Here’s a look at titles from three non-fiction series kindly sent for review from Booklife Publishing

Visiting the Doctor
Joanna Brundle

This is a title in the First Experiences series that seeks to allay the fears youngsters might have about facing something new such as a visit to the doctor.

Through a sequence of questions and answers, together with clearly labelled photographs, little ones are introduced to what a doctor does, why visiting the surgery might be necessary and then goes through the process of a visit – checking-in, what happens inside the doctor’s room, what a doctor might check on, the role of a nurse, prescribing and visiting a pharmacy, taking medicine and finally, the possibility of the need to book another appointment.

Simple, straightforward and reassuring: this is one for sharing before a first visit to a GP or to add to an early years setting’s book collection.

I’m a Vegan
Shalini Vallepur

Here’s a handy little book from the Diverse Diets series that starts by explaining what veganism is and then goes on to offer some suggestions for those who want to try swapping animal products with vegan alternatives.

To that end there are step-by-step instructions for making a vegan cheese from cashew nuts.

Some potential vegans worry about getting sufficient protein in their diet without meat and dairy, and reassuringly, there’s a page suggesting some protein-rich vegetable substitutes/ such as kidney beans, channa (chick peas) and tofu. The author includes a yummy-looking stir-fry recipe using tofu as its main protein source.

The final spread looks at a vegan life-style that eschews animal products in non-edible items, and is followed by a glossary of terms used and an index.

Succinctly written and illustrated with photographs, this is a useful starting point on the subject of veganism for young readers.

Rubbish and Recycling
Harriet Brundle

Rubbish and Recycling is part of the publisher’s Protecting Our Planet series, something that is crucial for all living things.

Having provided brief explanations as to what constitutes rubbish and what happens to our rubbish once it’s collected, the author explains what harm is caused by the items taken to landfill sites.

Much better than throwing things away though is recycling, and that’s the next topic in this book. Most of us nowadays, are much more likely to look carefully at materials we might once have thrown out without thinking, check to see if there’s a recycling symbol like the one shown herein,

and if so place it in the appropriate receptacle for collection. Then one hopes it can be made into something useful again.

With the world’s population growing ever larger, it’s increasingly important that we all play our part in preventing things ending up as landfill or causing harm to animals, as the author reminds readers; and she concludes by making some suggestions that if all readers followed, would make a great difference when it comes to protecting our precious planet.

With photographic illustrations on each of the ten spreads and a concise text with fact boxes, here’s a thought provoking book that one hopes will galvanise young readers into action.