Ultimate Mapping Guide for Kids

Being able to read a map and find your way is an essential lifetime skill. Ultimate Mapping Guide for Kids gives youngsters all of the tools they need to understand maps, make their own cartographic creations, and even head out on navigating adventures. Getting lost will be a thing of the past. This book is laid out in a logical order and is packed to the brim with expert instruction, learning projects (make your own contour map), top tips (e.g., always carry pencil and paper along with a GPS) and safety warnings. Even the page margins are put to use and filled with topical references for easy navigation and fascinating facts, such as "The Babylonians first mapped the stars over 2,500 years ago." Ultimate Mapping Guide for Kids contains clear concise text that explains technical topics like longitude and latitude, satellite navigation, bathymetric maps, how to read grid maps, and how to make a scale map of your house and yard. Every term is defined and illustrations offer clarity. Ultimate Mapping Guide for Kids is a practical purchase for youth organizations, geocaching groups and campers. Young readers will find it fascinating -- reluctant readers especially. They might even turn off the electronics, and get outside.

About the Author :
Justin Miles is a professional adventurer based in England He has honed his mapping and navigation skills in some of the more extreme areas of the world, including the Arctic, mountains, deserts and jungles Justin uses his experiences to support charities and inspire children to learn through innovative education programs

Review :
(review of UK edition) Maps are wonderful things and this practical and inspiring book explains to children perhaps too used to relying on satnavs and iPhones how to use maps, and even how to make them. It's full of fascinating facts on the different ways humans have invented to represent the world on paper and to safely navigate the globe. The information is clearly laid out and very attractive to look at, and this is a book to encourage browsing. Justin Miles is an explorer and adventurer and the final sections suggest kids head out on their own expeditions; they might very well be inspired to do that after reading this book.-- "LoveReading4Kids" (6/1/2016 12:00:00 AM) (review of UK edition) The book is aimed at children but adults are not going to find it childish or patronising. The language is clear, helpful and - best of all - encouraging. There are basic explanations about using maps and the different types of maps which are available, even down to distinguishing between topological and topographic maps. It's bang up to date and recognises that a lot of people are going to be looking at maps on phones. There's early encouragement to begin map making... Even as an adult it was great fun.--Sue Magee "Bookbag Blog" (3/27/2018 12:00:00 AM) (review of UK edition) The book itself is presented in a bold, bright, colourful manner which grabs the readers attention, drawing you in to explore. The language used is understandable for children and is very encouraging with a 'can-do' approach. The book covers a wide range of topics. It details different forms of map (including both 'traditional' and 'modern' forms), compass skills and outdoor activities such as geocaching. The book shows us how to make our own compass... Ultimate Mapping Guide For Kids is fun and well written. It includes a good balance of history and fact and is an enjoyable informative book. The book comes highly recommended by us, and would make a fantastic gift for any child.-- "The Wildsheep Blog" (1/12/2017 12:00:00 AM) (review of UK edition) With this practical book, children will learn to understand maps, make their own cartographic creations, and set out to find their own way around -- there's even a compass included. I was fascinated by the plethora of facts included in the page margins, with topical references for easy navigation and fascinating facts... Explanations of topics including longitude and latitude, satellite navigation, bathymetric maps, how to read grid maps, and how to make a scale map of your house and yard. There are plenty of illustrations and diagrams to make it all clear, plus step-by-step guides to a range of projects. It's a great way to encourage children to get outdoors, and to explore.-- "Parents In Touch UK" (8/1/2016 12:00:00 AM) An inviting layout with short chunks of information, helpful tips, and plenty of visuals are just right for the topic. Interspersed activities show readers that mapping is never flat and dull. Even in the time of Google Maps, this real-world guide will still get plenty of mileage.--Angela Leeper "Booklist" (12/9/2016 12:00:00 AM) I appreciated the clear, illustrated concepts of mapping and navigating, along with organized chapters that step by step outline the how-to do it with children. The Real-life Explorer and author Justin Miles focuses on simple explanations, building necessary skills, ensuring safety in the wilderness, GPS and geocaching. The book has plenty of colorful illustrations for the visual learner.--Diane Neylon "Youth Services Book Review" (12/22/2016 12:00:00 AM) The Ultimate Mapping Guide is written by real life explorer Justin Miles. Although many of our kids are using their phones for orienteering, this guide will give them much needed information about what information their phone is actually giving them. Through great photographs and inserts that highlight certain skills, the book covers Using Maps, Going Outdoors, Navigation with and without a compass, planning a route and all the way to Your First Expedition. Readers won't even realize that they are learning valuable science and math skills like scale and grid patterns as they peruse this slim volume. Mapping may not be the most sought after activity for kids, but the section on geocaching will draw adventures in. This would be a great hands on information book to add to any collection. I recommend this for upper elementary and middle schools.--Elizabeth Lawson "Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's and Young Adult Literature" (10/22/2018 12:00:00 AM)