Series: World Cultures Series.
Subject Areas: World Cultures, Geography.
Ages: 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15.
Type: Internet-Linked

My children and I are exploring the world by using this book and the recommended websites. The introductory pages help the reader to consider the vast diversity -- the different lifestyles, languages, ethnic groups and religions -- that make up our world. After the intro begins the world tour, starting with North America. You'll visit each of the continents in turn, learning about history, customs, popular foods, currency, clothing and more that characterize each area. Like the other books in this series, it's loaded with beautiful photos, and we're especially drawn to the photos of children throughout the book. The cover alone is worth the purchase price -- three delightful, mischievous-looking youngsters that make me want to laugh every time I look at them!

This morning we went to a website where we saw the World Population Clock adding approximately 3 people per second, which lead to a discussion of birth rates, death rates, migration and other related subjects. Next stop was a website that tells what the current time is anywhere in the world -- we compared our time to that in the UK, Alaska, Hawaii, Uganda, viewing each location on the world map that was shown next to the time. Of course we also had to go see the website that features Insect Snacks around the world. Blecch! Every two-page spread lists sites to visit that relate to the current topic you are studying. They are all fascinating and most are created for kids.

There are maps featured throughout the book too, so that the reader is always aware which part of the world is being discussed. When using a book like this, try some recipes from the country you're studying, listen to music from that culture, and find art work that is native to that area. It's always helpful to pull out a globe or large world map to find and review the various areas discussed.

This book is also one component of the combined volume known as the Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World Geography, a much more in-depth study book. Usborne's Combined Volumes (C/V) are a fabulous bargain, with several books combined into one volume at just a portion of the individual prices.

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Of Interest To: Librarians and Media Specialists, Parents, Teachers, Homeschoolers