My First Magnetic Atlas - 9780764161209

When kids open the large 11 7/8" x 15 1/8" front cover of this fascinating introduction to geography and social history, they'll find a slightly smaller (8 1/4" x 10 5/8") color- illustrated, spiral-bound book inside. It presents maps of each of the world's continents. Countries are outlined on each continent, printed on pages constructed of sturdy board stock with metallic inner linings. Maps attract and hold refrigerator-style magnets that are sealed in pockets on the atlas's final pages. A little boy and girl named Tom and Molly tell young readers why maps are not only fun to look at, but also very useful, and serve many purposes. The book's front and back covers, which extend beyond the atlas pages, display vivid illustrations on their inside panels. The pictures are identical to those on the magnetic tiles, and show famous landmarks around the world. As kids study each continent, they'll enjoy matching picture tiles to the appropriate countries. For example, a tile showing the ruins of the ancient Roman Colosseum belongs on Italy, on the page that shows Europe, and a tile showing a trio of penguins belongs on the map of Antarctica. Forty picture tiles are supplemented with 27 word tiles, the latter serving as labels for placement on the maps. Younger boys and girls who open this big book will enjoy hours of educational entertainment.