Two fabulous new nonfiction books for kids from Kira and Erin

Time is Wild by Erin Silver, illustrated by Samantha Dixon (Orca Books)

Did you know elephants are pregnant for two years? Or that baby giraffes learn to walk in less than an hour?

What about tardigrades, microscopic water animals that can go as long as 30 years without eating or drinking? Time matters at every stage in an animal’s life, whether it’s moving, eating, cleaning, growing or pooping. Time Is Wild explores the concept of time through the lives of wild animals. Filled with fun facts and colorful illustrations, young readers can relate time to their own families, communities, habits and life cycles, and learn that every creature has its own perfect timeline.

Available at your local bookstore or directly from Orca here.

Erin is the author of 25 books for kids, but followers of Quick Brown Fox will know here as a frequent guest speaker at my Kid Lit courses. Visit Erin’s website here.

Note: Orca Books will open for submissions in February. For information on submitting to them, see here.

The Buzz on Wild Bees by Kira Vermond, illustrated by June Steube (Owlkids)

An engaging introduction to the wide world of wild bees

Say the word “bee,” and most kids think of honeybees or bumblebees. But there are around 20,000 discovered species of bees—and most of these are wild, solitary bees that don’t live in hives. Readers will discover fascinating facts about these lesser-known bee species, from mason bees and mining bees to leafcutter bees and vulture bees.

Using clear, concise language and plenty of fun word play, this introduction to wild bees describes their life cycles, habitats, and behaviors … some of which are weirder than others! It also explains the importance of wild solitary bees to many ecosystems, the challenges these bees face, and the things we can do to be part of the solution.

Vibrant, detailed illustrations created with pencil, crayon, and watercolor provide close-up views that are buzzing with life. Full of fun facts, The Buzz on Wild Bees invites readers to celebrate and protect all the world’s bees.

The Buzz on Wild Bees is available at your local bookstore at directly from Owlkids here.

Kira is the author of some 1,500 articles for adults and half a dozen nonfiction books for kids, though followers of quick Brown Fox will know her as a frequent guest speaker for my kid lit and nonfiction classes.

See all four of Kira’s books published with OwlKids here, and see her two books from Annick Press here. Visit her website here.

Note: Owl Kids Books is currently closed for submissions.

See more new books by your fellow writers  here (and scroll down).

If you’ve had a story (or a book!) published, if you’ve won or placed in a writing contest, if you’ve gotten yourself an agent, or if you have any other news, send me an email so I can share your success. As writers, we’re all in this together, and your good news gives us all a boost. Email me at: brianhenry@sympatico.ca  

See all my upcoming weekly writing classes, afternoon workshops, and wonderful writing retreats here. ~Brian