National Geographic Kids ALMANAC 2019 [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781426330131

My thoughts: Families look forward to summer when the daily trek to school is replaced with sunny, hot, relaxing days filled with seaside or poolside visits or views of mountain vistas and theme park thrills. Often, though, we find the days dragging because an activity is rained out or all our time for excursions is used and the kids have time on their hands when they are simply bored.

My grand-girls look forward to the National Geographic Kids Almanac every year!

Sometimes a visit to the library helps, but it also helps to have one's own fun book that can be stashed into a backpack and carried around from hither to yon to fill those gap moments. The National Geographic Kids Almanac is just the book to do this. The variety of information it holds will most likely appeal to every child age 8 to 12 whether they are avid readers constantly packing away nuggets of information or if they are that reluctant reader that just hasn't yet found that special book to engage his or her mind.

The National Geographic Kids Almanac is a yearly publication (Check out my reviews of the 2017 and the 2018 Almanacs) and I am delighted to bring you the 2019 Almanac. There is a terrific amount of information and creative reading packed into these books and a super bargain at $14.99 (can be found for less online).

While kids certainly need a break from study just as adults need a break from the daily work grind, their minds must not be allowed to hibernate or go into what is known in the educational world as the "summer slump." They need a fun-to-read, information packed, convenient, and engaging book that is theirs to carry, handle, read, tote, consume, and enjoy bit-by-bit.

• Incredible animal stories
• Weird-but-true facts
• "19 Cool Things" for 2019
• Things to do, places to see, and ways to change the world
• Great photographs, updated maps (these maps are terrific) and reference materials
• Games, jokes, and activities
• Quizzes, amazing inventions, wild animals and pets, and (Yikes!) homework help

Mom and Dad will find themselves sneaking a read of this information packed volume because it provides those bits and pieces of information with which you are fascinated or find yourself enthralled.

Highlights of the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 (ages 8-12) include:

• Cool events to look forward to in 2019 like World Emoji Day in July ’19 and Scooby-Doo’s 50th birthday in September ‘19
• Hot movies coming in 2019
• Latest updates about animals like the new four-legged recruits in Brooklyn and Taipei that are currently in training to help their human friends in law enforcement and how a recent Tasmanian Devil baby boom is helping to ensure these marsupials are saved from extinction
• All About Animals — An entire section devoted to the wild and wonderful animal kingdom, including profiles of the awesome "Unicorns of the Sea," how dolphin’s brains work and the crazy antics of armadillos
• Science and Technology — Cool inventions, how the slinky came to be and which animals have the strongest sniffers, to name just a few
• Nature — Important and timely coverage of recent natural disasters, ideas for protecting our seas and examining wild weather and its impact
• 19 facts for 2019 feature in every chapter including 19 Amazing Facts About Vikings, Telescopes, Deserts, Big Cats and more
• Almanac Challenge 2019 — Lions Forever!
• This year’s challenge encourages kids to get involved and make a difference. The focus is on highlighting the threats lions face and the importance of saving them.  Kids are encouraged to visit natgeokids.com/almanac to create a lion poster and send a message with their entry about why they feel lions must be saved.  Winner will receive a $500 cash prize!
• Crafts, Recipes and Activities
• Digital Extras (videos, games, and even how to set up a “Lion-Ade Stand!) at natgeokids.com/almanac

Find a copy at your local book seller or online.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 28

Ends July 20 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic Kids Publications to facilitate this review of my own opinions. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway copy is graciously provided by publisher and publicist and mailed from them directly to the winner.

National Georaphic Kids' 2018 Almanac helps to stop the "Summer Slide" by providing fun and challenging reads for your kids [Review & Giveaway]

I completely believe that play is the work of children and lack of untethered playtime causes detriment to their overall development. However, even considering the value of free time with time to play and relax, the summer with its unfettered time away from the classroom has its downside. It's call the SUMMER SLIDE. I don't mean a water slide or backyard slip 'n slide. I mean the mental, educational, mind numbing slide where the child's brain begins to slide or coast along. It is belileved that reading skills are lost during the summer vacation period and it takes time to regain those skills. No, they don't just pick up where they left off, they have to regain lost skills. Teachers have to work to get student's brain development back on track. It is said,  "Brain drain is very real and has lasting repercussions that can impact a student’s long-term academic performance."

So parents need an effective and affordable way to ensure students are on track academically and you can visit the library, purchase books, swap books - get the kids reading. They have play time and they will need to have "down" time where they are inactive and yet not bored. Reading provides that non-boring down time when their body can relax and rest and tbeir mind can maintain the reading skills learned the previous school year.

My grandchildren just love the National Geographic Kids Almanac and having one of their very own rather than borrowing it from the library or a friend provides more bang for the buck than you can imagine. Sized for handy carrying about, it is literally packed full of fun information on a variety of subjects and presented in eye grabbing detail and imagry so that their attention focuses on the pages in front of them and they simply become engrossed in the subject. Then there are activities that they can take their own pencil or pen to and mark up to their heart's content.

Workbook? No. This is a fun book. An information treasure trove. A journey into the detail or the minute and a fact finding puzzle journey of the  mind.

I encourage you to grab one for the age 8-12 (and perhaps a bit older, too) child in your life.
The Nat Geo Kids Almanac 2018 (ages 8-12, $14.99) is the perfect way to take a big bite out of the summer slide.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 16

Ends July 7 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.