Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite fact-filled books published by DK Children’s this season. Beautifully designed and illustrated, DK’s award-winning and best-selling children’s books appeal to kids of all ages. DK’s fun and factual kids books cover everything from a child’s first words to the human body. Parents should consider adding these books to your child’s bookshelf because of DK Children’s unique ability to combine fun with education, making them invaluable resources for young learners aged 7+.
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling
Written by mythology expert and bestselling author Liv Albert and illustrated by Hazem Asi, The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling breathes fresh life into one of the greatest adventure stories ever told. Perfect for readers aged 9+, this captivating adaptation follows the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he battles monsters, outwits powerful gods and faces extraordinary trials on his quest to return home after the Trojan War. Albert skilfully preserves the richness and complexity of Homer’s epic while presenting it in an engaging, accessible voice that encourages young readers to think critically about heroism, perseverance and human nature. Asi’s striking illustrations, together with historical facts, maps and character profiles, add depth and visual drama to every chapter, creating an immersive reading experience. Parents will value its literary richness and educational merit, and children will be enthralled by its thrilling adventures, unforgettable myths and larger-than-life characters. £18.99 published by DK.
Dr Ranj’s Human Body Encyclopedia
Written by BAFTA award-winning television presenter, specialist children’s doctor and Sunday Times bestselling author Dr Ranj Singh and illustrated by Bea Barros, Dr Ranj’s Human Body Encyclopedia is an inspiring and beautifully presented guide to the extraordinary workings of the human body. Young readers are taken on an engaging journey through every major body system, from the remarkable power of the heart and brain to the intricate functions of our limbs, bones and organs. Dr Ranj’s warm, conversational style transforms complex scientific concepts into accessible, memorable explanations, while Barros’ vibrant illustrations and striking photography bring every page vividly to life. Closely aligned with the KS1 Science curriculum, the book also promotes healthy living, curiosity and self-awareness, encouraging children to appreciate not only how their bodies function but also what makes each individual unique. Parents will value its trusted medical expertise and lasting educational appeal, and children will be fascinated by the amazing discoveries waiting inside their own bodies. £20 published by DK
Minotaur Boy
Written by bestselling middle-grade author Shane Hegarty and illustrated by Ruby Fresson, Minotaur Boy is a brilliantly original fantasy that transforms the everyday challenges of adolescence into an unforgettable mythological adventure. Perfect for readers aged 8-12, the story follows twelve-year-old Alex as he grapples with school, friendships and the awkward realities of puberty, only to discover that he is also part minotaur. As horns, hooves and legendary destinies begin to emerge, Alex must learn to embrace what makes him different while navigating a world filled with mythical creatures and unexpected dangers. Hegarty balances laugh-out-loud humour with genuine emotional insight, creating a story that celebrates self-acceptance, resilience and belonging. Fresson’s lively illustrations enhance the fast-paced narrative, making this an especially accessible read for confident and reluctant readers alike. Parents will appreciate its thoughtful exploration of growing up and individuality, and children will cheer for its hilarious adventures, memorable characters and monster-sized heart. £8.99 published by DK.
Our World in Pictures: Bugs, Butterflies, Beetles and Bees
Written by DK’s team of subject specialists and checked by leading experts including award-winning entomologist Adam Hart, Our World in Pictures: Bugs, Butterflies, Beetles and Bees is a magnificent photographic celebration of one of nature’s most fascinating groups of creatures. Perfect for readers aged 9-12, this visually stunning reference book showcases nearly a thousand remarkable images, revealing everything from glowing insects and delicate butterflies to giant beetles and extraordinary pollinators. Concise, accessible text accompanies each vibrant photograph, introducing young naturalists to insect anatomy, behaviour, habitats and the essential role these tiny creatures play in sustaining ecosystems around the globe. Its picture-led approach makes complex scientific concepts engaging and approachable, encouraging curiosity, observation and environmental awareness. Parents will appreciate its authoritative content and enduring educational value, and children will delight in discovering the astonishing diversity, beauty and importance of the miniature world beneath their feet. £19.99 published by DK.
Let’s Meet the Ancient Egyptians
Written by acclaimed children’s author Ben Hubbard and illustrated by Dan Gartman, Let’s Meet the Ancient Egyptians brings one of history’s most fascinating civilisations vividly to life through the experiences of a single family across 3,000 remarkable years. Perfect for young readers aged 5+, this imaginative journey introduces children to everyday life along the Nile, the construction of the Great Pyramid, epic battles, powerful pharaohs and the beliefs that shaped Ancient Egypt. By telling history through the voices of successive generations, Hubbard makes complex historical events feel personal, engaging and easy to understand, while Gartman’s lively illustrations add warmth, humour and visual richness to every page. Blending historical accuracy with accessible storytelling, the book encourages curiosity about the past while helping children appreciate how ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary moments in history. Parents will appreciate its thoughtful educational approach, and children will be transported by its colourful characters, captivating stories and timeless sense of adventure. £12.99 published by DK.
The Miniverse
Written by DK’s expert editorial team, The Miniverse is a breathtaking exploration of the hidden world that exists beyond the limits of the human eye. Perfect for readers aged 9+, this extraordinary visual journey uses astonishing magnified photography to reveal the intricate structures and surprising beauty concealed within everyday objects and living organisms. From the microscopic engineering of zips and ballpoint pens to the remarkable worlds inhabited by dust mites, pollen grains and hornets’ stings, every page inspires wonder while introducing fascinating scientific concepts in an accessible way. Richly illustrated and thoughtfully explained, the book encourages children to look more closely at the world around them and appreciate the complexity that lies beneath seemingly ordinary surfaces. Parents will value its ability to nurture scientific curiosity and observation, and children will be mesmerised by the spectacular images and astonishing discoveries hidden within the miniature universe all around us. £19.99 published by DK.
Body: Your Amazing Anatomy Revealed!
Written by DK’s expert editorial team, Body: Your Amazing Anatomy Revealed! transforms the remarkable complexity of the human body into an exciting visual adventure that makes science both engaging and accessible. Perfect for readers aged 9+, this beautifully illustrated guide explores every major body system, revealing how muscles, bones, organs and nerves work together to keep us alive, healthy and active every single day. Packed with striking graphics, up-to-date scientific information and fascinating facts, it explains everything from how the brain sends messages to how the immune system protects us, presenting anatomy as a dynamic and interconnected living system. Clear explanations and imaginative visuals ensure even complex biological processes are easy to understand, inspiring curiosity about the science within us all. Parents will appreciate its outstanding educational value and curriculum relevance, and children will be fascinated by the incredible machinery operating inside their own bodies. £16.99 published by DK.
What If… Pigs Could Fly?
Written by science journalist Emma Young and illustrated by Super Freak, What If… Pigs Could Fly? turns children’s most imaginative questions into entertaining scientific discoveries that make learning irresistible. Perfect for readers aged 7+, this engaging non-fiction title explores 33 quirky “what if?” scenarios, answering them with humour, fascinating facts and clear scientific explanations that encourage curiosity without ever feeling like a textbook. Inspired by the author’s own reluctant reader, the book combines vibrant photography with playful illustrations to create an accessible experience that appeals equally to confident readers and those still discovering a love of books. Every question sparks critical thinking while introducing scientific principles in a memorable and enjoyable way, proving that learning often begins with curiosity. Parents will appreciate its clever blend of education and entertainment, and children will delight in the hilarious questions, surprising answers and brilliantly imaginative journey through the world of science. £9.99 published by DK.
