Fiction and nonfiction book pairings are great opportunities for introducing kids to a variety of books and teaching them about new topics.
*We use affiliate links and may earn commission from purchases made through those links.
All opinions are our own.
What are fiction and nonfiction book pairings?
When you match up a fiction book and a nonfiction book with similar themes, topics, or ideas, you have a fiction and nonfiction book pairing. When read together, the books offer a fun and educational reading release for children.
How do I make a fiction/nonfiction book pairing?
Start off with a topic, theme, or idea that is interesting to the child. Then, look for a nonfiction or picture book with that theme. After you find either a fiction book or a nonfiction book about that theme, then find the other (either nonfiction or fiction, depending on which book you’ve already found.) Read the two books semi-close together, if not in the same sitting. Talk with the child about the theme or concept that was found in both the fiction and nonfiction books.
Why are fiction/nonfiction book pairings important for children’s learning?
- Fiction/nonfiction book pairings encourage children to engage with nonfiction, as nonfiction can sometimes be difficult for kids to get into.
- Children can practice making parallels on specific topics.
- Engaging with both fiction and nonfiction resources on a topic can help fill in the gaps for children’s understanding and knowledge on that topic.
- Topics can be more applicable to everyday situations when reading both fiction and nonfiction books on those topics.
- Reading nonfiction books along with fiction books can help children apply facts and data to realistic lifestyles, choices, and situations.
- Reading both genres can inspire kids’ creativity, as they can witness how nonfiction can influence fictional ideas, stories, and experiences.
What are some fiction/nonfiction book pairing concepts or themes?
Here are a few common ones, but you can usually find fiction/nonfiction book pairings for a variety of themes that interest your child:
- Animals (tigers, butterflies, owls, whales, dogs, etc.)
- Dinosaurs, fossils, and other prehistoric concepts
- Community helpers (firefighters, librarians, postal workers, teachers, etc.)
- Ecosystems (ocean, desert, prairie, etc.)
- Government (voting, elections, politicians, etc.)
- States, countries, and landmarks (Statue of Liberty, Egypt, Indiana, etc.)
- Nature (flowers, gardening, hiking, trees and plants, survival, etc.)
- Science experiments
- Outer space (astronauts, planets, spaceships, etc.)
- Vehicles (sports cars, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles, etc.)
- Robots
- Crafts
- Construction
- Foods
Can I pair other types of books together besides fiction and nonfiction?
Yes! You can pair lots of types of books together. Here are some examples:
- Historical fiction and realistic fiction
- Picture book and chapter book
- Nonfiction and biography/memoir
- Self-help and biography/memoir
- Graphic novel and chapter book
What is an example of a fiction/nonfiction book pairing for preschoolers?
You can find a full list of fiction and nonfiction book pairings here! One of our favorites is: I Don’t Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty and Being Frog by April Pulley Sayre.
