A few weeks ago, my family and I were at Lowe’s daydreaming—we like to go and plan for our million dollar house in the future when we’re broke and can’t do much else!—when I chanced to find a copy of the world’s best-selling almanac for kids, The National Geographic Kids Almanac 2013. It was perhaps one of the most incredible books for children—for anyone!—that I have ever run across, and I immediately wanted it.
Like I said, I was broke, so I couldn’t purchase the $13 almanac. But when I got home, I do what I do every time I want a book; I looked it up at the library. Lo and behold, they had a copy of the 2012 almanac, which is just as awesome. We checked it out immediately.Parents, I am telling you that you could design an entire curriculum out of this book if that’s your thing. If it’s not, this is the kind of book you could leave on your living room table to invite others to come and check out anytime.
This book is incredible. Not only is it full of all of the amazing art and photos you’d expect from Nat Geo—it’s also full of games, facts, and information about just about everything on earth. Did you know, for example, that volcanoes can shoot lightning? Or that in Mexico, there is a gigantic crystal cave filled with massive crystals taller than two or three humans? There are photos of these things and more—over 500 photos in all—throughout this book.
I have never seen so much interesting and amazing information compiled together in one source like this, with full-color photos and kid-friendly language. It’s not dumbed down, mind you; just written with a beginner’s mind.
You’ll find information about constellations, how to survive a lion attack or a pit of quicksand, and recipes for Mexican treats among hundreds of other cool topics. Maps of the world, facts about different continents, and info about the Bill of Rights and American presidents are all included, as well as which crystals are mined where, how to make a hummingbird garden, and much more. I am telling you, if you buy this book (or check it out like I did) you won’t need to make another book purchase for weeks, whether you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or simply a curious explorer of the world.