The Kingfisher Children's Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Editors of Kingfisher (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

This new edition of the popular The Kingfisher Children's Encyclopedia covers an astoundingly broad range of subjects from Australian Aborigines, balloons and airships, and the latest computer innovations, to an understanding of the universe, warfare, women's rights, and an examination of x-rays and zoology.

The encyclopedia is alphabetically organized with headwords arranged in the top left-hand corner of every page. Authoritative text offers thorough coverage of each subject, while bright and informative original artwork, photographs, and captions really maximize the learning potential and enhance the textual information. Cross-reference boxes encourage further reading, while fact and chronology boxes provide clear, quick reference points for homework and fact-checking. A fact-finder at the back of the encyclopedia has a timeline of key historical events and personalities from around the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This graphically rich encyclopedia is being marketed as an all-purpose reference for the home. Its 300-plus articles are arranged in alphabetical order and address standard school-report topics (civil rights, genetics, etc.) as well as popular subjects such as forensic science and dinosaurs. Aimed at students in mid--elementary grades through middle school, the volume has many user-friendly features. Each article begins with a one-sentence definition followed by neatly compartmentalized paragraphs set off by subheadings. More than 2,000 full-color illustrations, photographs, and cross sections, accompanied by detailed captions, add visual interest. Every article receives at least one full page of coverage, with the longest selections spanning four pages. See also references direct researchers to related topics, as does an index of more than 3,500 terms. The alphabetical entries are followed by a 12-page ready-reference "Factfinder" section offering statistics, lists, and rankings. Four pages are devoted to brief biographies. The section concludes with a one-page summation of highlights of the twentieth century.

The first edition was published in 1998, and this second edition claims to be "revised and updated." The "Factfinder" section includes one sentence on the 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S and a brief reference to the 2003 Columbia space-shuttle disaster. A few articles reflect twenty-first-century events: the 2001 overthrow of the Taliban, the UN 2003 Security Council deliberations on Iraq and subsequent American-led coalition attacks, and the doping scandals of the 2000 Olympics. The Olympics article incorrectly identifies Mark Spitz as holding the record for the most medals won by an athlete during one Olympics. Other articles, notably Computer, Internet, and Space exploration, have not been expanded beyond 1998.

Equally effective for schoolwork or leisure browsing, this title offers introductory material suitable for novice researchers. It also provides significant value for a modest price. Homes, schools, and public libraries that don't already own a one-volume reference, such as the more comprehensive Scholastic Children's Encyclopedia [RBB O 15 04], may want to consider this visually enticing, accessible work. Kathleen McBroom
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Publishers Weekly
Photos and illustrations add visual appeal, while factoids make the volume ripe for browsing to cull diverse trivia.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher; 269 edition (November 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753457679
• ISBN-13: 978-0753457672
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #734,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for homeschooling, December 1, 2008

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F. Portell - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Kingfisher Children's Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book and a great value with lots of interesting illustrations and excellent content. We use it for homeschooling and am very happy with it. You will not be disappointed!