ASE Book of the Year 2024 Shortlist

2024 Shortlists

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are delighted to announce the shortlists for ASE’s Book of the Year 2024. As with previous years, we have had lots of a lovely submissions for both our Primary and Secondary categories and it been a tough choice for our reviewers. We want to thank all those who submitted publications and the authors and illustrators for all their hard work in producing some very high-quality books.

Primary Shortlist

Along Came a... Burp!

By Saskia Gwinn, Illustrated by Paula Bowles

Along Came a... Burp explores the various bodily functions in a fun, informative way. It answers common questions about the human body, such as what causes a sneeze, why burps happen, and how a wee is triggered. Presented in a comic-book style with a range of colourful characters, including burps, sneezes, and poos, each section offers a simple explanation of how these processes occur. This book is ideal for young readers who are curious about the body and enjoy discovering the science behind everyday functions.

 

The Brilliant Brain

By Dr Roopa Farooki, Illustrated by Viola Wang

This book offers a simple introduction to how the brain works, explaining its many functions in a clear, child-friendly way. Dr. Roopa Farooki discusses how the brain controls everything from thoughts and emotions to physical actions like walking and breathing. Key terms such as ‘cerebrum’ and ‘cerebellum’ are introduced with definitions and pronunciation guides. The book also includes practical tips for brain care, such as healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and wearing a helmet while biking. With bright and engaging illustrations, this book is ideal for young readers, particularly preschoolers or those in a reception classroom.

 

The Little Gardener's Handbook

By Michael Holland, Illustrated by Maria Dek

The Little Gardener's Handbook is an ideal resource for introducing gardening to young readers. Whether growing plants in a garden or creating a terrarium indoors, this book provides practical guidance on how plants grow and how to care for them. It also covers essential topics such as growing vegetables and the importance of protecting the environment. Designed to inspire curiosity, this handbook encourages readers to explore and connect with the natural world through hands-on gardening activities.

 

Wild Languages of Mother Nature

By Gabby Dawnay, Illustrated by Margaux Samson Abadie

This collection of 48 illustrated stories from the Nature’s Storybook series explores the various ways animals and plants communicate. The stories examine how communication occurs in nature, whether it's to share information within a group, attract a mate, or defend against predators. Each story is complemented by nonfiction facts, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the natural world and the unique behaviours of wildlife. This book offers both an engaging narrative and educational insights into animal and plant communication.

 

Encyclopedia Infographica

By Valentina D'Efilippo, Andrew Pettie and Conrad Quilty-Harper

Britannica's Encyclopedia Infographica offers a modern approach to the traditional children's encyclopedia by focusing on scientific data visualization. With 200 detailed infographics, the book presents a wide range of information, such as comparisons of the Sun's size to the largest stars, the amount of snot produced by the human body in a year, and the number of planes in the sky at any given time. Each infographic is carefully researched and fact-checked by experts, providing accessible yet detailed information that encourages further exploration. The infographics are designed to convey complex concepts in a clear and engaging way, making learning both immediate and interactive.

 

 

Secondary Shortlist

Explodapedia: EVOLUTION

By Ben Martynoga, Illustrated by Moose Allain

Explodapedia: Evolution presents a comprehensive and engaging overview of evolution, combining reliable scientific information with accessible and entertaining illustrations. This book offers readers an in-depth look at the history of evolutionary theory, highlighting the contributions of scientists such as Darwin and others who have advanced the field. Through a series of well-designed double-page spreads, the book explores key concepts in biology, debunking myths and explaining the science behind evolution. With cartoon illustrations and clear text, Explodapedia: Evolution is an informative resource that encourages readers to explore the past and its influence on the future.

 

The Riddle of the Viking Treasure

By Dr Mandy Hartley, Illustrated by Jamie McKerrow Maxwell

This book offers a unique approach to teaching science by introducing key concepts in the context of forensic ecology, specifically set in the Viking period and centred around a missing treasure. It covers topics such as plants, habitats, rocks, soils, and classification of organisms, all through the lens of forensic science. Children will learn how forensic scientists use plants and soil to uncover clues in a crime investigation. The book encourages curiosity about the environment, prompting children to observe and explore their surroundings. Additional web links and activities are provided to help reinforce the science both in the classroom and at home.

 

Explodapedia: REWILD

By Ben Martynoga, Illustrated by Moose Allain

Another shortlisted title from the unique encyclopedia series that presents information in an engaging, accessible way, combining text and illustrations. Rewild focuses on how nature can help restore the planet, using a mix of humor and informative content. The book explores the importance of various animals and ecosystems, such as wolves, beavers, whales, and even genetically engineered woolly mammoths, in ecological restoration efforts. Through vibrant illustrations and insightful narratives, the book encourages readers to understand and support rewilding as a means to protect the environment. 

 

Aviation

By Matt Ralphs, Illustrated by Dieter Braun

Aviation provides an illustrated overview of various aircraft, including aeroplanes, biplanes, monoplanes, and helicopters. The book highlights the evolution of these machines, showcasing their design and technological advancements from the past to the present, and offers a glimpse into future developments in aviation.