Scholastic Atlas of the World » (New and Updated Edition)

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.(cont'd)

Cindy L. Carolan - Children's Literature

There is very little not to like about this fabulous reference tool! A great two-page spread at the beginning of the book instructs the reader how to use the atlas. Following that, there are thirteen sections discussing worldly topics such as the making of maps, the earth in space, weather and climate and islands and coastlines, to name a few. For each country the atlas contains; detailed topographical maps, information about population, religion, flags, currencies and languages, a description of the culture and geography of the region and a fact box with interesting trivia. The photographs and illustrations are colorfully stunning and complex. Perhaps most interesting is the comparative nature of the graphics throughout the atlas which compare and contrast certain statistics of the United States to those of other countries (the world's tallest mountains and longest rivers to name a few). The distance and amount of time it would take to reach the other countries of the world from the United States is also set forth. The one drawback to this atlas is that the majority of the maps are placed directly upon the spine, which obscures the centermost portion of each map. Thankfully, the larger world view maps show the countries, but it was a huge oversight on behalf of the author/editor/publishers to let the atlas be printed in this manner. Still, a recommended addition to any school or home library. 2001, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12.