What's the Actually Factually Difference?: How to tell the difference between over 150 things that are similar but different!

by Jane Wilsher, Liz Kay (illustrator)

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. 

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A modern-day encyclopaedia, explaining some common and not-so-common confusables to kids. Good explanations and illustrations. A nice option for middle-graders with inquisitive minds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the title and the caption explain, this book aims to clarify the difference between 150+ word pairs that could be confusing because of their similarity in sound or spelling or even meanings.

The book starts with a note on how kids can use the book, and then proceeds to offer enlightenment on confusing words from various categories. The content is divided into thirteen chapters, each exploring one subject such as space, animals, the body, tech, our world, history, transport and so on.

The focus seems to have been mainly on including words that sound similar but are different, or that might seem synonymous but aren’t. Thus,

⇒ A majority of the pairs are about similar concepts that might feel like the same thing to youngsters (sky vs. atmosphere, toboggan vs. sled) or about things we don’t even think twice about but do share a similarity in traits. (unicycle vs. bicycle, salt vs. pepper)

⇒ At times, we get words that have only a vague connection but rhyme with each other. (burp vs. slurp, naturalist vs. naturist.)

⇒ Some are basic science-textbook confusables (invertebrates vs. vertebrates, artery vs. vein) but the visual depiction of the difference will hopefully help kids remember the distinction better.

⇒ Some pairs have words kids might not necessarily have heard of (railway vs. funicular railway, crinoline vs. bustle, rafflesia vs. durian fruit.)

⇒ A few of the pairs didn’t have enough of an explanation to clear the confusion. (Like for inch vs. cm, merely saying that one is imperial and the other is metric isn’t helpful at all.)

⇒ Some pairs are too complex for this age group. (dark matter vs. dark energy.)

⇒ Some of the pairs left me befuddled as to why they needed to be included (human vs. robot, dog vs. dachshund!)


The illustrations are appropriate to the content. Every word set comes with its own graphic, with clear indicators for the connected text. The colour palette is on the sober side, but it suits the factual tone of the book.

All in all, a good option for kids to pore over either at random or topic-wise. The subjects are varied enough that there is something for everyone in this book. A great resource for homes and classrooms, the book would also be a great gifting option for birthdays.

Definitely recommended to anyone looking for a picture encyclopaedia for the modern era. The book is officially aimed at middle-graders, but some of the content might be a bit difficult for the younger ones of this age group.

4 stars.


My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for providing the DRC of “What's the Actually Factually Difference?” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||

[Christina Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great visuals, very informative and factual, which I guess is the whole point of the book. I actually learned some new things from this book at the age of 32. I love that there isn't one correct way to read this book and that it gives the reader ideas of how to read the book. I think it would be fun to make a game out of the book with family, friends or even a classroom of students.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: What's the Actually Factually Difference? by Jane Wilsher

Rating: 4 Stars

When I first picked up "What's the Actually Factually Difference?" by Jane Wilsher, I was immediately charmed by its delightful cover. The vibrant illustrations promised an engaging journey into a world of fascinating facts, and the book certainly delivered on that promise. This encyclopedia is a treasure trove for anyone with an inquisitive mind, especially middle-graders eager to explore the similarities and differences between over 150 comparative pairs.

The book kicks off with a friendly note on how to navigate its pages, setting the stage for a fun and educational experience. Each chapter tackles a different subject, from space and animals to technology and history, making it easy to dive into any topic that piques your interest. As someone who loves learning about the world in bite-sized pieces, I found this format particularly appealing.

The author's method of clarifying both common and uncommon confusables is smart and highly effective.. For example, she clearly explains the difference between a country and a continent, shedding light on concepts that might seem simple but often get muddled. Similarly, her comparison of an alligator and a crocodile is both informative and entertaining, packed with additional facts that make you feel like a quiz master in the making.

One of the book's standout features is its excellent illustrations. They not only complement the text but also bring each fact to life with humor and wit. The visuals are a feast for the eyes and enhance the learning experience, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for young readers.

Overall, "What's the Actually Factually Difference?" is a cool book that's as informative as it is fun. It's an ideal option for curious young minds looking to expand their understanding of the world. While it might not be a five-star masterpiece for everyone, it's certainly deserving of four stars in my book. It’s a fresh and fun encyclopedia that I can see myself picking up again and again, sharing newfound knowledge with friends and family along the way.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 so similar 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. And this includes a large variety in very different directions and themes, which means there are surprises for everyone.

The read starts with a quick introduction to various ways the book can be 'used', which includes not only the usually reading style but inspirations for games and more. It's divided into thirteen chapters, which include everything from space to plants to jobs to history and more. For those looking for specific terms/objects/whatnots, there's a very thorough index at the end. In each of these chapters, many pairs of terms are presented with quick explanations and very short, extra tidbits in little bubbles. There's a chaotic atmosphere with bubbles here and there, 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 reach a wide audience of knowledge seekers.

The illustrations are bright, bold, bring across aspects of the facts in clear fashion, and add a sense of lightness and humor. It's clear that the author and illustrator wanted to keep this one far away from dry and boring. This one is nice not only for nonfiction fans but also for anyone who enjoys trivia or even Quiz Bowl enthusiasts.

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I don't want to sound a curmudgeon, but I would have hoped people can tell the difference between sunrise and sunset – likewise thunder and lightning. But those pairs are here in relevant scientific chapters, and two of, we're told, 150 couples of often-confused things this covers and clarifies.

To be fair the book offers far more factoids than that – just the page next to the sunrise/set duo, on a star and a sun, tells us why stars twinkle from our point of view, and that lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun. And within these pages are key things that adults will still sometimes have to pause and think over. The difference between atom and molecule… which is latitude and which longitude. It doesn't impact daily life how an alligator is not a crocodile, but it might give you kudos with the kids.

But the thing is, this is slight – and yes it does allow for the random browse to give you a chance discovery. But so would any other books – if you are caught between bacteria and viruses you'd look at a medicine-minded tome, and probably find a lot more that you didn't know you needed to know. The conceit of pairing everything is kind of weakened when we see more than two kinds or teeth and more stringed instruments contrasted. I mean, yes, this has to be welcomed for being that varied, but so much of the couples are quick one-point round-ups delivered six to a page that this leaves you crying out for something more in-depth. A quirky educational effort, trying to be a school library in one, versus a school library proving that ain't never gonna happen.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this eCopy to review

What's the Actually Factually Difference? is a delightful encyclopaedia that captivates young readers with its engaging exploration of over 150 pairs of commonly confused items. From the differences between alligators and crocodiles to the distinctions between wormholes and black holes, Wilsher provides clear and concise explanations that make learning fun and accessible.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Liz Kay, whose vibrant and detailed artwork brings each topic to life. The illustrations not only complement the text but also help to visually differentiate between the pairs being discussed.

Each entry is structured to include definitions, similarities, differences, and additional fun facts, making it easy for children to understand and remember the information. The topics covered are diverse, ranging from space and the human body to food, technology, transport, and animals. This variety ensures that there is something of interest for every reader.

What's the Actually Factually Difference? is perfect for curious young minds who enjoy learning new things and sharing interesting facts with friends and family. It's an excellent resource for both educational and recreational reading, encouraging children to explore the world around them with curiosity and enthusiasm.

[Anna Makowska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colourfully illustrated children's non-fiction presenting various terms and concepts starting from astronomy through geography, animals, human body and interspersed with bonus pages of random factoids.

I actually thought it would be about commonly confused / misspelled words or homophones, but it's more general pop-science introducing basic concepts from various areas of knowledge.

Personally I feel when it comes to children's non-fiction it's best when it focuses on something specific than being so generic (cue my nostalgia about my childhood collection of books about dinosaurs, sharks, planes, architecture, astronomy and who knows what else). It's probably a good reference book to create trivia games for kids and such.

When it comes to the illustration style, I felt it was very simple and even though characters had different skin colours, they felt having same-face syndrome as if a default white person was recoloured.

Recommended for early elementary school children who are just learning basic concepts about the world and want to expand their vocabulary.

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC!

[Casey Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book for any child (or adult) that loves to learn about all things! This book has a little bit of everything - space, money, plants, transportation, hobbies, jobs, animals, tech, history, the body, food, our world, and other random things. Every page is colorfully illustrated with amazing detail. I loved all of the little bits of information on each topic. I really think that helps keep a child's attention. Every page is something new to keep the reader entertained, reading, and learning. I like that this book contains a table of contents, Jargon Buster (glossary), and an index. Some nonfiction books do not have these features and with all of the information, they really make it easy to navigate if you're reading for certain topics. I will be buying this book for my classroom! I think it will be worth the investment and a very well loved book!

Thank you Jane Wilsher and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley. This review was voluntarily written and all opinions are my own.

[Thecritic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It is a very fascinating book and the illustration is very engaging. This is a book I would have bought myself when I was in elementary school. It is a Pictionary/encyclopedia and can be read and enjoyed so many times.

Some of the words chosen and compared are always confused and used wrong, like alligator and crocodile.

But some of the comparisons I am not sure why they are chosen. Like country and continent. I am sure that some children might confuse them, but comparing them here links them together for those who don’t confuse them and creates the problem.

First day of school, my daughter’s first grade teacher said I work hard with children so they would not confuse letter ‘M’ and letter ‘B’. And at the end of the year everyone was confusing these letters.

Binding pairs like this might create the same problem.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about What's the Actually Factually Difference! Everything works together to catch your eyes and capture your interest:

- the use of different fonts and backgrounds on the pages,
- illustrations that perfectly match the information being presented,
- the clear and complete but not complicated explanations on a plethora of topics,
- the glossary
- the many ways you can read this book (from start to finish, the open the book wherever approach, find your topic via the glossary, or make a game of it)

This is a fascinating book that will be enjoyed by curious children (ages 4 - 12) and the adults who love them alike.

My thanks to Words and Pictures for permitting me to access a DRC via NetGalley. Publication is 2/4/25. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference book for children between the ages of 4-8. The illustrations are vibrant and do an excellent job of bringing the key facts together. I most appreciated that there were many comparisons when sharing facts (e.g., a stream is when water flows but is smaller than a river). In this way, the information is much more approachable for children - the format allows them to digest the facts and easily understand based on some foundational concepts they likely already know.

A special thanks to Words & Pictures publishing and the author for the ARC.

[Lacey Dungan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jane Wilsher and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC of this book. I am always on the look out for new non-fiction reads for the “But Why” children in my life. This book covers a great deal of different topics, from space to animals to the human body, and does so in a way that makes it very digestible for young readers. I would recommend this book to others who have curious little ones around as a way to answer what the true differences are between many similar things!

[Brittney Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I loved the information as much as the illustrations and graphics. The colors are vibrant and engaging and though it definitely appeals to children it kept my interest as well.

I love the various suggestions on ways to read through this book. I liked seeing the explanations for what is thought to be true vs what is actually factually different.

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this eCopy to review

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun way to teach students various topics and terms. It is like reading pages and pages of Venn Diagram without the diagram. It is a brilliant concept. I just put it in my shopping cart as well. Once it is published, I will check out the item.

[kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned and re-learned things from this book! What a great compilation of facts and trivia. Would def recommend this to fellow readers, especially to younger ones. Would love to get a physical copy for myself and the kids in the fam!

[Karyn Nadler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nonfiction book containing similarities and differences on several topics. What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? The difference between a country and a continent, and many more fun-filled sections. Encyclopedic book on technology, space, animals, and more.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a fun read and has some interesting facts. This is a great book for a kid that always wants to know everything and why.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explores over 150 pairs of items that are usually very closely related and/or are often confused, such as crocodiles and alligators, nebulas and supernovas, spine and quill, etc. But there are also some opposites like lift off and touch down, predator and prey, etc. But there are also just some silly pairings and facts such as slurp and burp, or how noisy is a snore, and how long do you spend brushing your teeth in a lifetime, etc.
Illustrations are colorful and engaging; they help depict what the text is saying. Some words don't have enough information to clear up the confusion. For example: when talking about an inch vs a centimeter just saying that one is imperial and one is metric doesn't clarify anything. There were also some that weren't really even pairs it was a specification within a broader field, like dachshund from dog.

[Adrianna Mccabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. Such a visually fun way to present sometimes confusing info to kids. I learned plenty of new things reading it and would definitely recommend it.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and informative encyclopedia of many comparative pairs, grouped within themes of space, transportation, food, weather, human body, animals and so many more topics.

The book is well laid-out with plenty of fun facts, well-explained concepts and my children especially appreciated the use of the ‘jargon buster’ and index to find extra information of interest.

My children have been so excited to share their learnings from this delightful resource, and it has prompted many other learning opportunities.

The colourful and appropriately detailed illustrations, make this a visually appealing resource.

This would be a wonderful addition to any home or school library, or a great gift for curious minds of varying ages.