What's the Actually Factually Difference? by Jane Wilsher

Today's read heads into one of my favorite directions—nonfiction! This is the section of the library that my kids always headed to  (and still head to) first. So, I was smiling when I got my hands on today's read. 

This book was released the beginning of February and holds a collection of many facts and tidbits. It appears that it's one to be picked up every now and then, and not necessarily read all in one go (although I'm sure there will be such readers, too). I'm hoping there will be some interesting facts and a little bit of fun.

Oh, and it's MMGM day (Marvelous Middle Grade Monday), so if you love middle grade reads, head on over HERE to discover more suggestions from other readers. 

Ready to see if there's something new to learn in these pages? 

WHAT'S THE ACTUALLY FACTULLY DIFFERENCE?

by Jane Wilsher

Illustrated by Liz Kay

words & pictures

Middle Grade Nonfiction

112 pages

ages 8 to 11

What's the actually factually difference? One question. Over 200 particularly pernickety answers. Wow friends and family with the answers and more in this detailed encyclopedia, ideal for picking up over and over again.  

What's the difference between a country and a continent? What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?And what about a wormhole and a black hole? Well, there are seven continents and nearly 200 countries. You’d need to run faster from a gator than a croc, but a croc has sharper teeth and a flatter snout. And as for the trickiness of black holes and wormholes, you'll have to read inside to find the answer to that one. . .  

What's the Actually Factually Difference? is an upbeat, fact-packed encyclopedia exploring the difference between over a hundred pairs. With sections on space, the body, the world, food, technology, transport, animals, and more, What's the Actually Factually Difference? is an accessible introduction to all kinds of popular subjects for children, extending learning by drilling down into the ‘actually factually’ detail of what’s what.

For every pair, the same taxing question, "What’s the difference between?", is asked and answered. Each time, both words are defined, including any similarities and differences. Additional pull-outs and facts are also included for every pair. Authored by Jane Wilsher with detailed and amusing artwork from Liz Kay, every fact is brought to life with humor and wit in this expansive title.

What's the Actually Factually Difference? opens up a world of facts and quizzing with family and friends. This fresh and fun encyclopedia brings non-fiction to life in an exciting new way, making it the perfect next adventure for curious young minds. 

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Facts and information hit with with dizzying fun for those who love to know more about tons of different things.

Some things appear to be very similar, so much so that it's hard to know exactly what the differences are, such as  meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. This book takes a look at all sorts of things, which often can be mixed up or misunderstood. 

The read starts with a quick introduction to various ways the book can be 'used' in more ways than just a read. There are a couple hints for various ways to work it into games and more. The book is divided into thirteen chapters, which include everything from things found in space to plants to historical tidbits and more. There's a very thorough index at the end to help keep everything organized and easy to locate. In each of these chapters, many pairs of terms are presented with quick explanations and very short, extra facts in little bubbles. There's a chaotic atmosphere to the format, which keeps the enjoyment and excitement high. Yet, it's no trouble to sort through the information. The facts are clear, interesting, and include more known things as well as lesser known ones. Some are more difficult concepts, while others are fairly 'easy'. In other words, it makes sure to touch upon a wide variety of interests to give a little something for everyone.

The illustrations are bright, bold, and bring across aspects of the facts in clear fashion, while keeping the atmosphere light. It's clear that the author and illustrator wanted to steer away from dry and boring, and they accomplish this nicely.

And here they are...

Jane Wilsher is an author and editor from the UK, and the founder of bop Publishing. Jane is the author of What Do Scientists Do All Day? (Wide Eyed, Editions, 2020), An Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2021) and 21 Things to Do With a Tree (Ivy Kids, 2023).

Liz Kay is a freelance illustrator based in Yorkshire. When not busy doodling, Liz is usually found hiking and biking around the Yorkshire countryside and playing tennis for my local club. She’s worked on a variety of commissions across illustrated maps, hand lettering and calligraphy, greetings cards, infographics, children’s books, newspapers and magazines, and animation.