Awards and reviews
"A really interesting and imaginative way to introduce geology to young readers."
Royal Society Young People's Book Prize judges on This Little Pebble
"Books of this quality demonstrate that, in the right hands, information itself can inspire."
New Scientist on The Usborne Computer Dictionary for Beginners
Awards and nominations
2019
Shortlisted, Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize
For Making with States Of Matter
2018
Winner, ASE Book of the Year Award
For I Love This Tree
2017
Shortlisted, Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize
For This Little Pebble
2017
Shortlisted, English 4-11 Awards
For This Little Pebble
2016
Winner, Teachers’ Choice Awards (USA)
For the Whiz Kid Science (“Whizzy Science / Make It”) series
Shortlisted, SLA Picture Book Awards
For I Love This Tree
Shortlisted, English 4-11 Awards
For I Love This Tree
2015
Special Commendation, SLA Picture Book Awards
For The Comedy, History and Tragedy of William Shakespeare
Shortlisted, English 4-11 Awards
For The Comedy, History and Tragedy of William Shakespeare
2009
Shortlisted, Blue Peter Book Awards (Best Book with Facts category)
For 100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet
Shortlisted, Children’s Choice Book Awards (in the USA)
For 100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet
2005
Winner, Prix de la Science se Livre (9-14 ans category, French prize)
for The Usborne Introduction to Genes and DNA
1997
Winner, Times Educational Supplement Senior Information Book Award
for The World Of Shakespeare
1996
Runner-up, Times Educational Supplement Senior Information Book Award
for The Computer Dictionary for Beginners
Reviews
Whiz Kid Science (Wayland (UK) and Capstone (USA), 2014)
“The large text and humorous illustrations appealed to the students in my third grade class. The hands on activities were easy to read and fun to follow. The reluctant readers were fully engaged…”
“At first I thought that the books were good, but didn’t really stand out. As I took a closer look, I found that the experiments were new, not the same ones that I have seen over and over again.”
“…wonderful, easy to follow experiments, which can be implemented as part of the curriculum.”
“These books belong on any science teacher’s shelf. Wait, not shelf, in the hands of the students… My students were asking when they could do the next experiment. What I even loved was how my students were telling me how they needed one of the experiments to better understand the lesson. They just loved using the book.”
Teachers’ Choice Awards judges’ comments, 2016
Where’s Will? Find Shakespeare Hidden in His Plays (Ivy Press, 2015)
"A truly excellent book that is tons of fun AND educational... a stunning and glorious activity book that will keep your younglings occupied for hours."
ReadItDaddy
Stories from Shakespeare (Usborne Publishing, 2004)
“A wonderful gift for children retelling some of Shakespeare’s best-known plays in story form. The ten tales range from A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Hamlet and include quotations, characters and context. Beautifully illustrated by Elena Temporin.”
The Guardian Christmas Book selection, 2004
“This wonderful book introduces young readers to the magnificent world of Shakespeare’s plays. Claybourne does an excellent job of translating the theatrical works into highly readable stories that can be enjoyed silently or as a family. In addition she includes details about his life and work, to enable children to imagine Elizabethan times. A splendid look at everything from Hamlet to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this is not to be missed.”
The Good Book Guide
The Usborne Complete Book of the Human Body (Usborne Publishing, 2003)
“This book is exceptionally visual throughout with lavish photographs and superbly detailed cut-away diagrams, and … concise, enlightening information about the human body… performs as a superb stand-alone resource.”
Times Educational Supplement, 22 October 2004
The Usborne Introduction to Genes and DNA (Usborne Publishing, 2003)
“…clear and concise descriptions of the key concepts in the genetic revolution, wrapped round with lavish illustrations and slick photographs. You’ll find the odd interesting nugget even if you are thoroughly familiar with the material…”
New Scientist, 21 June 2003
“This beautifully produced book uses striking pictures and clear explanations to provide a introduction to genetics that will interest adults as well as children….”
wordpool.co.uk
The Computer Dictionary for Beginners (Usborne Publishing, 1995)
“[the] Computer Dictionary for Beginners is excellent… the book squeezes an incredible amount of useful stuff into its 64 illustrated pages. Books of this quality demonstrate that, in the right hands, information itself can inspire.”
New Scientist, 28 October 1995
“… a very user-friendly resource. It’s ideal for all aspiring members of the digital generation.”
Books for Keeps, 1 January 1996