Welcome to the National Non-Fiction Day 2011 website. Here you can find information about great non-fiction books, authors and free resources for you to use at home or in the classroom. Find out more about National Non-Fiction Day…

This month

January 2012

Monday 23 Tuesday 24 Wednesday 25 Thursday 26 Friday 27 Saturday 28 Sunday 29
Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

The start of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, this is the biggest public holiday of the Chinese year, lasting three days.
Winston Churchill dies (1965)

Winston Churchill dies (1965)

On this day in 1965, Sir Winston Churchill, former Primer Minister, died at the age of 90.
Burns' Night

Burns' Night

Burns suppers are held to celebrate the life and work of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, born on this date in 1759. Take a look at our Burns activities and resources.
Australia Day

Australia Day

The national day of Australia marks the date on which the First Fleet from Britain landed at Sydney Cove in 1788.
Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day

Today is a day to remember all those who lost their lives in genocide. Discover the poignant story of the Kindertransport that carried thousands of Jewish children to safety.
Challenger

Challenger

On this day in 1986, the American space shuttle, Challenger, exploded just over a minute into its flight. Its crew included teacher Christa McAuliffe.
Food Allergy & Intolerance Week

Food Allergy & Intolerance Week

Ending today, this week aims to raise awareness of diet and allergy issues. www.allergyuk.org

January 2012 / February 2012

Monday 30 Tuesday 31 Wednesday 01 Thursday 02 Friday 03 Saturday 04 Sunday 05
Charles I is beheaded

Charles I is beheaded

On this day, in 1649, King Charles I was beheaded in Whitehall, in front of the Banqueting House. It was reported that he wore two shirts to prevent the cold weather causing shivers that the crowd may have mistaken for weakness or fear.
National Bug Busting Day

National Bug Busting Day

Today is one of three annual dates devoted to clearing up headlice! More at www.chc.org
Grow Your own Potatoes

Grow Your own Potatoes

Last week to register for FREE GYOP growing kit. Find out more about getting involved at www.potatoes forschools.org.uk
World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day

Visit this website for more information on wetlands
UNICEF’s Day for Change

UNICEF’s Day for Change

This year aims to help change the lives of children in Uganda. www.unicef.org.uk/ dayforchange
End of National Storytelling Week

End of National Storytelling Week

Introduce children to the pleasure of storytelling this week. www.sfs.org.uk/ nsw
National Heart Month

National Heart Month

Support the British Heart Foundation’s awareness month by wearing red! Find out more at www.bhf.org.uk

February 2012

Monday 06 Tuesday 07 Wednesday 08 Thursday 09 Friday 10 Saturday 11 Sunday 12
Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne

Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne

On this day in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne. Have you seen The Queen one of our Scholastic Readers
Charles Dickens's Birthday

Charles Dickens's Birthday

Famous author of many works including Oliver was born on this day in 1812.
Nirvana Day

Nirvana Day

Also known as Parinirvana, on this day Buddhists remember the death of the Buddha, when he reached Nirvana.
Prince Charles announces engagement

Prince Charles announces engagement

On this day in 2005, Clarence House announced the engagement of Charles, the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, to Camilla Parker-Bowles
Chess champion loses to a computer

Chess champion loses to a computer

On this day in 1996, after three hours, world chess champion Gary Kasparov loses the first game of a six-game match against Deep Blue, an IBM computer.
Nelson Mandela released from prison (1990)

Nelson Mandela released from prison (1990)

South African anti-apartheid campaigner, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years. Find out more about Mandela.
Charles Darwin born (1809)

Charles Darwin born (1809)

Charles Darwin – the naturalist who first described the process of evolution was born on this day in 1809. Darwin resources.

February 2012

Monday 13 Tuesday 14 Wednesday 15 Thursday 16 Friday 17 Saturday 18 Sunday 19
Catherine Howard executed

Catherine Howard executed

On this day in 1542, Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII of England, was executed. Check out our Tudor resources.
Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day

A day on which we celebrate love and friendship by giving each other cards and gifts. Find ideas for Valentine’s Day activities.
English Decimal Currency (1971)

English Decimal Currency (1971)

On this day in 1971, decimal currency was introduced to Britain.
First British cheque written

First British cheque written

Today is the 350th anniversary of the first cheque to be written.
National Nest Box Week

National Nest Box Week

Get involved with the conservation of birds in your local area between 14–21 February. www.bto.org
Discovery of Pluto

Discovery of Pluto

The dwarf planet was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. Originally thought to be a planet, it was reclassified in 2006.
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph

Thomas Edison patents the phonograph

Thomas Edison patented the phonograph on this day in 1878. It was the first device for recording and playing back sounds.

View the full month's calendar.