NON FICTION BOOKS > Biographies and Famous People

The extraordinary life and genius of Charles Dickens is brought alive for primary-age children by the author-illustrator team behind the bestselling What Mr Darwin Saw.

A lively text and captivating images tell the story of the ever-curious boy who grew up to make one of the most significant discoveries of our time.
From the time Charles Darwin was a boy, he was happiest when he was out alone collecting specimens (especially beetles). And despite his father's efforts to turn young Darwin -- a poor student -- into a doctor or clergyman, the born naturalist jumped instead at the chance to sail around South America, observing and collecting flora and fauna all the way. In a clear, engaging nar... read more

100 People Who Made History is no ordinary history book. Inventors and explorers rub shoulders with political leaders, sports stars, and entertainers. From Marco Polo to Marie Curie via Pele, this top 100 comes from all over the world, taking in all types of people. Packed with engaging graphics and plenty of unusual facts, each profile describes the major influences and tells true stories about the movers and shakers from our history. Take a seat and meet the people that have changed our world and discover how they did it.

The perfect book for young rugby players and fans of the Small Blacks TV series! The Small Blacks Annual 2011 is packed with activities and stories from All Blacks Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui and the mysterious 'Hooded Knight' - as well as puzzles, games and 'rugby science' with Dr Jellybrain. Cook up a storm with 'Kaks', learn some Te Reo with Piri, catch up on rugby news with Conrad, and brush up on your ball skills with DC (Dan Carter). The lovable Ruggerbees are back too, with cartoons and stories to kee... read more

Margaret Mahy needs no introduction to anyone reading or working in the area of children?s literature over the past forty years.Twice winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal, and twice short listed for the Hans Christian Anderson Award, amongst numerous other awards and achievements, she is universally acknowledged as one of world?s most inventive and brilliant writers for children. The story of her life as a writer provides a fascinating insight into the creative life of a unique mind, and the influence of her personal and public... read more

As Hannah flies back to New Zealand she suddenly finds herself in the cockpit of a tiny plane being flown by Jean Batten. Jean is on her way to setting a new world record and needs Hannah's help in completing the task. But as the tiny plane is tossed around in the stormy skies it will take all of Jean's skill to land them safely.

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Learn all about the Queen of Hearts from her life in the media spotlight as wife of the future King of England to her amazing work for charities. Whether you need some extra help for a school project or just want to find out more, this book will tell you all you need to know about Princess Diana's incredible life.

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This simplified biography of Beatrix Potter and the history of the Peter Rabbit book is ideal for the younger reader.

This book is a unique introduction for children to the world of classical composers and their music. Witty and informative at the same time, Isserlis introduces us to six of his favourite composers - the sublime genius Bach, the quicksilver Mozart, Beethoven with his gruff humour, the shy Schumann, the prickly Brahms and that extraordinary split personality, Stravinsky. Isserlis brings the composers alive in an irresistible manner that can't fail to catch the attention of any child whose ear has been caught by any of the music de... read more

Voted the most popular Italian sportsman of the twentieth century, Fausto Angelo Coppi was the campionissimo - champion of champions. The greatest cyclist of the immediate post-war years, he was the first man to win cycling's great double, the Tour de France and Tour of Italy in the same year - and he did it twice. He achieved mythical status for his crushing solo victories, world titles and world records. But his significance extends far beyond his sport. Coppi's scandalous divorce and controversial early death convulsed a conserv... read more

Nelson Mandela is a true hero of our times, loved and admired across the globe. This book tells the story of his life, from his carefree days as an ordinary village boy, to his unflinching leadership of the ANC, the long years in prison and his eventual freedom and extraordinary elevation to President of South Africa.

This captivating book follows the late Sir Peter Blake - legendary yachtsman and adventurer - on his final, ill-fated voyage. It tracks him and his dedicated team on the blakexpeditions exploration vessel Seamaster to the environmental pulse points of the planet as they look to generate greater awareness of the need to take better care of our world.Sir Peter's last adventure began in New Zealand in late 2000 when he set out to once again cross the Southern Ocean to Cape Horn. After exploring the breathtaking Beagle Channel at the f... read more

Sir Blake was a sailor, captain, and legend. The late Sir Peter Blake was perhaps the greatest competitive yachtsman of all time, the man who seized the America's cup and won the Whitbread. In his later years he turned away from international competition and used the yacht Seamaster to draw attention to threats to the world's environment. It was in pursuit of this cause that in 2001 Blake was tragically murdered at the mouth of the Amazon while defending Seamaster from pirates. In this first ever biography, close friend and col... read more

Anne Frank's diary telling the story of her years in hiding from the Nazis has affected millions of people. But what was she like as a small girl, at home with her family and friends; at play and at school? In this book, we meet Anne as a small child growing up with her family in Germany. We also follow her flight to Holland to escape the Nazis.

This is a journey that began in many places. It began in Kansas, home of Barack's mother. It began in Africa, home of Barack's father. It began in Hawaii one moonlit night, the night that Barack was born. Sometimes it was a lonely journey. Sometimes it was an enchanted journey. But throughout this most unusual ride, this boy often wondered: Who am I? Where do I belong? Jonah Winter and AG Ford re-create the extraordinary story behind the rise of America's first African-American president, Barack Obama, in this stunning picture book.

Discover the lives of some impressive New Zealand men and women - people who have achieved fame through their exploits as scientists, pioneers, adventurers, leaders, inventors, artists and sportspeople.
Where have they come from? What was their early childhood like? What made them successful? This collection samples and celebrates 50 famous New Zealanders. As well as the greats - Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Peter Blake and Jean Batten - there are experts on Giant squid and orca, powerful women, one of the most famous film pro... read more

You've probably heard of Roald Dahl. He's dead famous for writing loads of brilliant books for children, telling terrifying tales of the unexpected, and creating a fantastic chocolate factory. But did you know that Roald was a fighter pilot and a spy in the Second World War, loved playing outrageous practical jokes, and nearly lost his nose... twice?