Review for Maps and Geography by Ken Jennings

Maps and Geography (Ken Jennings' Junior Genius Guides) by Ken Jennings (Author), Mike Lowery (Illustrator)

Little Simon                                                                                              
February 4, 2014
ISBN-10: 1442473282
ISBN-13: 978-1442473287
Ages 8-10
160 Pages                                                                                          
Series: Ken Jennings' Junior Genius Guides

Children’s Geography and Maps​Nonfiction

Reviewer: Renee Hand

Ken Jennings has created a new Junior Genius Guides series for children 8–10 years of age. Children will become experts as they learn clever map and geography facts.

The book is designed in the form of a day in the classroom. The author represents the teacher. The book begins with First Period in which readers will learn about the Earth from space. Inside this section readers touch upon the shape of the Earth, Christopher Columbus, latitude and longitude lines, hemispheres, time zones, and more. It is done more in a fun storybook fashion where the teacher brings in humor and interesting facts, pop quizzes, and puzzles.

What makes this book unique is that not only does it cover information that most children should know or be familiar with but it also adds information most readers may not be aware of. Before the international conference decided that the Prime Meridian should run through Greenwich, it ran through Paris. All time zones meet at the South Pole so what time is it there?

This extra information will delight and interest readers as they continue on through seven periods including recess, art class, lunch, and music. The book also gives homework and extra credit. At the end there is also an exam to take to test the reader's knowledge.

Though the school format will give young readers something they are familiar with, others may feel like they are too much in school and will want something more on the relaxed side. Regardless, the information provided gives readers a chance to learn new material, shedding light on the history of the topics covered. Both children and adults will enjoy reading this 160 page chapter book.