In addition to being an encyclopedia, this book actually teaches kids how to use books like this. I love that the section on maps actually goes through how to read different types of maps, explaining elements such as legends, grids, longitude and latitude and showing examples of different types of maps.
The book is broken up into sections on physical geography, the living world, human geography and the wonderful world of maps. Each section is colour coded for easy reference and is well laid out with images breaking up the text into small chunks to maintain attention.
In terms of the physical environment, kids will learn about the layers of the earth and different types of rocks, the creation of the continents, and movement of plates. They can also explore the layers of the atmosphere, the movement of water around the earth and the impact of climate and weather.
Moving on to the living world, they can discover the unique features of different ecosystems and how they support various animals and plants. From tiny chameleons in Madagascar to penguins in polar regions and reindeer in the tundra, kids will love learning about both unusual and common animals from around the world.
The human geography section challenges kids to consider the impact of humans in the world. What is a country? How are towns planned? How do people and goods move around the world? Even the basics of the economy are covered by explaining what it means to work and earn money, as well as an introduction to world industry through the resources a country has and how countries trade the goods they have and produce.
This is a great introductory encyclopedia for kids. It’s one of the best I’ve seen targeting the younger primary age range, maintaining a good balance of simple explanations and useful, interesting information.
Title: First Earth Encyclopedia
Publisher: DK, $19.99
Publication Date: 18 April 2018
Format: Soft Cover
ISBN: 9780241188781
For ages: 6 - 12
Type: Non-Fiction
