Children's Picture Atlas

by Ruth Brocklehurst, Linda Edwards (Illustrator)

Created for young explorers, this awesome Picture Atlas has detailed maps of the continents, their countries, capital cities, landmarks, and animals, with kid-friendly stories that present fascinating facts about the people, culture, and geography. With dozens of objects to hunt for on each page, and quizzes to encourage learning, this book is sure to provide years of fun for ages 3 to 10. Hardcover 9-1/2in x 12in, 48 pages.

Genres: Geography, Childrens, Nonfiction, Reference, Picture Books, School, History

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2003

About the author

When she wasn't riding her bike or making things out of loo rolls and scraps of fabric, Ruth spent her childhood reading about detectives and historical figures. She has written and edited countless books for Usborne - some about detectives and historical figures; some about dinosaurs, scientists and astronauts.

Reviews

[Marwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

اشتريت هذا الأطلس هدية لابنة صديقة لي في الثامنة تحب القراءة، فاكتشفت أنه لديها بالفعل، فاحتفظت به لأطفال العائلة الصغار، وأهديت لها كتاباً آخراً من دار الشروق اسمه: "كل شيء عن المشاعر" من سلسلة لطيفة تُدعى: "كلُّ شيءٍ عن".

طبعاً كنت واهمةً حين ظننت أن الأطلس سيظل بأمان حتى يكبر الصغار قليلاً ويستوعبوا فكرته، لأنهم ببساطة فتحوه وقلّبوا صفحاته، وأخذوا يشيرون للحيوانات المختلفة في كل قارة وبلد، ويسألون عنها ويستفسرون، فكما تعرفون لدى الأطفال شغف خاص بالحيوانات بمختلف أنواعها. كل يوم يعلمنا هؤلاء الأطفال شيئاً جديداً بالغ الجمال عنهم، إن عملية تعليمنا إياهم دائما تسير في اتجاهين، وليس في اتجاه واحد كما نتخيل.

في النهاية، يبدو أن مهمتي قد تمت بنجاح :)

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been part of our Morning time basket for several months. One that we usually read 1-2 times a week. DD loved this book. The illustration are done well and the information on how to read maps and the different facts about different places in the world was a good fit for my 5 year old. She loved finding the different types of animals on the maps. Made it interactive. She'll be pulling this one off the shelf for rereading on her own!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highest recommendation for 4-6 year-olds wanting to learn more about the world. We have spent hours on this book already, exploring basic geography, social concepts, the natural world, man-made influences..., and we still have over half of the book to go. I really love this book because the pictures are perfect to snag the attention of budding readers and some basic concepts are explained that I was having problems with. For some reason, I could not get the idea across to my boys that the earth is round. They knew the fact but were unable to visualize and understand the idea until we started this book. Now, when my 6 year-old looks at a map and sees the Pacific Ocean on both ends, he understands that it is really one ocean. I know, rather pathetic that I could not explain this adequately.

[The Library Mouse Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

For 4-7 year olds. This picture atlas takes readers on a cartoon-illustrated tour of the world. It provides a simple introduction to maps, culture and geographical topics for younger children. It has lovely detailed illustrated maps which show human and animal life around the world. Each map shows the countries, their capital cities, famous landmarks, longest rivers and highest mountains. There are also picture stories to add extra information to the maps.

I like this atlas and enjoy just looking through the pictures while learning about the places.

[Tracy Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another geography read-aloud with my 6YO and 8YO. Sometimes it would show things we were learning elsewhere, which was a fun way to make connections to things on the map. It's not my favorite type of book, as it's not a nice flowy read-aloud, but it was free and they enjoyed it, and it was a good way to change it up from what I'd otherwise pick. We just read one spread per day and they enjoyed finding all the things on the maps.

[Gabrielle Sandford-Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, the facts regarding lifestyles and cultures on different continents are not entirely accurate. However, this book would be a good resource for the discussion of the solar system or universe with the younger children, as it refers to the globe, the universe and how a map works. This is an easily accessible resource for pupils.

[Yuri Ramkissoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that the atlas was excellent until the page on people and places, which listed the capital of israel as Jerusalem (it’s Tel Aviv). I then turned to the maps section to find only israel depicted. No Palestine. Regardless of one’s internal bias, Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state and to omit is is false and irresponsible.

[Keshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this would be a great addition to any classroom as an introduction to maps. I liked all the easy to read information and the illustrations. I think my students would enjoy the search for the small pictures on the maps as well.

[Fatma · Rating 4 out of 5]

الكتاب حلو اوي
بيتكلم عن قارات العالم القديم وعن
الطيران والصحراءوحجات كثيره
اربع نجوم ونص
وفيه عيب بدل درب التبانه درب اللبانه

[Zahidan Zakiya Abidah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! it contains many informative geographical things for children. Really glad I can read this book from the library

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really like the format of this children's atlas. Great investment!

[Joanna Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple, mostly pictures. Good supplemental atlas for early grades.

[Gabriella Araujo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. It teaches kids how to your an Atlas and gives cultural and geopolitical information along with the world maps. They're is also a kind of where's wally idea, in that many people, objects, animals and places are "hidden" for kids to look for. Such an enjoyable and easy to learn from book.


After reviewing the atlas on e more I need to edit my original thoughts.
While it is beautiful and teaches children about map reading and places of the world, there is a humongous political agenda in it.
The middle east is completely skipped over. The world map view shows it, but had absolutely no information in it. There are no countries cited. There are no boundaries laid on it.
The African continent ends in Egypt, the Asian portion ends in India and Bangladesh, the European continent ends before Turkey and with the beginning portion of Russia.
Even though I applaud the beauty of the book, and while I understand that mapmaking is very political, the agenda behind leaving out an entire section of the world seems important to mention.

[Deb Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a simple atlas to include in your elementary classroom library? Well, look no further. The Usborne Children’s Picture Atlas not only contains maps of the seven continents, but features two-page spreads of deserts, grasslands, forests, mountains, rivers and seas. Pages include information regarding animals found in a particular region and how people live in these different climates. The continents detail the land formations and include small drawings of people, animals and plants that are indigenous to that area. For example, in Mexico there are labelled drawings of a butterfly, gila monster, cactus, hot peppers and Mexican singer. The illustrations, done by Linda Edwards, are detailed, colorful and offer a true glimpse of life in these foreign lands. Children will have a wonderful adventure as they travel each land. Also included at the end of this book is a section titled, “A trip around the world.” The reader is also invited to answer questions about packing your bags, things to see, country shapes and people to meet at the end of the book.

[Rachel]

Brocklehurst, R., & Edwards, L. (2004). Usborne children's picture atlas. Tulsa, Okla: EDC Pub.

Citation created by: Rachel Davis
Call Number: 912
Description: An illustrated picture atlas crammed with facts and details to take children on a magical journey around the world.
Content/Scope: Ages 6-10
Accuracy/Authority: Usborne books have been publishing books for a number of years. They are also an exhibitor at the 2012 ALA Conference.
Relation to Similar Works: previous and newer editions available.
Cost: $7.50
Rationale for Selection: Since this book is a picture atlas, this reference material will offer the younger elementary students a great introduction to using reference materials.
Professional Review: Although no reviews could be found for this particular books, Usborne books have received numerous awards and professional reviews.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture atlas takes young readers on a visual journey around the world, from the hot plains of Africa, to the frozen tundra of the Artic. Detailed pictorial maps reveal the richness and diversity of human and animal life around the world. Each map shows the countries, their capital cities, most famous landmarks, longest rivers and highest mountains, while picture stories supplement the maps. It provides a simple introduction to maps, world culture and geographical concepts.

I used this book to teach my year 2 class about the features of non fiction books. The children enjoyed sharing information about their home country. we then as a group used the index and contents page to find out some more information about their choosen countries. This really helped the children to learn about the features of non fiction books.

[Abbie Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering a plethora of topics, the Osborne Children’s Picture Atlas is a true gem. The straightforward explanations help to carry the children’s imaginations off around the world in an engaging and visual way. Like a ‘Where’s Wally’ book there is always something new to spot each time you turn the page. Exploring key topics such as climate, habitats, and cultures around the world this book is ideal for any primary classroom environment.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great atlas for children -- simple, and I love how it breaks down into different types of land/water/forests, etc. before delving into the continents. Great for introducing children to geography. I think it can work for fairly young children, looking at it with them (thinking four and up), as well as older children reading it to themselves.

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great basic overview of Geography for a young child. I would say 5-9 years old. Lots of nice things to look at without the page being to busy with information. We have this in pocket size so it's great to pack around places with us.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are loads of fun and intriguing illustrations and some good solid facts contained in this lovely picture book. Even relatively young readers and listening will find something of interest here.