National Geographic Kids: ULTIMATE OCEAN-PEDIA

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for FREE to review **

My daughter loves visiting the Michigan SEA LIFE Aquarium.  She really enjoys sliding into all the nooks and crannies the place has which provide kids with unique close up views of the fish.  Then as soon as we get home she pulls out her National Geographic KiDS Ultimate Ocean-pedia to read more about the oceans and the sea creatures that live in them.

Written by Christina Wilsdon, who specializes in writing books for children about natural history and biology, and Rick Keil, a chemical oceanography professor at the University of Washington's School of Oceanography, this 272 page hardcover book is full of wacky facts and amazing photos plus the latest and greatest scientific facts from National Geographic experts.  Aimed for children ages 7 to 10 years old, National Geographic KiDs Ultimate Ocean-pedia is laid out to make learning interesting and fun for kids!

The incredible photography included in the book will especially draw kids to peruse through its pages.  My kids get so excited flipping through the Ultimate Ocean-pedia's pages examining all the photos that brilliantly capture life under the sea.  The book features more than 400 colorful photos and illustrations.  Of course Nat Geo is known for its wonderful nature photography so you wouldn't expect anything less from a book like this.

The book doesn't just provide information about sea life though, it also has a lot of information about a variety of ocean topics ranging from tsunamis to riptides.  In addition to discovering information about a variety of creatures that live in the sea, kids will also learn about science and ecology when they read this book.  It also features conservation tips challenging kids to help contribute to preserving the health of our planet's oceans.  Plus a mini ocean atlas included inside provides a great geography resource for families. 

The Ultimate Ocean-pedia is available to purchase from National Geographic's online store for $24.99.  Purchase 3 or more kids' books and receive a 20% discount on your order at the National Geographic Store.  For more information about National Geographic KiDS publications and programs, please visit kids.nationalgeographic.com

THE BOOK OF HEROINES

March is both National Reading Month and Women's History Month so what better time to have children read NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS THE BOOK OF HEROINES -- TALES OF HISTORY'S GUTSIEST GALS to encourage reading while also highlighting with boys and girls noteworthy achievements and advancements made by females that have changed the world.  This 176 page hardcover book that is aimed for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old is filled with  illustrations and photographs that enhance the profiles of more than 100 women who have left their mark on history.   These real life stories of women making a difference in the world is sure to inspire and have a constructive impact on young readers.  THE BOOK OF HEROINES shows that while fictional super heroes are cool there are plenty of real life people to look up to as role models in our lives.

The book made an immediate impact on my daughter who dreams of being a competitive swimmer and inspirational examples of women athletes really has motivate her.  Especially the segment on  Gertrude Ederle who set the world record for both males and females in establishing the fastest time swimming the English Channel which remained unbroken for 24 years.  THE BOOK OF HEROINES highlights women who are currently some of the world's top athletes such as swimmer Katie Ledecky, ballerina Misty Copeland, and downhill skier Lindsey Vonn. It also tells the stories of groundbreaking athletes such as race car driver Janet Guthrie, tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Larisa Latynina.  Sports aren't just for boys and the examples provided in THE BOOK OF HEROINES reinforces that important message.

As the dad of a elementary aged daughter, I don't want their to be any doubts in her mind that she can achieve whatever aspirations she has in life.  National Geographic Kids' THE BOOK OF HEROINES really is a great resource for reinforcing that she should never allow gender biases or stereotypes to hold her back from personal and professional goals and dreams.  This book highlights that women can tackle any job they set their sights on through sharing the stories of Lt. Brenda Berkman (a female New York City firefighter who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attack), Col, Jeannie Leavitt (the first female fighter pilot), Dr. Sally Ride (the first American woman to travel into outer space).  There are also some engaging examples of women scientists and inventors to help motivate girls to have an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) employment fields which are currently lacking in female professionals .  Read about Marie Curie's discovery of radioactivity, chemist Stephanie Kwolek designing the super strong material Kevlar, and Mary Anderson inventing the automobile windshield wipers that are a standard part on most vehicles today but were a true innovation in 1903.

THE BOOK OF HEROINES also tells the story of Geraldine Hoff Doyle who was inspiration for artist J. Howard Miller's ROSIE THE RIVETER posters the government commissioned during World War II to recruit female factory workers needed to replaced the men who had gone to serve in the military.  Rosie the Riveter has become a cultural icon and a symbol for the modern feminist movement.  This book has numerous examples like this of how women living average lives with common day responsibilities have made a positive difference in our society.

Everybody needs a role model and  THE BOOK OF HEROINES -- TALES OF HISTORY'S GUTSIEST GALS is full of historical figures and present day leaders for children to learn about.  A great read for helping girls have self-confidence in themselves at school and within the workplace as well as for boys in helping them build an appreciation and respect for the opposite sex.  I've been having both my son and daughter read this book from National Geographic Kids and they've both really gotten a lot out of it.

A Geek Daddy is a member of the National Geographic Kids Insider blogger program. Insiders get a behind-the-scenes look at National Geographic’s resources, activities, content and projects for kids and families. They also review copies of books, magazines and toys, and are offered interviews with authors, explorers and editors. I do not receive any financial compensation for my participation as a National Geographic Kids Insider.

National Geographic Kids: Family Field Guide

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS is know for publishing books and magazines that are both educational and entertaining for children and teens to read.  Now they're reaching out to adults as well through a FREE newsletter called the Family Field Guide targeted to the parents of National Geographic Kids' key audience.  The newsletter which is e-mailed to subscribers every other week provides tips for parents on encouraging kids to be adventurous in exploring the world and enthusiastic in learning about history, science, and other important educational topics.  National Geographic Kids' Family Field Guide provides original articles ranging from 3 Ways Star Wars Can Inspire STEM In Young Explorers to Inspire Friendships In Kids With Photos, Videos & Recipes.  The newsletter also references photographs, facts, and stats from National Geographic Kids print and online publications to assist parents in stimulating within children a life long appreciation for discovery, puzzle solving, and learning.

Knowing that today's families can be stretched for time Family Field Guide articles often provide examples of hands-on activities parents and kids can do together in 5, 15 or 30 minute increments.  For example in one of my favorite articles from the newsletter, Making The Most Out Of Sports, it recommends reading some sporty Weird But True facts if you have 5 minutes free to do something, watching Making Stuff videos about creating athletic gear if you have 15 minutes to spare, and explains how to do a balloon race science experiment if you have a half hour to spend on a project.  All three of these ideas are aimed at using a child or teen's interest in sports to encourage them to want to engage in learning.

National Geographic Kids Family Field Guide aims to help parents utilize topics that are relevant and interesting to today's youth to spark creativity within their children and get them to embrace scholastic endeavors.  It also promotes parents spending quality time with their children by providing activity suggestions that are doable even for families with the busiest of schedules.  Humorous, informative, zany, and yes even a bit geeky at times, the information contained in this newsletter is a valuable resource that is meant to be as relevant to parents who are working 40 plus hours a week as to those who are able to stay at home full time.  Oh and did I mention it is FREE?!!

CLICK HERE to subscribe to National Geographic Kids Family Field Guide.  I've signed up for it myself and really do enjoy whenever a new edition pops up in my inbox.

National Geographic Kids Book Bundle Giveaway

Commit to 2017 being a year of exploration and discovery!  As a National Geographic Kids Insider, A Geek Daddy is looking forward to a year full of exploring new places and learning about new things with my kids.  We're getting started with fulfilling this New Years resolution by reading National Geographic Kids' ALMANAC 2017 that is full of vibrant photographs, amusing jokes, fun games and interesting facts that make learning about the world around us both educational and entertaining.  To share my family's enthusiasm for embarking on new journeys this year, I'm giving away a National Geographic Kids Book Bundle to help a lucky winner embrace daring to explore in 2017!

The National Geographic Kids Book Bundle includes their 2017 almanac, the centennial edition of National Parks Guide U.S.A., weird but true! 8, and famous FAILS!  For a chance at winning this great prize pack you must follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and retweet our original contest tweet embedded below before January, 15 2017 @ 11:59 pm EST.  Must be a US resident over 18 years old to participate.

Follow @Geekdad248 & RT before 1/16/17 for chance to win a @NGKids Book Bundle -- commit to 2017 being a year of exploration & discovery #ad pic.twitter.com/2RHBFgxAH7

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) January 2, 2017

National Geographic Kids ALMANAC 2017 features more than 500 photographs plus updated maps and reference materials to help readers learn about a lot of amazing things.  This year's edition includes "17 Cool Things for 2017" plus brand new animal stories, weird-but-true facts, and a section focusing on "things to do, places to see and ways to change the world."  Written in a wacky, easy to read format that appeals to kids National Geographic Kids ALMANAC 2017 is a great resource to get children and teens to immerse themselves in learning throughout the year.

Did you visit any properties managed by the National Park Service last year?  Our family had the chance to visit the National Mall in Washington DC, River Raisin National Battlefield and Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan, and the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.  These visits were some of the highlights of our year and we're looking forward to hopefully exploring some new national parks in 2017.

National Geographic Kids NATIONAL PARKS GUIDE USA is a perfect way to get children and teens excited about a family road trip to explore some of America's historic places and remaining wild spaces.  The book provides an overview of  the United State's national parks categorized by geographic locations across the continental U.S.: East, Midwest, Southwest, West.  Read interesting information about animals and things you'll want to see on a visit and ranger tips on what to do and how to stay safe during an adventure to each of the featured parks.  Learn where the best views are and some of the history behind these wonderful locations when you peruse through this book. Take advantage of the included maps and checklists of "must do" activities to make the most out of an excursion to a national park.

Fear of failure or embarrassment too often dampens a child's eagerness to excel at something.  famous FAILS showcases the failures that highly successful people have made to demonstrate to kids that not everyone is perfect.  Did you know J.K. Rowling's original draft of her Harry Potter story was rejected by 12 publishers before getting picked up? Albert Einstein didn't do very well in grade school? The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a construction mishap? These stories and others show everyone makes mistakes and faces adversity teaching that fear of failure shouldn't be something to hold someone back from achieving his or her dreams and aspirations.  The book also includes a nice tips section outlining how to face and deal with failure.  Plus to show kids no one is perfect the book's editors left in 9 mistakes that were discovered while proof reading the book before it was published and challenge readers to find them.  An answer key at the back of the book shows the readers the mistakes National Geographic authors made in the book to highlight everyone makes mistakes.

Learn 300 outrageous facts compiled from National Geographic Kids Magazine in weird but true! 8.  Automobiles are the most recycled product in the United States.  Jousting is the official sport of the state of Maryland.  Footballs are called pigskins because they were originally made from inflated pig bladders.  Humans have explored less than 5% of Earth's oceans. weird but true! 8 is chock full of facts and filled with fun pictures and graphics that will wow young readers. and parents alike.

For more information about books, videos and games available from National Geographic Kids please visit kids.nationalgeographic.com

A Geek Daddy is a member of the National Geographic Kids Insider blogger program. Insiders get a behind-the-scenes look at National Geographic’s resources, activities, content and projects for kids and families. They also review copies of books, magazines and toys, and are offered interviews with authors, explorers and editors. I do not receive any financial compensation for my participation as a National Geographic Kids Insider.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER

A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by National Geographic Kids and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate.  One entry per person and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.  If you have already won this prize through another blog participating in this promotion, your entry will be disqualified.  By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. National Geographic Kids will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner