National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers, Third Edition

Product Description The latest edition of the award-winning National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers features all new photographs, maps, and graphics. And now, for the first time ever, the National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers goes interactive! The 3rd edition is chockfull of bright, bold icons that, thanks to a specially designed National Geographic web site, will allow kids to go beyond the printed page and experience firsthand the sights, sounds, and movements of the world's people, places, and animals. They'll watch brown bears fish for salmon in Alaska, listen to the latest singing sensation from Haiti, experience the power of a volcanic eruption, explore a rain forest, hang out at a local market in India, and much more. Every map is custom-designed for middle-grade students by the Society's world-renowned cartographers. Each map reflects the latest place-name and boundary changes. Every statistic in every fact box and every economic symbol on the regional maps reflects the very latest data available. All maps are shown in the context of surrounding areas to ensure that a complete picture of the world develops. Same-size physical and political maps make for easy comparisons and help youngsters understand how physical features influence patterns of human settlement and economic activity. Stunning images from space help link real-world images and give young readers a physical sense of the natural grandeur of our world. The National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers is a book that will expand the minds and stimulate the imaginations of kids everywhere. From Booklist Introductory material is one of the strong points in this atlas. Twenty-five thematic maps show climate, vegetation, population density, endangered species, world economies, and more. There is also a good explanation of the types of maps and how to read a map. The section for each continent starts with a physical and a political map; sandwiched between are four pages of color photos. Regions or countries are divided into 32 separate maps that show 20 political and physical features plus icons for crops, industries, and other aspects of the economy. Maps are generally large and very easy to read, although in some cases—Western Europe, for example—countries are crowded onto a single map, and some information is lost in the gutter. Each map is accompanied by flags and facts about each country’s area, population, capital, and chief language. The U.S. maps come with similar information for the states. Grades 3-7. --Mary Ellen Quinn About the Author National Geographic is a renowned authority in cartographic excellence. For 119 years the Society's maps have helped spread geographic knowledge around the globe. A vast database allows National Geographic to combine the latest data gained by space-age technology with innovative digital mapping techniques to create state-of-the-art political, physical, and thematic maps. The Society's meticulous research and attention to detail have established a standard of achievement that is unparalleled.