National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the World

Title: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the World

Bibliographic information:

Author: Elizabeth Carney

Illustrator: National Geographic Cartographers and Photographers

• Print Length: 128 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (July 14, 2015)
• Publication Date: July 14, 2015
• Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
• Language: English

Reader's Annotation:

See the world through many lenses with this striking atlas by National Geographic Kids.  This atlas supplements accurate maps with cultural and geographic information.

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Lexile level: 650

Awards, if applicable:

Not applicable

Plot summary: See the world in this striking atlas by National Geographic Kids.  This atlas contains a variety of maps of each continent, including ones which focus on the borders, and topography.  In addition to maps, there are sections on countries, animals, weather, people and sights.  Then, for each continent there is an activity.

Critical review: Maps and atlases for children are a very challenging thing to judge - some are colorful and not terribly accurate.  Others are incredibly accurate - but not particularly user friendly.  This striking atlas manages to find a balance between those two attributes with accurate maps and sections of additional information which support what is shown in the maps and augments it with cultural and historical background information.

Why include it?

Many kids have a near insatiable curiosity - as soon as they know there is something out there, they want to know what it is and what it is like.  This early introduction to world cultures and geography is a wonderful reference for those readers.