Land and Sea Maps

May 1, 2012

Gr 2-6-A solid and predictable series. Country, Land, and World cover climate, natural resources, economic, physical, political, and road maps. Community covers street, public-transportation, land, building, and precinct maps. Each book includes a chapter about how the specific types of maps are created and one about reading them. Features, which may include a compass rose, grid, landmarks, latitude and longitude, scale, elevation and depth, colors, and symbols, are discussed. In every book, readers will find "Mapoleon," a cartoon character that provides additional "map smart" tidbits; an activity; and a quiz. Illustrations are numerous and the occasional full-color photograph works well with the texts. The writing is clear and informational but not terribly engaging; there is considerable overlap among the titles. That said, they are, nonetheless, solid choices to supplement and support the curriculum.-Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
This series looks at how maps are created, special features (e.g., grid, scale, colors) and symbols, and how to read maps. What makes a good map and new mapping technology are explored, as well as older ways of mapping. Much of the information is repeated among the volumes. Each busily designed book includes a map-making activity and an "Are You 'Map Smart'?" quiz. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)