ASE Book of the Year 2024 Winners
2024 Winners
We are excited to announce the winners of the ASE's Book of the Year Award 2024! After much reading, deliberation and discussion, these remarkable titles have emerged as the winners and highly commended titles in our Primary and Secondary categories. We want to extend a massive thanks to all those that applied as well as a big congratulations to this year’s winners.
Gabby Dawnay the winner in the primary category said:
"Thank you so much for this award. I absolutely loved researching and writing Wild Languages and Margaux's stunning illustrations added such a beautiful layer of understanding and explanation. It makes me very happy indeed that our book has been recognised like this and will hopefully inspire lots of young scientists to learn even more about the amazing world of animal communication!"
Ben Martynoga the winner in the secondary category said:
‘I am hugely honoured to receive this award. The Association of Science Educators works towards an essential mission: inspiring future generations of scientists and science-literate citizens.
So, I am particularly delighted that they have recognised this book as a valuable contribution to that vital endeavour. That REWILD was chosen is particularly pleasing, since I believe rewilding is a potent part of building a sustainable world for all.
My heartfelt thanks go to our brilliant series editor Helen Greathead, designer Alison Gadsby, Anthony Hinton and the rest of the David Fickling Books team — and most crucially, to illustrator extraordinaire Moose Allain.’
Here's a closer look at this year's titles:
Primary Category
WINNER
Wild Languages of Mother Nature
By Gabby Dawnay, Illustrated by Margaux Samson Abadie
The winner of ASE's Primary Book of the Year award is 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.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
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.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
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.
Secondary Category
WINNER
Explodapedia: REWILD
By Ben Martynoga, Illustrated by Moose Allain
The winner of the ASE's Secondary Book of the Year is this 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.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
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.