Geography

Time-Life developed a series, "A Child's First Library of Learning," for young readers. This volume, "Geography," is one work in that series. In my judgment, this is a fine series and this is a fine volume--but not quite at the same level as the equivalent "Eyewitness Books" series by DK Publishing. That said, let's take a look at this volume. The work proceeds as a series of questions with answers following. The first question appears on Page 4: "How are maps made?" Not a bad question, but I would think that the first question ought to be "What is geography?" Anyhow, the discussion of how to make maps is pretty reasonably done, and young readers would find this useful. Other good questions: "Why are maps rectangular when the earth is round?" As a kid, I remember trying to deal with the dilemma posed to me when I compared maps with a globe. To me, it was a puzzle, and this two page discussion (pagesn10-11) does a nice job of addressing that. Other questions, to provide additional illustrations: "Why do countries have borders?"; How are sand dunes formed?"; Is wheat cultivated in all countries?"; "What is the midnight sun?"; "Can there be a tunnel under the sea?"; "How are maps different?" Let's take a further look at that last question. "How are maps different?" On page 80, we see three different types--a map from 1457, a computer map, and a maritime chart. All in all, a good book for young readers. I wish it had defined the subject better up front, but it does introduce kids to a lot of key issues.