Before I started writing fiction I wrote scores of information books, mainly for Usborne Publishing, either on staff or as a freelancer. I still enjoy writing information books, so please contact me via paul@pauldowswell.co.uk if you would like to work with me here. Here’s a selection of non-fiction reviews along with a few of the books that have won awards.
Reviews
Introduction to the Second World War (Usborne 2005)
Paul Dowswell’s Introduction to the Second World War…is superb. Highly recommended.
The Times
A fantastic book for young and old alike, and don’t be put off if you’re not usually interested in war books – this isn’t one bit boring and it’s not just for boys! One of my favourite books so far this year.
Waltham Forest Guardian
True Polar Adventures (Usborne Publishing)
This is an author who knows how to make you feel as if you’re right there shivering!
Blue Peter
The Roman Record (Usborne Publishing)
…a work of genius, funny, informative and very entertaining.
Open Book
The Egyptian Echo (Usborne Publishing)
…highly imaginative and extremely funny.
The Guardian
Tales of Real Adventure (Usborne Publishing)
Exciting true stories of survival, heroism and escape that will keep any reader gripped to the very last page.
The Guardian
Tales of Real Survival (Usborne Publishing)
Any book that keeps me, my 14-year-old son and my 75-year-old dad intrigued and entertained has got to be a winner.
Books for Keeps
Awards
The Story of the Second World War (Usborne 2012)
Shortlisted for the School Library Association’s ‘2013 Information Book of the Year’
True Polar Adventures (Usborne 2003)
Shortlisted for the 2003 Blue Peter Book Awards
True Stories of Heroes (Usborne 2002)
Shortlisted for the 2002 Blue Peter Book Awards.
The Complete Book of the Microscope (Usborne 1998)
Winner of the 1999 Rhône-Poulenc Junior Prize for Science Books.
The Medieval Messenger (Usborne 1996)
Shortlisted for the 1997 Times Educational Supplement Information Book
Award.
The Usborne Geography Quizbook (Usborne 1992)
Geographical Association Highly Commended Award 1992.