National Geographic knows that one of the best ways to capture anyone’s attention is through stunning photography. We recently received two of their newest titles and they are visually outstanding and super fun.
Awesome 8 is an outrageous collection of the “absolutely coolest, weirdest, and craziest things we could think of,” explains the title page. There is truly something for everyone in this book.
J’s favorites include items such as the toilet with a motorbike engine, the list of “Royally Amazing Castles,” which of course includes Neuschwanstein castle (Sleeping Beauty and mentioned in Land of Stories) and Alawick castle of Harry Potter fame, Ultimate Tree Houses, and crazy roller coasters.
The thing is, even though this information might seem useless, it can totally come up in conversation. Just yesterday afternoon we were talking about inventions that we would like to see happen. Of course I voted for a robot that cleans the house for me and one who folds laundry. J responded that “you know, there is a robot that plays the violin. And a robot that can find books.” Where did she learn these things? Amazing 8.
The Eight Weird Wonders reminds me of my days working at a travel magazine and the stunningly wonderful natural world that we often don’t see, especially if we don’t have access to helicopters and such. This is a great book to have around whenever you need a quick break from reality or as something to keep a child occupied. It also is a great book for car rides as it sparks all kinds of fun conversations – what do you mean there is a pink lake?!?
The book 100 Things to Know Before you Grow Up also has a little bit of everything, but unlike Awesome 8, these are actually things that you can really use in your day to day life. It is “chock-full of the information that you need to be the best version of you. You know, a normal kid but with superhuman, super awesome skills for dealing with tough times.” There isn’t a method to the madness in terms of how the book is organized, but on some levels that works even better for kids because it keeps them turning the pages, waiting to see what comes next. Some of the topics include
- How to make snow ice cream
- How to say I’m sorry
- How to help someone who is choking
- How to do the laundry
- How to say No
- How to journal like a pro
- How to make a tie-dyed shirt
Interspersed throughout all of these two page “how-to” guides are interviews with experts and explorers to help you discover your passion, to stand up for what you believe in, and figure out how to let your imagination run wild.
There is simply an abundance of amazing and useful information condensed into this little book. There is even a check-list and index at the back of the book for future reference! A great addition for kids to pull of the shelf from time to time.
We really enjoyed these books and I am glad to have them as part of my collection. I’m including them as part of the non-fiction picture book challenge hosted by KidLitFrenzy. There is always an abundance of amazing picture books discussed on the blogs that link up. Go check it out!
Kellee and Ricki had the 100 Things book too! Looks like a fun book to have – I may gift it to a HS graduate!
I love the National Geographic books and magazines for kids too! They are very well done and kids like them a lot! At least, mine do!
I loved both of these! We’re reviewing Awesome 8 next week 🙂 I think some of the NG books that are coming out are really pushing the boundaries and are wonderful.
I have seen these books at a couple different blogs. I appreciate the inside look to the layout and photographs (which look amazing). Awesome 8 is at my library, but I have to wait on the other. Thanks.
This looks like such fun! Thanks for sharing!
Love the National Geographic books.
Thanks for sharing these titles. These type of books are great for reluctant readers because there’s no pressure to read them from cover to cover.