Neil Morris
Information books
Investigate
Titles:
Communities
Settlements and Cities
(Heinemann, 2010)
Easy-to-read books for young children that encourage geographical enquiry through an interactive and investigative approach.
Research It!
The Industrial Revolution
(Heinemann, 2010)
What is research and how do you set about it? A practical guide for 11+ readers that deals with internet study, reference books, organizing facts, checking sources, forming opinions and presenting them, all in the context of the Industrial Revolution.
World of History
Titles:
Prehistory
Mesopotamia
Asian Civilizations
Beyond Europe
Late Medieval Europe
Voyages of Discovery
Settling the Americas
Asian and African Empires
Industrial Revolution
Enlightenment and Revolution
Nationalism and the Romantic Movement
The Great War
Versailles to World War II
The Cold War
(McRae/ Watts, 2009–10)
History presented in an exciting, visual form. Each 48-page book concentrates on an important period in human history, presenting it with informative text, facts and timelines.
"Their effectiveness lies in the combination of lush illustrations, well-chosen, captioned photographs of contemporary artefacts, and reasoned, concise narratives. … A superior choice."
School Library Journal
Energy Now and in the Future
Titles:
Biomass Power
Fossil Fuels
Geothermal Power
Nuclear Power
Solar Power
The Energy Mix
Water Power
Wind Power
(Appleseed/ Watts, 2009)
A balanced series that deals in detail with the major issues surrounding energy use, especially its environmental and social impact throughout the world.
365 Awesome Facts and Records about Nature
(McRae, 2008)
A large-format 176-page book bursting with facts, figures and records about the world's plants and animals. Includes quizzes and games.
Green Kids
Titles:
Looking After My Environment
Recycling
Saving Energy
Saving Water
(QED, 2008)
Introducing young children to environmental issues in an engaging and entertaining way, these books are packed with facts and fun activities.
"Swooping arrows point out details in large photos as the text speeds from topic to topic."
School Library Journal
"These small, easy-to-read books could be described as mini textbooks for children because they're very informative."
Parenting website
Making History
Titles:
Knights
Pirates
(with Sue Nicholson, Q2A/ Watts, 2008)
These books bring history to life by combining fascinating facts with imaginative craft activities.
Library of Natural Disasters
Titles:
Droughts
Heat Waves
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
(World Book, 2008)
This series explains the science behind natural disasters, giving fascinating examples of the forces of nature at work around the world.
What Do You Think?
Titles:
Do We Have a Right to Privacy?
· Should Drug Cheats Be Banned for Life?
(Heinemann, 2008)
Innovative books that encourage 11+ readers to form their own opinions about privacy rights and drug abuse in sport. An interesting range of viewpoints inspires critical thinking.
"Students are encouraged to form opinions based on credible information and reliable sources."
School Library Journal
World Cultures
Living in the Arctic
(Raintree, 2007)
An informative insight for younger readers into the modern and traditional lives of the Inuit people of Nunavut, Canada.
Amazing History
Titles:
Lost Cities
Pirates
(Q2A/ Watts, 2007)
Exciting books for younger readers on popular topics. Lost Cities include Angkor, Mohenjo-Daro and Tikal, while Pirates need no introduction!
Regions of the World
Titles:
Europe
North & East Asia
(Heinemann, 2007)
In-depth information on the continents' natural features, economic development, culture, health and politics. Highlights include present-day and future issues and challenges.
What if we do nothing?
Global Warming
(Arcturus/ Watts, 2007)
Imagine what the future might be like if we ignore the challenges of global warming today. A book for older children and young adults that includes information, statistics, debates and 2020 scenarios.
"These [series] titles are valuable, timely introductions to the study of global problems, stressing to readers that 'doing nothing is not an option'."
School Library Journal
Amazing Space
Titles:
Amazing Space
Amazing Sun
(Pinwheel/ School Specialty, 2006)
Tabs, flaps, wheels, acetates and other mechanical features bring the universe to life in these fun, full-of-facts books for younger children.
Energy Sources
Titles:
Biomass Power
Fossil Fuels
Geothermal Power
Nuclear Power
Solar Power
Water Power
Wind Power
(Appleseed/ Watts, 2006)
A detailed and balanced look at the world of energy, presenting the facts, discussing important issues and looking to the future.
"This makes an excellent resource for a science classroom. Useful for generating discussions related to energy use and how different countries are approaching these issues."
Children's Literature
Making Healthy Food Choices
Titles:
Do You Know What's In Your Food?
Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From?
Food for Sport
(Heinemann, 2006)
This lively and informative series deals with nutrition and healthy eating for 11–14 year olds.
"There aren't many books out there that examine all aspects of food in such detail."
School Library Journal
Earth's Resources
Titles:
Coal
Diamonds & Other Gems
Gold & Silver
Iron
Oil & Gas
Salt
(Appleseed/ Watts, 2005)
An in-depth exploration of some of the world's most interesting natural treasures. Each resource has its own fascinating story in terms of geology, human use and impact on the environment.
[Gold & Silver] "Clearly written and very well illustrated, with a pleasant mix of text and photos."
[Oil & Gas] "The writing style is clear and refreshing … I recommend this book."
Science Books & Films
Habitat Explorer
Titles:
City Explorer
Seashore Explorer
(Raintree, paperback 2005)
Journeys of discovery, showing how animals and plants adapt to their environment.
"A useful series of books. … The presentation is clear and attractive."
School Librarian Journal
Everyday Life in Ancient Times
Titles:
Ancient Egypt (McRae/ British Museum Press, 2003)
Aztecs, Incas & Maya
Native Americans
Prehistory
(McRae/Smart Apple, 2003–05)
Uncovering history with see-through pages, showing how people lived in ancient times.
[Ancient Egypt] "Another wonderful publication from the British Museum Press. … This book is very accessible, … colourful and easy to read. An excellent introduction to ancient history and everyday life for Key Stage 2."
School Librarian Journal
"This book is ideal for any child that is interested in the everyday lives of the ancient Egyptians."
public review, British Museum website
[Aztecs, Incas & Maya] "This book is just right for interested upper elementary age students."
Children's Literature
Our World
Titles:
Living & Growing
Rocks & Soil
Seasons
Water
Weather
(Chrysalis, paperback 2005)
Simple books for younger readers, introducing them to science and nature in the world around them.
Where People Live
Titles:
In Cities
At the Coast
On Islands
By Lakes
In the Mountains
By Rivers
(Appleseed/ Watts, 2004)
A fascinating look at how people live in different environments around the world.
[Islands] "Reading this book will be an eye-opener … [it] will attract young readers and it'll feel at home in a kid's library."
Children's Literature
Masterpieces of Art
Titles:
Jesus, a life in pictures
Moses, a life in pictures
(McRae/ Book House, 2004)
Exploring masterpieces of religious art by some of the world's greatest artists, including Botticelli, van Eyck, Michelangelo, Poussin and Raphael.
[Moses] "Children as young as 8 will be able to 'read' the superb reproductions thanks to the accessible text, while both Key Stage 3 and 4 students will find much that provides a challenging and engaging commentary on familiar stories."
Times Educational Supplement
[Jesus] "This book does an excellent job of putting each work in context … a tremendous resource for art, religion and history courses."
Children's Literature
Landscapes & People
Titles:
Earth's Changing Coasts
Earth's Changing Continents
Earth's Changing Deserts
Earth's Changing Islands
Earth's Changing Mountains
Earth's Changing Rivers
(Raintree, paperback 2004)
Introducing the Earth's major landforms and investigating how they have changed through natural causes and human intervention.
[Rivers] "This is a well produced, informative book. … The text is clear, but is anything but simplistic. … This is not a picture book with words, but a well illustrated information book. It can certainly be commended to all primary school libraries."
School Librarian Journal
[Deserts] "A fascinating insight ... packed with interesting information, clear, readable text ... and a comprehensive index rounds off this valuable resource."
Junior Education
Mega Book of Aircraft
(Chrysalis/Alligator, paperback 2004)
Discover the most amazing planes on Earth, learning about the history of aircraft and how they work.
History Makers
Titles:
Air Pioneers
Astronomers
Modern World Leaders
(Belitha/ Chrysalis, 2003)
Biographies, each book telling the dramatic stories of ten men and women who made history and changed the world in which we live.
[Air Pioneers] "Immensely useful for readers who want an overview of most of the major players in aviation's history."
Children's Literature
Great Cities through the Ages: London
(McRae/ Enchanted Lion, 2003)
A highly illustrated history, from Roman Londinium to 21 st -century London.
"Readers will be amazed with the intriguing information."
Children's Literature
World's Top Ten
Titles:
Caves
Cities
Deserts
Islands
Lakes
Mountain Ranges
Oceans
Rivers
(Belitha/ Chrysalis, new edition 2003)
Highlighting the biggest and best that the world has to offer, including the longest rivers, largest deserts and deepest caves. The books have been translated into ten languages.
"Packed with information. … All juniors would find these books interesting and helpful in their research projects."
Primary Geographer
"The books are very readable."
Library Talk
[Oceans] "Excellent fact-filled pages."
Times Educational Supplement
[Caves] "This is a very user-friendly book and an ideal source to dip into for information."
School Librarian Journal
Natural Disasters
Titles:
Earthquakes
Hurricanes & Tornadoes
(Ticktock, new edition 2003)
A detailed look at natural disasters – why and where they happen, and what effect they have on local communities.
[Earthquakes] "Morris' book is a good choice to get kids hooked on the natural world and the awesome power hidden within the earth."
Children's Literature
Atlas of Ancient Egypt
(McRae/ Watts, 2001)
A wide-ranging, highly illustrated survey of more than 3000 years of Egyptian history.
"The Atlas of Ancient Egypt provides a fascinating introduction to the history and culture of the Nile valley."
Times Educational Supplement
Discovering World Cultures: Music & Dance
(McRae/ Crabtree, 2001)
Discover the rich variety of music and dance celebrated around the world.
"This is an excellent volume in the Discovering World Cultures series."
Resource Links
"A presentation that is as informative as it is entertaining."
Midwest Book Review Journal
Life in Victorian Times
Titles:
Home & School
Sport & Leisure
Travel & Transport
Work & Industry
(Belitha/ Chrysalis, paperback 2000)
Exploring life in the 19 th century and exciting developments that affected the lives of both rich and poor.
"Invaluable source books for school discussion or project work."
Library and Reference Review
"The mixture of the (very) general text and specific illustration is beguiling."
Books for Keeps
Travelling through Time
Titles:
Cars
Planes
Ships
Trains
(Belitha/ Chrysalis, 1997–99)
The history of transport, from the very beginning to the 21 st century. Written for 8–12 year olds, with a simpler version for 7–9s called Past and Present .
"A useful mix of text and illustrations, all clearly assembled and presented."
Library and Reference Review
[Ships] "For children fascinated with the world of transport vehicles, this book will prove captivating."
Children's Literature
Wonders of Our World
Titles:
Caves
Deserts
Earthquakes
Forests
Hurricanes
Mountains
Oceans
Rivers & Lakes
Rocks & Minerals
Volcanoes
(Crabtree, 1998)
A lively introduction to the world's natural wonders.
"Great series! … These books will prove much more memorable than competitors on the same subject because they blend simplicity with an effort to entertain: kids will find them bright, colourful and appealing."
Midwest Book Review Journal
[Oceans] "A beautiful and informative book. Morris makes the world of oceans come alive with vivid photographs, colourful illustrations and clear text."
Children's Literature
[Rocks & Minerals] "This book would be a great gift to stimulate the development of a young person's interest in the earth sciences."
Journal of Natural Resources
[Deserts] "A rich source of knowledge and a pleasure to peruse."
Children's Literature
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