If you have young children, I hope you'll take a look at Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas, published by National Geographic. Billie M. Kapp. chief educational consultant for the atlas, and The National Geographic Society have done an excellent job of introducing the continents, maps, globes, and land forms in a manner that's right on target in terms of being age appropriate for 3-6 year olds. The fact that the maps look like big puzzle pieces adds to the fun.
Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas: What the Book Covers
The planet Earth's shape and its relationship to globes and maps is very effectively explained and illustrated. Land forms, water, and the continents are all introduced. Then, there are two-page spreads about each continent. These include simple colorful maps of the continents and the countries in them, photographs of people and sights on the continent, general information, and a "Find these on the map" section that is easy enough for the youngest child to do.In addition, there is a two-page spread about the United States and a two-page spread about Canada. A glossary, with age appropriate definitions, and a pronunciation guide are at the end of the book. Inside the book's dust jacket are tips for family fun with Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas and an illustrated "Guess what I am!" quiz that your family can solve using the atlas.
Our World: A Child's First Picture Book Atlas: Guide Recommendation
Because the book targets such young children, it does not go into much depth about the variety of people and living conditions on each continent, but it does provide an excellent introduction to our world and how we use maps and globes. While I think this is a book many young children will enjoy, I think it will particularly appeal to those children who are curious about everything and eager to learn about the world.I do think that it is important, as your children grow, that they are exposed to more and more complex atlases. I was pleased to learn that National Geographic also publishes atlases that target children 5-8, 8-12, and 10-14 years old. (National Geographic, 2006. ISBN: 0792255313)
