My Favorite Gail Gibbons Books
Everyone that knows me knows I love a good non-fiction book. This Summer has been one for revisiting my childhood by reading kids books. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you’re too old for children’s books! Recently I found a non-fiction children’s book author I really like. What makes Gail Gibbons stand out is not that she’s just a children’s author of non-fiction, but she is both the author and illustrator of her work. Some of Gibbons first books were published in the ‘80s and ‘90s. She has since then published nearly 200 amazing non-fiction kids books highlighting a variety of topics. I revisited many of these books this Summer. I have compiled a list below of some books I feel are her best non-fiction works with descriptions of what makes it so great. Here is a list of some of her best works.
Marge’s Diner by Gail Gibbons
Published 1989
This is my favorite Gail Gibbons store she has ever written partly because two of the main characters names are Marge and Bill, both of my grandparents’ names whom I was very close to. Besides that, I love the fact that it is set in a diner and takes you through Marge’s entire work day from start to finish.
Check It Out! The Book About Libraries by Gail Gibbons
Published 1988
The title says it all, need I say more?! It explores the world of libraries and the many exciting any unique things you can find at a library including checking out books to getting your very own library card.
The Art Box by Gail Gibbons
Published 2000
As far as illustrations goes, this might be my favorite illustrated book by Gibbons. It is very colorful an bright highlighting the many art supplies that you would find in a craft box. This is the perfect kids book to pick up for back to school
Click! The Book About Cameras and Taking Pictures by Gail Gibbons
Published 1997
This tells the story about film and how it is processed. It feels very nostalgic and takes me back to my youth when more people actually took pictures with cameras, instead of phones. The entire process from the click of the button on the camera to the finished photograph are highlighted.
Zoo by Gail Gibbons
Published 1991
This shows you the day in the life at the zoo from a zookeeper’s perspective. It goes over how animals are cared for while including lots of beautiful photos of animals and families enjoying the day at the zoo.
Owls (New and Updated) by Gail Gibbons
Published 2022
This night owl loved this book about owls. I learned so many unique facts including the fact that their are nearly 230 species of owls in this world. Owls have many unique facial features that set them apart with their distinct eyes and very good hearing ability that is useful for hunting. Hoo hoo knew that owls can twist their necks almost completely behind their head! And yes, I had to include the hoo hoo reference in their as owls have many different sounds they make. This is truly an incredible book filled with lots of beautiful illustrations.
Cowboys and Cowgirls Yippee-Yay! by Gail Gibbons
Published 2003
I absolutely loved the stunning watercolors while also educating myself about the Old West. It included trail maps and lots of terminology to better understand the lifestyle of the cowboys and cowgirls of the Old West.
My Baseball Book by Gail Gibbons
Published 2000
This is the perfect book for understanding the game of baseball. It explains in depth, with helpful illustrations, the terminology of baseball. It’s not just the illustrations and terms that make this fun, but their is an underlying story of two teams playing one another going on. You’ll have to wait to the end to see which team wins.
The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons
Published 1997
This book is so helpful in understanding different phases of the moon with very helpful illustrations. It explains the difference between high tide and low tide, the exploration of the lunar cycle, and the iconic moon landing.