Potential Genres

Here begins some further research into all of the potential genre possibilities for my 'Naturesbase' children's book.

'Wreck This Journal'

Written by: Keri Smith

'How To Be an Explorer of the World'

Written by: Keri Smith

'Finish This Book'

Written by: Keri Smith

Keri Smith specialises in activity books for people of all ages. The reader becomes involved in the creation of the books, filling in spaces, sketching, sticking things they find outside in the book - making each book individual and directly unique from that of any other. This idea would be great to involve in the creation of my book for 'Naturesbase' as it gives the child perhaps a guide to follow during their adventure outside.

'Easter Bunny Flap Book'

Written by: Sam Taplin

Illustrated by: Rosalinde Bonnet

'The Bedtime Bear'

Written by: Ian WhyBrow

Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler

'Maisy at the Farm'

Written and Illustrated by: Lucy Cousins

'Easter Bunny Flap Book', 'The Bed Time Bear' and 'Maisy at the Farm' are all lift-the-flap or pop-up books aimed at children of a younger age. These book designs are a happy medium between simple picture books for children and (those similar to the above examples) activity books (which are perhaps slightly too advanced for children of this age). I'd love to involve some lift-the-flap elements in my children's book for 'Naturesbase'.

'The Seashore Book'

Written by: Charlotte Zolotow

Illustrated by: Wendell Minor

'Eddie's Garden and How To Make Things Grow'

Written and Illustrated by: Sarah Garland

'Isabella's Garden'

Written by: Glenda Millard

Illustrated by: Rebecca Cool

Although the above examples of fictions books have references of non-fiction/elements of realism (for example, being set in a garden/at the beach while the protagonist is being advised on activities to take part in outdoors), the stories themselves have been generated by the author. This not only creates a captivating story for young minds to become enthralled with, but also gives them a sense that they, too, can take part in the activities these characters are - encouraging them to have fun outdoors.

'Fun With Nature Take Along Guide'

Written by: Mel Boring, Diane Burns, Leslie Dendy

'Hungry Plants'

Written by: Mary Batten

Illustrated by: Paul Mirocha

'First Nature Encyclopedia'

Published by: DK Publishing

'The Tiny Seed'

Written and Illustrated by: Eric Carle

'If Rocks Could Sing'

Written and Illustrated by: Leslie McGuirk

Non-Fiction and Reference books have their differences in the way that Non-Fiction literature uses real situations in which to present information factfully, but perhaps with added illustrations and elements to create an interesting story for children (For example, books such as 'Horrible Histories' show real life events, however crafted into stories and illustration to further the content). Reference books are more like fact-files and Encyclopedias, displaying the information exactly how it is (However these, too can be illustrated in a fun way - however photographs are advised). My children's book for 'Naturesbase' will involve facts about wildlife and the environment, while giving the children an opportunity to not only learn, but actually involve themselves with their surroundings.