The Usborne Children’s Picture Atlas
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
Map concerns We’re huge fans of Usborne books but unfortunately this particular book was rather disappointing that I am considering returning it. Maps shape our understanding of the world and whilst I admit we come from a more geographic background I still expected some sort of in-depth representation even if this is a children’s book. For example, I found it rather odd that some countries and capitals were not mentioned causing my barely 6 year old to genuinely question this. I.e. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northen Ireland were not labeled at all even though there was enough space to draw and label “sheep” and a ” Highland piper”, surely some of that time and effort could have been used to label Scotland and its capital. Another instance is on the zoomed in illustration of Asia wherein both Cyprus and Lebanon apparently lack capitals. As I mentioned, I don’t expect a deep and accurate representation of disputed territories i.e. the labelling of Israel but not the west bank…
Great Present. My 3 year old Grandson, loves maps and atlas’s, he loves telling you where everything is. He knows the 50 states of America and the capitals of each state. This is a good book for beginners, it is cartoon in drawings and only has certain pictures but for a 3 year old it is fantastic keeps him occupied for quite some time. Only problem is when he looks at you and says ‘Tell me about it’ I am limited to my own knowledge of the world. Love it when a 3 year old out does his Grandmother.