Inspiring curious minds: The best non-fiction books for children to read this November
As spooky season fades and the festive lights start to twinkle, November brings the perfect moment to slow down, curl up and get lost in a good book. There’s no better time to do that than in Non-Fiction November – a month dedicated to celebrating non-fiction books for children. These fascinating reads spark curiosity, feed young imaginations and help children learn about the real world in the most exciting ways.
The decline of non-fiction books
This year, Non-Fiction November feels more important than ever. Recent research from NielsenIQ found that non-fiction book sales, including children’s non-fiction books, dropped by nearly 8.4% over Summer 2025.
While reading for pleasure has dipped overall, non-fiction books have seen a steeper decline than fiction – falling by 3.7% more. This suggests that, although some readers are turning to factual titles, the market is still dominated by story-driven formats like manga, fantasy and graphic novels. With so many exciting options out there, it’s easy to see how non-fiction sometimes gets overlooked – but that’s exactly why this month matters.
The benefits of non-fiction reading for children
Non-fiction isn’t just about facts – it’s about discovery. From space exploration to animal adventures, non-fiction reading helps children make sense of the world around them.
These books:
- Build real-world knowledge and vocabulary
- Inspire curiosity and critical thinking
- Support school learning and project work
- Encourage independent reading and confidence
- Encourage factual discovery in a fun way!
Our non-fiction recommendations
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite non-fiction books for children to celebrate Non-Fiction November. Each one is perfect for sparking curiosity and helping children explore the real world in engaging, imaginative ways.
These titles have recently been added to our library for volunteers to enjoy with their readers on our One-to-one Reading Programme.
Every Second
Have you ever wondered what happens around the world in each and every second of the day? Find out in this striking portrait of our world in numbers that makes statistics fun and accessible to children! A brilliant choice if you’re looking for non-fiction books for children about the world, time, or global facts.
For ages 4 – 7
A Dancer’s Tale
Discover the inspiring life of Anna Pavlova, one of the world’s most celebrated ballerinas. Perfect for readers who love non-fiction books about famous people or inspirational true stories for children.
For ages 7 – 9
By Thea Nicole de Klerk
EPIC FACTopia!
Travel through a chain of 400 extreme facts about daredevils, death-deying stunts, world records and more – these will wow even the most curious reader. Great for curious minds who enjoy fun non-fiction books for children packed with amazing facts.
For ages 8 – 12
Space Maps
This super-sized book of maps takes you on a visual journey through galaxies and constellations that turns astronomy into an adventure – your reader won’t want to put it down.
For ages 8+
Why Non-Fiction November matters
These non-fiction children’s books show that facts can be every bit as magical as stories. By exploring real-life topics – from outer space to human history – children not only build knowledge but also develop a lifelong love of learning.
So, this Non-Fiction November, why not swap a fairy tale for a fact book? Encourage children to explore, ask questions and discover the incredible stories our world has to tell.
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Inspire, empower and help them unlock their full potential.
