Want the Littles in Your Life to Learn About Real People? || Non-Fiction Picture Books Pt. 1

Since having Dixie, I’ve had a legit excuse to relive my childhood through the lens of books that aren’t just words! We have been enjoying classics, new books, and everything in between.

I love picture books so much! I’m actually a consultant with PaperPie Books, I love them so much! (Let me know if you ever want to host a party, lol!) And y’all know how much I love history! So today, we’re gonna look at some that combine both loves!

Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartland

We all know the story of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The story of Ft. McHenry is usually told from the perspective of the writer, but rarely about the details of the actual flag. This adorable tells that part of the story! And it doesn’t stop with the famed battle; it ends with the preservation of the flag in modern day Washington D.C.!

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston

I had no idea this book was non-fiction until we got to the end! The author was one of the many children Miss Dorothy blessed with her unconventional library! And she’s from North Carolina! That makes it even more interesting to me!

Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe

Math is something that I hate. With a vengeance. But! This book is so interesting! It shares about a woman who struggled to be taken seriously as a mathematician in a day when the field only accepted men. But based on her hard work and her own merit—not by whining and crying like modern feminists—she won her place in the annals of mathematic history!

Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Rensky

I’m a sucker for a feel-good story and this fits the bill! Jessica lost her leg as a child and this book chronicles her and her dog’s struggle to find their place in the world after setbacks. Cried through the whole thing.

Flight to Freedom by Kristen Fulton

The Cold War has always fascinated me. I mean, who doesn’t want a stick of poison lip stick and all the other cool gadgets they had? But I think we forget about the hardships of those who lived through it, especially those in East Germany. This story details the escape of a group of Germans and the fantastic idea that saved their lives!

Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

This is one of my very favorite books that I’ve read by Ms. Polacco and while some information is creative license, most of it is the true story of Tucky Jo, a WWII soldier, and Little Heart, an island native child. The end y’all. The ending is the best.

Otis and Will Discover the Deep by Barb Rosenstock

Underwater exploration is a fascinating thing! I’ve always loved the story of the Turtle and the CSS Hunley! And this story takes the history of the submarine to another level! The artwork is fantastic and the story is riveting! If you’re claustrophobic, maybe give this one a pass, lol!

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway

This book is adorable! And it’s a beautiful story of how one boy with a dream changed his African village forever…and is still impacting his country even today!

Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock

Everyone knows who Vincent Van Gough is and about his beautiful artwork! This takes children on a journey, seeing possible inspiration for Van Gough’s Starry Night panting! It’s beautiful!

The Magical Garden of Claude Monet by Laurence Anholt

Another book about an artist, this book takes you on a trip through the gardens of Monet, all while viewing impressions of his many famous works! A lovely, whimsical, magical read! Even Dixie was mesmerized by the artwork!

Question of the Day: What books to you recommend for introducing children to real people?

Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22