Book Description

This user-friendly reference is packed with full-size, full-color physical, political, and thematic maps of the world and its continents specifically designed by the Society's world-renowned cartographers to help students understand basic geographic concepts and compare and contrast data critical to making global connections. The 2001 edition, which was an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children (NSTA/CBC) and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Children (NCSS/CBC), has been completely updated and expanded to include 16 brand-new pages with more maps, photos, charts, and graphs. In addition to existing thematic spreads on topics ranging from Earth's geologic history and world climate to predominant economies and global freshwater supplies, the 2005 edition will feature all-new illustrated essays on environmental trouble spots, ocean and climate, coral reefs, world refugees, global communications, and diffusion of popular culture, as well as expanded treatment of world languages and religions.All statistics, maps, and flags of the world have been updated to reflect the most current data, the latest boundary changes, and the newest countries. Web sites keyed to each photo essay and thematic map provide students with a means of keeping up with our ever-changing world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Useful + not too expensive = great !!!!
I wanted to buy an useful and not too expensive Geographic Atlas. I dedicated quite a lot of time to evaluating my options, and ended up deciding that this Atlas was likely to be a good choice, basing my decision on the sample pages that Amazon offers. Fortunately, when I received my purchase, I discovered that I had made the right decision :)

I guess I was lucky. I thought that this Atlas was probably good, so I took the chance and bought it... However, I could have been wrong. The problem is that this Atlas had no customer reviews, and I generally make my decisions regarding what to buy in Amazon based on the experiences of others who have already purchased the item I want. The reason for that is that an editorial review can be inaccurate, and the back cover can (sometimes) provide inexact information, but other customers generally tell the truth...

Now, I'd like to correct the lack of reviews on this Atlas by writing one. I really don't need to say too much, basically that all that the back cover says it is the truth. You can read that back cover in the sample pages, and you can also read the table of contents and an excerpt. Anyway, if you don't want to spend time doing that, I can repeat to you some of the facts you could read there :)

First of all, I want to highlight the fact that there are 90 detailed and colorful maps. Those maps include physical and political maps, maps about climate and precipitation, and about population. In addition to that, the maps are separated in different sections, and at the end of each section there is a chapter that centers on a particular problem. For example, at the end of the section dedicated to North America, the focus is on natural hazards, and in the section dedicated to South America the focus is on the Amazon Rain Forest. There are other chapters that focus on special themes in the sections regarding Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, and Antarctica.

As if that were not enough, you can find many charts and graphs alongside the maps. What is more, the organization of the information that accompanies them is clear and didactical. You will also be able to find country flags and facts, and some web sites where you will be able to find updated information, even after buying this Atlas. There is also a Glossary that defines some terms the average reader might not be familiar with, and a thematic Index.

On the whole, my opinion is that this Atlas is great. It probably isn't the finest Geographic Atlas
you can buy, but I think that it is likely to be the best you can buy at this highly reasonable price. I strongly recommend it, if you need an Atlas that is useful, not too big (so as to carry it with you) and specially not expensive. I think that you will enjoy reading it, and that you will learn a lot :)

Belen Alcat ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the first all-visual reference to present vital factsand statistics about kids - specifically for kids.Jam-packed withgraphs, charts, maps, and clever graphics, 'Kidbits' lets kids see andunderstand more about the interesting subjects that touch their lives! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Facts in a flash!
A librarian recommended this title for quick access to loads of facts, charts, and graphs presented with colorful visuals and understandable text. After using it my 10 year old became inspired to create his own graphic representations for research projects. This book is a must-have for students who need quick access to information in order to create visually and intellectually appealing reports.

Unique, appealing, and crammed with really cool info!
This book is filled with graphs, charts, maps, and graphics that present all kinds of information visually. It is unique fun, unlike any other reference book you've ever seen! It's definitely the book for information in the new millennium! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the 19th century, as a hoax, the Welsh village Llanfairpwllgwyngylllengthened its name toLlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. The rocks at thebottom of the Grand Canyon are more than two billion years old. The Himalayaswere once under the sea--fossilized seashells have been found on many Himalayanpeaks. The Great Wall of China is so large, astronauts can see it from space.

The world is a fascinating place. There's no excuse for young readers to bebored by geography and history, especially when this glorious resource is athand. The Children's Atlas of the World, updated for the new millennium,is chock-full of amazing facts, colorful maps--physical and political, hands-onprojects, "Look Again" activities, features, locator globes, over 3,000illustrations, records, charts, and so much more. Divided into continents, eachsection of the atlas explores a different part of the world, providinginformation on the people, wildlife, landscape, politics, culture, and more. The"World Fact File" gives information at a glance about all the world's countriesand territories. Children will easily spend hours poring over thereader-friendly atlas, discovering the many wonders of the world. An excellentresource for school projects. Broadening your horizons? Check out the companionvolume: The Reader's DigestChildren's Atlas of the Universe (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

From a Mom who knows.
My son (5 years old) loves this book.He likes for me to show him where on the maps we are and where we have been.He also likes to know where his extended family is located.(You have to love anything you can "sneak" some education in on.)It has excellent illustrations and interesting facts that will make this an enjoyable book for many years to come as my kids develope and expand their understanding capabilities.

Much, much more than maps!
Don't be fooled by the word "atlas" - this lovely children's book contains much more than just maps!Facts, figures, "fun"information connected to the part of the world you are perusing. Beautifully illustrated, extremely readable.Interesting even for theadults in this family. Its oversized (coffee-table) dimensions make youwant to plop down on the floor with the book spread out before you, andjust look for an hour or so. Or you can simply turn to the area of theworld that you're interested in (or doing a school report on) and get a fewquick facts.

Share the world with your children!
This book is excellent for teaching your children geography and world culture. It is very reader friendly and extremely interesting. It touches on all parts of the world with the most relevant information. We bought itfor our 6 year old son for Christmas and now find it to be a fabulousbirthday gift for other children. Unlike a toy that gets played with for amonth and then thrown into the toy box graveyard, this book will be afavorite for many years both as general interest reading and as a referencefor school projects.Don't miss this one...at a great price too! ... Read more

Book Description

The Scholastic Atlas Of The United States is an essential up-to-date resource that offers students a detailed map of each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This important reference also features an information page about each state that uses photos, graphics, fun facts, and a brief essay to explain what makes each state unique. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The final frontier is conquered in the DK Space Encyclopedia and Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Space CD-ROM, the most beautiful, best organized family information sources yet for our galaxy and beyond. In the section called "Observing the Universe," space buffs will discover detailed diagrams of various telescopes, along with explanations of how they're used to pick up light, radio waves, and other emissions from faraway objects. In "Exploring Space," you'll find out how rockets work to launch satellites, people, and gear into space. If you're curious about what it's like to live in space, check out the information on astronauts' daily routines--did you know one astronaut smuggled a ham sandwich into his capsule after hearing how bad NASA's food was?

"Planets and Moons" introduces all the worlds of our solar system, from Mercury out to Neptune and Pluto. Fantastic photos of the planets taken by fly-by probes and the Hubble space telescope show unbelievable details like mountains, craters, and giant canyons. Moving farther away from home, "The Stars" takes you on a tour of our own sun and our stellar neighbors. The life cycle of a star is shown, as well as such strange things as novas, binary stars, rotating variables, and black holes. "Galaxies and Beyond" introduces basic cosmology, the study of the universe, with sections on the Milky Way and other galaxies as well as the latest theories about the size and age of the universe. Finally, readers get tips on how to observe astronomical objects and events, a time line of discoveries, and short biographies of major figures in the field. The DK Space Encyclopedia and Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Space CD-ROM are packed with amazing pictures, diagrams, and facts that no space fan should miss. (Ages 9 and older) --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A valuable reference for anyone interested in space
This is a wonderful book, exploring nearly every aspect of space, from the Big Bang to black holes. The book is easy to understand and fun to read whether you're doing a project about space or if you just enjoy reading about it. It's chock-full of hundreds of beautiful photographs and realistic-looking pictures, too. The book is accurate, colorful, and up-to-date, and I enjoy looking through it and reading it in my spare time.

This book covers many, many topics in space. Some of them include the solar system, the planets, the sun, meteors, comets, asteroids, the Milky Way, how the universe started and what it will be like in the future, galaxies, stars, the Big Bang, other solar systems, black holes, and much more.

Plus, the book has an entire stargazing section, with directions to make your own simple telescope, star maps, observing the sky, binocular astronomy, and a lot more!

Overall, I highly recommend this book. Adults will enjoy reading it and they will learn a lot too, and young children will enjoy looking at the photographs and having adults explain to them the text. This is a valuable and complete reference, and nearly everyone will enjoy reading it.

Great book
This is not just an ordinary book about the solar system, it is rich with information about all aspects of space from observing the universe, exploring space, the solar system, stars, galaxies and practical stargazing. Like other DK encyclopedias this is a great piece of work. Though kids (ages 8-12) might find the text a bit difficult to understand, the pictures and the way the information is presented can still awaken their interest and capture their full attention.

A classic book - Must have if you have inquisitive kids.
I cannot count the number of times I have spent an entire
evening with my 5 yr old being asked to explain this or that
catchy page with its wonderful graphics and amazing photos, only
to lose myself in its lucid explanations.

I wouldn't say the CD is spectacular, but my 5 yr old seems to
think it is better than any computer game he's played. He loves
the book and the CD so much that he just can't resist the
temptation to keep telling his cousins and friends about the
wonders of space, gravity, galaxies, supermassive black-holes
and quasars! It is a while now that I've read a story book to
him at night. This book is his staple.

...P>Bottom line -- I recommend this book.

Great space CD-ROM and Book
this DK Space Encyclopida is a great book about space travel and astronomy. It explained everything i wanted to know about the subjecct. I also bought the Arty the Part-Time Astronaut Book with CD-ROM. this bookw was a fun way to look at space with interactive games and test.

A superb interactive space encyclopedia for grades 5 and up.
Ages 8 and older will relish this interactive space encyclopedia, which provides the latest images transmitted by the Hubble Telescope and includes dramatic color photos and charts on every page. A free cd rom is included in a presentation which will reach a wide age range, from grades 5 and up. ... Read more

Book Description

Climb aboard for an exciting and educational journey around the world with this information-packed atlas!Journey from continent to continent with the help of state-of-the art maps that depict in extraordinary detail each country's topography, cities, borders, and other features.Locator maps for each continent and country provide a clear global perspective.Succinct text, hundreds of photographs and illustrations, and easy-to-read charts of facts and figures help curious young geographers understand what life is like in these faraway places, and explore everything from customs and cultures to economic systems and climates. Includes country flags and a section on mapmaking and usage. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent world Atlas.
As with most atlases, this book divides the world into various regions, some as small as countries (e.g. Western Africa, Oceania, France, etc.) The book has many colorful topographical maps as well as pictures of important locations, animals, activities and/or native dress. Interestingly, each one contains a picture of a native dish. At the end of the book is a chart of facts and figures, organized by continent, which includes the following information: country, area, population, capital, official language, currency, and major products.

I bought this atlas for my children sight unseen, and do not regret it in the least. My small children (6 and 8) like it, and the depth of information it contains is sure to make the book useful for years to come. I recommend it absolutely. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the dawn of the new millennium, the earth is changing more rapidlythan ever--politically, environmentally, socially, and physically. DorlingKindersley rises to the occasion with a beautiful revised and updated children'satlas, filled to bursting with more than 50 innovative three-dimensionalcomputer-generated maps, informative text, and over 1,000 stellar photographs,illustrations, and diagrams. The maps are organized by continent. Each sectionopens with a large, double-page spread introducing readers to the physicalgeography of the continent. Then the continent is divided by country or group ofcountries, with a focus on human geography. Finally a glossary and index provideadditional information about place names and facts about each country.Entertaining features reveal fascinating tidbits about various regions andpeoples: Did you know that Lake Baikal in Russia contains 20 percent of theworld's fresh water? Or that sheep in New Zealand have the right of way andoutnumber people 20 to 1? Vivid, large-scale maps reveal the world moreaccurately and clearly than ever before. This is a resource to keep close athand for school projects, travel dreaming, or just the curious mind. (Ages 9 andolder) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Amazon.com

Did you know the country of Indonesia is made up of more than 3,000 islands? Or that the world's largest water lilies, in the Amazon River, are big enough to hold a child? Young explorers will be riveted by this big, glorious atlas for children. Chock full of photographs, facts, and maps, it's a terrific introduction to the wonders of the planet. Organized by continent, the atlas breaks down each area into sections on "The Land" and "The People." With both political and physical maps, young readers can begin to grasp the different ways the world is divided. Each section is introduced by a child from that region, in traditional garb, greeting readers in her or his own language. Fun, informative tidbits are presented in an easy-to-digest manner, as well as more complex but still manageable lessons on mapmaking and map reading.

National Geographic's world-renowned cartographers joined forces with educational consultants and geographers to create this state-of-the-art world atlas for the youngest, most curious explorers. Stunning full-colorphotographs reveal the varied landscapes and populations of the planet, and galvanize readers to get out there and see it all for themselves. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright 1999 by the National Geographic Society.) (Ages 5 to 8) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Educational & Captivating
Our family is captivated by this atlas. This is a world atlas that focuses mainly on continents, with some interesting facts about the countries with some fun facts. The interesting feature in the books is that it includes a lot of physical and geological information. The readers are able to grasp a perspective of the continents with and without political outlines allowing a geological view. The pictures are bright and captivating. The maps include both physical and political maps on separate pages. The physical maps are great for teaching about map keys, symbols, and geographical features. We've noticed the political maps are consistant with coloring outlines of other National Geographic's Maps.

Our children love to trace (with tracing paper) the outlines of the countinents and countries. This adds an added dimension of focus on a country's shape and surrounding geographical factors. We use this atlas as a great geographical resource and recommend the book for grades K - 2nd.

Attractive Product But Inaccurate
Colorful and easy to read which will appeal to children. But, for a major atlas publisher to let pass the statement "Paris, in France, is Europe's largest city" is inexcusable. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As the boundaries of our world change, so must our atlases. Thisgenerously sized 2003 edition of the award-winning NationalGeographic World Atlas for Young Explorers reflects thelatest-possible place-name and boundary changes and features a new16-page section on the world's oceans (including maps and illustratedessays) and an expanded U.S. section that provides an in-depth look ateach region. If you are unfamiliar with the format of previous editions,expert National Geographic cartographers have designed more than 115pages of colorful, easy-to-read, full-spread political (names andboundaries of countries), physical (land forms and water features), andthematic (displaying patterns such as climate) maps for children ages 8to 12. All maps are shown in the context of surrounding areas. Theplentiful color photographs, illustrations, and charts make this aninteresting book to casually peruse, as do engaging captions abouteverything from golden toads to Pueblo Indian artists. The mapsthemselves are labeled with large, legible type. Students will also finda glossary of geographic terms, a chart of key world facts and figures,conversion tables, and a detailed index. A fine atlas for schoolprojects or for browsing through on a rainy day. (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

So many maps, so little time
I ordered this for my 5 year old daughter because the price was right. But, I was happily surprised by how thorough and lovely the pictures are. The beginning of the book contains a comprehensive section on how to read maps, and explains how a map can represent different information (climate, politics, terrain). Each continent also had photographs of the people, and natural formations that are identified with it. That was nice!

But, all cannot be perfect alas. Many of the maps span two pages, to make it larger I presume. However, and this is REALLY annoying, you cannot see what is in the crease between the two pages! The United States is missing parts of it, Africa is bisected at the Congo. I would rather Nat'l Geographic had made each map a fold-out. I guess there would have been a chance that it would eventually get ripped out, but at least you can see the whole area being shown.

Beautiful!
This is a wonderful atlas, great for a beginner but the adults are enjoying it too. ... Read more

Book Description

A terrific home reference and travel companion for children eager to know more about America, State by State Atlas shows in maps, pictures, illustrations, and fact boxes how each state fits into its part of the union. Arranged regionally to give readers an overview of the distinct areas of the country, this book creates a clear and easy to understand way of learning American geography and culture. Each state's landscape, industry, agriculture, population, history, and folkways are explored in a vibrant information book children will want to use throughout their school age years. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Makes for an attractive, appealing presentation
The State-By-State Atlas is organized by region and features information about each state's landscape, industry, agriculture, population and history, using digital color maps and photos to help emphasize geographic facts. The emphasis on color embellishments makes for an attractive, appealing presentation.

Neat book!
This is a great book, very informative and well organized...I just have one gripe...Pennsylvania is listed as the 32nd state, when actually it was the 2nd...Minnesota was also listed as the 32nd state, which was correct...call me anal but I'm teaching a class on the 50 states so I have to be accurate, and depend on my references to be accurate as well!

Point me...in the direction of Albuquerque....
I suppose most of the young readers who pick up the DK "State-by-State Atlas" will not remember the old song "Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque" by the Partridge Family, but is certainly is relevant to this book. The first thing I did when I initially flipped through this atlas was to check out the state where I know live (Minnesota) and the state where I went to high school and my first couple of colleges (New Mexico). The map of the Land of 10,000 Lakes lists only four cities: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Austin, so I thought there was some sort of limitation on cities that could be listed, although I was pretty sure that Mankato, Bemidji, and several other places were bigger than Austin. That particular southern Minnesota city is best known for being the intersection of two major interstates, but highway are not shown on these state maps, only geographical features. Then I turn to the two-page spread on New Mexico and despite having one-quarter the population of Minnesota there are three times as many cities listed. They even list Rio Rancho, the suburb to which my family moved when my father retired and which is now a city in its own rights. The only problem is that while Rio Rancho is off to the northwest of Albuquerque, the state's largest city is not even listed.

Now you understand why the title for this review is a quote from an old Partridge Family song.

DK's "State-by-State Atlas" is organized by region (e.g., the Midwest States, the Southwest States), so that young readers can appreciate which Americans might identify themselves as Midwesterners or Southerners. This also makes sense from a geographical perspective as the regional approach helps to explain how a river system or mountain range can affect the weather of a region, its ecology, and what the inhabitants of an area do for recreation (e.g., why Texans do not ski at home). At introductory section to each region shows a map of the states being covered, a time line of key dates, and brief sections describing the climate, landscape, lifestyle and economy. For each state there is a map, a list of State Facts (bird, flower, tree, capital, population, statehood, largest cities and land area), pictures of key sites, and a short biography of a famous person associated with that state (e.g., Garrison Keillor and Georgia O'Keefe for MN and NM).

The result is a nice little introduction to each state that would prove of more benefit to students looking at a particular region than an individual state. Young readers will get a sense of the flavor of each state and certainly some ideas as to what areas they can research further on line or in other books, such as, for example, what happened to the 448,607 people who lived in Albuquerque when it disappeared from the face of the earth... ... Read more

Book Description

A beautiful pictorial atlas charting the lands of the Bible, bringing the stories of the Bible to life in an exciting new way.

Have you ever wondered where the amazing stories of the Bible took place? Which route Moses and the Israelites followed to get to Canaan? The size of the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus's birth? How far the Persian Empire stretched at its peak? The Bible Atlas covers all this and much more.

The Bible Atlas examines the geography of the Holy Lands and the great nations that rules them. It looks at the lives of the people of the Old and New Testaments -- how they lived, traveled, and worshipped. And some of the most dramatic and important events of the Bible are lyrically retold with beautifully illustrated scenes that bring the stories to life.

Archeological remains of some of the most important biblical sites are included, which modern-day pictures show the Holy Lands as they are today. With lively, authoritative text and beautifully detailed maps, the Bible Atlas takes us on a fascinating journey. ... Read more

Book Description

With more than 80 maps, hundreds of color photographs, and thousands of statistics, the Scholastic Atlas Of The World will enrich and expand a child's view of each and every country around the globe. Each topographical map clearly locates important cities, mountains, deserts, and bodies of water, indicating border countries and national capitals. Essays about the cutlure and geography of each country are included, accompanied by photographs that take readers on a visual journey. "Discover More" sections further extend the learning. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Graphics look nice, but maps are a problem
You can't beat the price for this very colorful atlas with lots of pictures and graphs that kids will like, but it has a major flaw in that almost every map is split by the tight binding. Information is lost by being buried in the gutterless pages, which makes the maps almost usless. Hopefully, future Scholastic (and other publishers') atlases will be designed with a map on one page and the graphs, pictures and info on the other. We had high hopes for acquiring such a reasonably priced atlas for our library patrons to use, and were very disappointed. It's a shame to waste such nice resources on poor layout.

A Great Kid's Atlas!
This is a wonderful Atlas for an elementary school aged child. It lists languages, currency, religion, population, etc etc for each country clearly. Great information on rivers and mountains as well. Colorful, clearly displayed information makes it easy to use. My son reads atlas this for fun!

Almost a good atlas
Each country (or group of countries) has a 2-page spread, and each map is centered on the spine, making that area of the map virtually unreadable. It was so unworkable, I had to return the book. Quite a disappointment. ... Read more

Book Description

The DK First Atlas brings each continent and country to life, making geographic concepts easy to understand. Packed with detailed pictorial maps specially designed for young readers, this First Reference title is an invaluable learning tool for home and elementary school. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Featuring up-to-the-minute discoveries and state-of-the-art space photography, this atlas illustrates all that science has revealed about constellations, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the planets in the solar system. Acetate overlays highlight special points of interest to show even more about what we see in the night sky. ... Read more