Nonfiction Books Can Make Learning Exciting by Lee Littlewood on Creators.com

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Nonfiction Books Can Make Learning Exciting

School has begun, and kids everywhere are busy learning ABCs and 123s. But books from libraries and bookstores can be just as educational as textbooks. These nonfiction books, and a fun new puzzle, help put some energy in learning.

"If America Were a Village" by David Smith; illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong; Kids Can Press; 32 pages; $18.95.

Smith — creator of the award-winning "Mapping the World by Heart" curriculum — has made teaching about world-mindedness and geography his mission. The dynamic speaker's books and presentations motivate teachers, kids and organizations into action to develop helpful community service programs and internalize the importance of geography knowledge.

His picture book follow-up to 2002's best-seller "If the World Were a Village" offers up-to-date fascinating information about Americans' ethnic origins, religions, family profiles, occupations and activities. With clear, simple, kid-friendly text and attractive oil painting artwork, "If America Were a Village" takes children out of their own neighborhoods and schools to visit the broader arena that is the United States.

"Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again" by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff; Scholastic Press; 32 pages; $16.99.

From the authors of the popular "Owen & Mzee" comes this amazing true story of a little dolphin injured after being trapped in a crab trap at just 3 months old. Rescued and rehabilitated by Florida's Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter lost her tail. She had to swim with a side-to-side motion instead of up and down like other dolphins. After this caused spinal damage, human-prosthetics makers tried a prosthetic tail on Winter, and the determined dolphin is thriving today.

Kids will enjoy seeing the Hatkoff's clear, up-close photographs of the struggling dolphin and the process by which she recovers. The authors' friendly text reads like a fascinating storybook, with some natural science thrown in.

Best of all, kids with disabilities and challenges will be inspired by the determination exhibited by an innocent dolphin.

Youngsters who want to learn more about Winter's plight can visit www.winterstail.com.

"Flags of the World" by Sylvie Bednar; Abrams Books for Young Readers; 192 pages; $19.99.

Super colorful and bold, this new reference book presents all the flags of the world, each paired with facts and tidbits of history. Children who don't realize that flags are more than pretty cloths waving in the wind will certainly be amazed at how each provides a window into the histories, values and cultures of countries around the world. Kids love codes and hidden puzzles; they'll also enjoy learning what meanings are hiding in the stars, stripes, suns, moons and colors of the world's flags. The red stripes in the American flag represent courage and fervor, while the white stripes signify honesty.

Also a beautiful coffee-table book with enough to enthrall kids of all ages and adults, "Flags of the World" is a must-have for classrooms.

KIDBITS

The start of a new school year can cause stress and anxiety in youngsters (and parents and teachers!) The NeoCube hand puzzle, similar to a modern-day Rubik's Cube, promotes mental clarity and stress relief when homework's done. Each NeoCube contains 216 high energy rare-earth magnetic balls that hug each other tightly; they can be stacked or lined up or even angled and turned into 3-D cones, resulting in an open-ended, creative way to play. The NeoCube can make light clacking noises while being manipulated, akin to the satisfying pops of bubble wrap without the mess.

The NeoCube's smooth elements act as a hand massager, and since the pieces hug together, there's little chance any of it will get lost. Best of all, it's a puzzle with billions of solutions, perfect for left- and right-brainers.

My kids fight over the NeoCube, and I'm guessing I'll have to visit www.theneocube.com to order a few more (and one for myself!). Prices range from $12.95 for a mini NeoCube to $29.95 for a deluxe set.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.