?” questions about the world — for example, why we have umbrellas, how shoes started, etc. I am sure you are not going to keep this book away!
“There’s a Cow in My Bed”
Author: Daniel Fehr
Genre: Nonfiction
Summary: A little girl makes up all kinds of excuses not to go to bed. But what if they’re not excuses…? A sweet bedtime story with a twist at the end!
What I Like About This Book: A fun, silly story that taps into the bedtime “excuse” trap. The surprise at the end is lovely, and the illustrations help carry the fun. It’s not deep, but for bedtime reading and younger kids it works well. If you like, you can read it to your younger siblings.
“Nobody Owns the Moon”
Author: Tohby Riddle
Genre: Nonfiction
Summary: The book presents topics such as friendship, acceptance, belonging, and otherness that will challenge readers to think further.
What I Like About This Book: I think “Nobody Owns the Moon” is a quietly powerful picture book. It relies on everyday, ordinary things that have deep meaning. The fox and donkey are a little bit whimsical as characters, but very real in emotion. Younger kids can enjoy the story of two friends, and older kids and adults can appreciate the deeper ideas about home, community, and friendship.
