Smithsonian Young Explorers: 50 States

by Ruth Strother, Sarah L. Cramb (Illustrations)

Which state flag was designed by a thirteen-year-old?
Which state lets you keep any gems you find while mining at the Crater of Diamonds State Park?
And which state is home to the second most-visited house in America?

Journey across the country with the Smithsonian and learn all about what makes our nation so great with Smithsonian Young 50 States . This alphabetically arranged compendium of state trivia contains information on state birds, animals, and flowers, famous state residents, and a gaggle of fun facts. Once kids 6 and up have become experts on Alabama through Wyoming, they can have more fun assembling the included 130-piece puzzle of the United States. The adorably illustrated puzzle and map gives kids extra opportunities to learn about the 50 states and basic geography. And once kids are ready to see the states themselves, the book, puzzle, and map all tuck neatly into a snap-shut suitcase, ready to hit the road.

( Alaska’s, Arkansas, and Tennessee, home of Elvis Presley!)

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2015

About the author

Ruth Strother has been in the publishing industry for over thirty years. She was the first editor-in-chief of BowTie Press, owned by the publisher of Dog Fancy magazine, among others, and was instrumental in launching its book division. She's written twenty-five books for children, some under the name Ruth Berman.

Ruth was born in New York and spent her childhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She now lives in Southern California with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Reviews

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

America is made up of 50 states. Each state has its own unique qualities, regarding people, scenery, climate, landmarks, animals and so much more. The Smithsonian’s Young Explorers 50 States case has a puzzle, map and booklet full of very cool facts about each state. Parents, teachers and young readers will enjoy discovering their world.

The fact book lists the states in alphabetical order. Young explores will learn that Arkansas has a diamond mine where anyone can find diamonds and keep them. Kansas has a salt mine that is 65 stories below Hutchinson. The state of Massachusetts is where the game of basketball was invented by a gym teacher. Nevada is home to the Hoover Dam and Oregon is home to the deepest lake, Crater Lake, in the United States.

There is a ton of information packed onto these pages. Each state has a “Did You Know?” section, famous people list, state capital, bird, nickname and flower. Readers will also see a picture of each states flag. The map is colorfully illustrated and matches the 130 piece puzzle. The back of the book has a glossary of terms. Teachers will find this box of tools very handy for a class room of learning. Parents will enjoy the ease of storage in this handy case.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and husband had a great time putting this puzzle together. It is such fun to see them doing this activity together. There was a lot of fun dialogue about which states they have been to and which states they want to go to in the future. My son love geography and history, so he loved the puzzle and the fact book that came with it! This is great fun for all ages. The puzzle was very colorful, with state capitals starred and pictures of what each state is know for. Love this puzzle!
5 stars