FOUR PRODUCTS THAT MAKE GREAT COLLECTIBLES

For good reasons, building collections is a pursuit often associated with people who let their geek side show. Collecting lets people enjoy things they appreciate now that may also be valuable in the future. You can consider collecting a form of investment. Also, collecting itself can prove very satisfying and mentally rewarding. Plus, it can be fun enjoying the geeky collectibles! But with so many things to collect, which items are worth building a collection with versus just turning you into a hoarder? Here are four products that make great collectibles:

Comics 

If you love comic books, there's absolutely no reason you shouldn't have a large collection. It doesn't matter if you've already read them; if you take care of your comics there is a chance you can make a profit over time on some of them. Little wonder the comics collectibles market is witnessing a massive boom. 

The most important thing is to become acquainted with the process of bagging and boarding your favorite comic volumes and issues. And if you happen to chance on a rare or valuable comic volume or collection, don't hesitate to get it appraised by a trusted professional. But if you don't know how to tell which comic collection or volume is valuable, take the time to read about the most valuable comic books. 

Action Figures 

Action figurines are another great option when it comes to collectibles.  Options range from anime figurines and Gundam models to action figures based on popular movies and games. Those that will have a nostalgic connection with people will have the greatest return down the road. Adults who played with the toys like to reconnect with their youth and have the income to reward those that have held onto action figures in mint condition. In original packaging in pristine condition is where you will score big bucks! 

Books 

Avid readers may not want to donate books to the library after reading them.  If you have a theme and keep them in good condition, books can be as collectible as comics. In terms of value, there are several examples of old books attracting very high resale value. For example, some old Harry Potter books can sell for thousands of dollars, especially the ones that come with the author's autograph. But the most important thing is to focus on books you are interested in. This way, not only will you have a collection you can indulge in, but you'll also enjoy the collecting process. 

Stamps 

Collecting stamps may sound like an old hobby since stamps aren't as commonly used as they were before. However, this hobby remains pretty golden, especially when some stamps are known to become very valuable over time. And, no! You don't have to be old to start collecting stamps. Stamps collection is a great and fun hobby you can start enjoying, regardless of age. But if you want to collect them to make money, you should limit yourself to only the authenticated stamps.

GODZILLA VS KONG TIE IN COMICS AND BOOKS

There is a monster of a rumble coming as King Kong and Godzilla duke it out in a new Warner Bros movie. GODZILLA VS KONG romps its way into movie theaters across North America as well as streams on HBO Max on March 31, 2020. Not only will this monster of a movie be coming our way soon but also a number of tie-in comics and books are arriving this Spring too. I'm so geeked!

Godzilla Dominion — the prequel graphic novel written by Greg Keyes (the Age of Unreason trilogy; three New York Times bestselling Star Wars novels in the New Jedi Order series) with art by Drew Edward Johnson (DC’s Wonder Woman, Supergirl; Legendary Comics’ Godzilla Aftershock)—will feature a unique story that picks up after the events of the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. As told entirely from Godzilla’s point of view, the graphic novel brings new insights into the King of Monsters: his habitats, ancient rivalries, encounters with new Titans, and other challenges. As his new era of dominance is tested, a coming confrontation with another King looms.

Kingdom Kong is a sequel to the graphic novel Skull Island: Birth of Kong and a prelude to the film Godzilla vs. Kong. This graphic novel will follow a group of highly skilled military pilots gathered together on Skull Island to see who has ‘the right stuff’ to take on a dangerous mission into the hollow earth. One of the pilots, Audrey, is haunted by the memories of a monstrous clash with one of Godzilla’s titanic rivals that left deep scars. When Skull Island is attacked by Camazotz, a bat-like Titan, Audrey must to come to terms with her inner demons, and finding his home newly threatened, Kong must rise to face this usurper that would plunge the world into perpetual night. Kingdom Kong is written by Marie Anello (Shout Out) with art by ZID (Legendary Comics’ Skull Island: The Birth of Kong; Trick ‘r Treat: Days of the Dead; Spectral: Ghosts of War).

New York Times’ bestselling author Greg Keyes returns once again to the Monsterverse with Titan Books’ Godzilla vs. Kong: The Official Movie Novelization, taking readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and so much more. Humanity fights for its future as Godzilla and Kong embark on a path of destruction that will see the two most powerful forces of nature on the planet collide in an all-out war.

Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall, The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale — written by Daniel Wallace with a special foreword by director Adam Wingard—takes fans behind-the-scenes revealing how this monstrously epic film was brought to the screen. The deluxe book will feature a dynamic selection of exclusive concept art, pre-production materials, on-set photography and insight from the filmmakers, making it the ultimate guide to an iconic movie showdown.

For new readers wanting to discover the backstories of Godzilla and Kong for the first time or fans revisiting their favorite adventures, the Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1 brings the previously released graphic novels, Skull Island: The Birth of Kong (2017) and Godzilla: Aftershock (2019), together in one legendary volume for the first time ever.

There is a book for young readers too with Kong & Me by New York Times’ bestselling author Kiki Thorpe (The Never Girl early chapter book series) with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina; I will be fierce). Children will be able to follow along as the mighty Titan and his new pal spend a day of fun and adventure exploring the many wonders of Skull Island — proving that friendships come in many sizes and no matter how different we are, no one is too big or small to find a true friend. 

Legends collide in Godzilla vs. Kong as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans--instigated by unseen forces--is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth. Godzilla vs Kong is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of creature violence/destruction and brief language.

WIN A NOT SO WIMPY PRIZE PACK

My family loves the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies that are based upon Jeff Kinney's popular middle grade reading books.  So you know we're excited that a new installment to the film franchise  - The Long Haul - will be arriving at movie theaters on May 19, 2017!  To share my family's enthusiasm for the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, I'm co-hosting a NOT-SO-WIMPY Prize Pack Giveaway. It is worth nearly $70 and includes:

• $25 Fandango Gift Card
• 10 Second Challenge Wimpy Kid Game
• Wimpy Kid Mad Libs
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Hardcover Book
• Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book
• Wimpy Kid Practical Joke Kit

Synopsis: In “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul,” a Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention. Based on one of the best-selling book series of all time, this family cross-country adventure turns into an experience the Heffleys will never forget.

Connect with Wimpy Kid

Official Site | Facebook | Instagram | #WimpyKid

Enter to win this Diary of a Wimpy Kid Prize Pack using the form below.
GOOD LUCK!

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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.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Giveaway

I've conjured up a great giveaway to enhance the excitement about the newest movie to delve into the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will whisk fans of Harry Potter back to that magical realm when the movie arrives at theaters across the United States on November 18, 2016, and I've partnered with The Hopping Bloggers to craft a very special giveaway! It is valued at $70 and includes the following:

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Hardcover Book
• Harry Potter Coloring Book
• Collectible Quidditch Set
• Mischief Managed Cold Cup with Straw
• Golden Snitch Necklace

The year is 1926, and Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

Enter to win the Fantastic Beasts Prize Pack using the form below. GOOD LUCK!

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Items in prize pack are subject to availability. If no longer available, they will be replaced with something of equal or greater value.

Five Fun Ways People Can Enjoy Batman Day

Saturday, September 17th has been designated by DC Comics as a day to appreciate one of the publisher's most popular super hero characters -- Batman.  There will be a variety of events taking place across the United States and Canada at comic shops, book stores, libraries, and other participating locations honoring the Dark Knight's 75+ years of adventures that have been portrayed in books, comics, television shows, movies, and video games.  Here are 5 fun suggestions from A Geek Daddy on how your family can have some Caped Crusader themed fun to enjoy BATMAN DAY:

#1 FREE COMIC BOOK

Pickup a FREE copy of  BATMAN #1 written by Tom King and illustrated by David Finch, Matt Banning and Jordie Bellaire which was released earlier this year as part of the DC REBIRTH fictional universe storyline reboot featuring a special BATMAN DAY 2016 cover.  I picked up that issue when it first came out and it is actually a very good comic book to be able to get for free.  CLICK HERE to find a location participating in this BATMAN DAY giveaway near you.

#2 LEGO DIMENSIONS

Team up Batman with a wide variety of other super heroes and characters ranging from Superman to Scooby Doo to Doctor Who to combat evil villains and engage in wacky fun adventures on the LEGO Dimensions video game.  Utilize the game's buildable Batmobile and Batman minifigure that come with the Starter Pack to save the LEGO multiverse by solving puzzles and tackling bad guys.  LEGO Dimensions is an entertaining video game that the whole family can enjoy together -- both kids and parents who are kids-at-heart will have fun engaging in adventures as the Caped Crusader.



#3 AIRHOGS REMOTE CONTROL BATMOBILE

Take the Batmobile out for a spin with the AIR HOGS Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Official Movie Replica Remote Control Batmobile.  Our family has had a lot of fun playing with this RC toy pretending to race it around the streets of Gotham City.  CLICK HERE to check out our A Geek Daddy toy review.



 #4 BATMAN THE TELLTALE SERIES

While LEGO Dimensions is fun for all ages, the Telltale Games video game featuring the Caped Crusader is a gritty detective case meant for mature audiences.  Available for PC, mobile devices, and gaming consoles, BATMAN THE TELLTALE SERIES transforms a choose-your-own adventure book into a video game for adults featuring the Dark Knight.  It combines an excellent story with great artwork to create a game playing experience that any true Batman fan will thoroughly enjoy.



#5 BEDTIME FOR BATMAN

One of my favorite bedtime stories for my son as a toddler was reading a book called "Goodnight Baseball."  We've read that picture book by Michael Dahl more times than I can count.  Now that author, along with illustrator Ethen Beavers, has created a new story that is perfect for wrapping up your BATMAN DAY and putting children to bed for the night called BEDTIME FOR BATMAN.  This book from Capstone Publishing will have children feeling like super heroes getting ready for bed.  Youngsters won't be afraid of the dark at night as they picture themselves as the Dark Knight.

Older children may enjoy reading BATMAN SCIENCE: THE REAL-WORLD SCIENCE BEHIND BATMAN'S GEAR for some bedtime reading.  Capstone Publishing's book BATMAN SCIENCE explores the science behind the hero's really cool technology.  Unlike other comic book heroes it isn't super power that let the Caped Crusader save the day but rather his gadgetry and tricked out vehicles give him the edge over the villains he is fighting against.  This book explains the Dark Knight's high-tech crime fighting tools plus highlight real world applications of similar technology.

Holy Car Full Of Clowns Batman, I hope everyone has a super time enjoying BATMAN DAY on Saturday, September 17th!  CLICK HERE to download a free BATMAN DAY activity kit filled with coloring pages, games, and other fun stuff that you can do in addition to our suggestions for having some Caped Crusader fun.  For more information about BATMAN DAY 2016, visit dccomics.com/BatmanDay

National Geographic shows the educational side of The Angry Birds

With an animated movie, popular series of video games, and a variety of toys, Rovio's ANGRY BIRDS provide entertaining ways to pass the time, but did you know they also have an educational side?  Rovio, the company that created the Angry Birds sensation, has partnered with National Geographic to create a series of books to inspire kids to learn more about these feathery creatures and the world we share with them.  Coinciding with the 2016 theatrical release of THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE, National Geographic has published two new books: THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE - RED'S BIG ADVENTURE and ANGRY BIRDS PLAYGROUND ATLAS.  Both of these books provide an avian's perspective on exploring our planet and discovering wondrous things through incorporating The Angry Birds in fun and humorous scenarios.

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE - RED'S BIG ADVENTURE takes readers on an amazing journey with Red, the leader of the Angry Birds flock, along with Matilda, Chuck, Bomb, Terence, and the mysterious Mighty Eagle. Featuring THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE story world, this book is filled with all the fun facts and information Red and the flock need to embark on their big adventure. From identifying wildlife to navigating by the stars to building a shelter and setting traps (for any roaming Piggies), this 160 page softcover book targeted for young readers 8 to 12 years old will be sure to educate and entertain.

In ANGRY BIRDS PLAYGROUND ATLAS follow along with your favorite Angry Birds characters as they fly around the world discovering continents, countries, and cultures. The book enlists kids to join in a wacky search for the Angry Birds' eggs as they seek out clues that lead them to amazing discoveries. Aimed for children 4 to 8 years old this 128 page book encourages readers to observe the world from a global perspective as The Angry Birds chill out with penguins, chirp in new languages, and fly by world landmarks. Packed with learning exercises and fun activities, the Angry Birds Playground: Atlas will encourage kids to want to learn more about the planet we live on and leave them wanting more adventure.

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. #NGKInsider

Artist utilizes Playmobil toys to make topics interesting for young readers

**A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free**

Photographer Richard Unglik has developed an artistic niche by recreating the works of famous painters, memorable movie moments, and other well-known visual scenes entirely with characters, accessories and decors from the Playmobil toy line.  Now Unglik is using his passion for Playmobil to inspire young readers through two new children's books: Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles and Journey Around the World.

Sherlock Holmes detective stories are brilliant mysteries but the writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle can be weighty material for children to comprehend and devote their attention to.  Unglik portrays Sherlock Holmes in a manner more suitable for children aged 6 through 12 years old to appreciate as he recreates the world of Sherlock Holmes using Playmobil action figures and scenery.

Follow along with Playmobil Sherlock as he solves the classic story of The Hound of the Baskervilles.  Readers delve into a haunted tale of suspense and mystery told from the perspective of the familiar, heartwarming Playmobil characters that have been delighting children since the toys originated in the 1970s.  While published as a children's book, this 96 page reenactment of Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles is an enjoyable and interesting read for kids as well as kids-at-heart.  Readers of all ages will enjoy flipping through the pages and viewing the Playmobil depictions.

Journey Around the World encourages children to learn more about the world beyond their doorstep.  Unglik also uses Playmobil figurines and scenery to engage children's interest in learning about history and geography by depicting different parts of the world and its exotic peoples and places.

More than 25 countries from around the globe are portrayed through double paged sections in this book which also includes a large, pull-out map of the world.  Each double page spread showcases a country, city, or civilization along with its traditions and customs.  Journey Around the World is a heartwarming atlas that will inspire children to explore and discover.  As with Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles, this book is full of wonderful pictures featuring Playmobil toys that even adults will want to flip through to enjoy.

These books are available at a variety of retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.  For more information about these books and their author, visit quartous.com.

Richard Unglik's Playmobil books get A Geek Daddy nod of approval for taking topics that kids might not otherwise be very interested in and making them interesting through fun toy inspired visuals which draw young audiences into reading.

National Parks Week: April 16 - 21, 2016

**A Geek Daddy received the featured products for free**

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Parks Service which manages 59 National Parks as well as numerous historical sites and wilderness preservation areas spread out across the United States and its territories.  This centennial milestone presents a nice occasion for making a family road trip to explore what our national parks system has to offer.  While our family won't be able to travel to any of the major parks managed by The National Park Service this year, we are planning on visiting a few locations that are in our own backyard including trips to southeastern Michigan's River Raisin National Battlefield Park, which we've never been to before, and northern Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which we regularly make an effort to stop by each summer.  Whether you are planning a week long family vacation to Yellowstone National Park or a short weekend outing to a local historical site or conservation area managed by the National Park Service, National Geographic KiDS has published several books that are meant to amuse and educate children during these types of trips.  My son is particularly excited about taking the National Geographic KiDS Junior Ranger Activity Book along with us on our upcoming adventures within the national park system.



To plan your own National Parks adventure visit findyourpark.com and by entering your zip code can find a variety of locations to visit that are within a road trip distance from your home.  A good week to consider taking a road trip is coming up soon in NATIONAL PARK WEEK (April 16 - 21, 2016) when admission is FREE to all of the 127 properties managed by the National Parks System that have a daily admission fee.  Other entrance fee free days taking place in 2016 include August 25 - 18 (celebrating the National Park Service's birthday), September 24 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11th (Veterans Day).



When making a visit to one of these parks with children, make sure to bring along National Geographic KiDS' great line of National Parks books which include the Junior Ranger Activity Book I mentioned above, as well as Funny Fill-In: My National Parks Adventure, Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure, and the Centennial Edition National Parks Guide U.S.A.

Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure created by National Geographic KiDS in partnership with the National Park Trust (a non-profit land conservancy dedicated to preserving America's scenic wonders and wild spaces in association with the National Park Service) is a perfect book to read to young children to introduce them to our National Parks.  It tells the story of two children who visit Yellowstone National Park with their Aunt Rosa who is a park ranger.  When Elena and Christoper get separated from their aunt and become lost, a bison named Buddy (who also happens to be the mascot for the National Park Trust) gives them a tour of Yellowstone while leading them to safety.  The book meshes together incredible real life photography of Yellowstone National Park with cartoon characters to tell its story which is sure to delight preschoolers and early readers. It's charming tale is sprinkled with interesting tidbits about the park, weird-but-true facts about animals and fun trivia.  Recommended for kids 4 to 8 years old.

Funny Fill-In: My National Parks Adventure will keep a child occupied during a trip with amusing word games associated with elements of the national park system. Recommended for children ages 8 - 12.

Junior Ranger Activity Book is packed full of games, trivia, jokes, fun facts and other interesting aspects for kids that will both educate them about the country's 59 National Parks and entertain them at the same time.  Meant for kids 8 to 12 years old, this 160 page activity book is inspired by the National Park Service's outdoor-based Junior Ranger Program.

National Parks Guide U.S.A. provides an overview of America's national parks full of maps, color photographs, and fun tips for visits to specific National Parks. This 176 page book is recommend for children 8 - 12 years old though this 40 year old dad found it very interesting and informative to peruse. From Acadia to Zion this book provides a great road map for exploring the properties managed by the National Park Service.  My kids particularly liked the suggestions for animal sightings and other activities to do during specific visits to a variety of  park locations across the United States.

So are you planning a visit to a National Park this year?  Which park is your favorite to visit or is there one you haven't visited yet but really want to?

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: You Read - I Read Books

If you have a beginner reader at home, I'd recommend picking up the new "You Read - I Read" books from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS.  These soft cover books filled with great photos of wild life and natural settings take a co-read approach that encourages parents and children to explore reading together.  These books are setup so "you" the parent reads a page followed by "I" the child reading the next.  Reading through these books together provides a sense of working together in developing a child's reading abilities rather than him or her just listening to you read or your sitting back monitoring a child's independent reading.  My kids often whine about a book being too long or too hard when they are supposed to be doing their twenty to thirty minutes of reading homework each night.  By partnering with my kids in reading these books I found them more confident to delving into the pages and more open to asking for help with pronouncing or understanding a difficult word.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS currently has two Level 1 "You Read - I Read" books available for kids who are just beginning to read on their own.  Day and Night explores how as the sun rises and falls its impact on animals, fish and plants in the environment.  Follow Me! Animal Parents and Babies shows how even animals in the wild need to learn lessons from their parents when it comes to surviving in the world. Both of these books are filled with wonderful photography that enhances the reading experience and helps maintain the interest and attention of young readers.

On each page of these books is a bolded word that is meant to be a point of focus for helping a child build their vocabulary.  For every two pages the same word will be bolded on both the "You Read" and "I Read" pages.  All of the bolded words in each chapter of a book will have a similar theme.  For example in Day and Night all of the bolded words in Chapter 1 relate to times of day while in Chapter 4 they are all action words. Parents are encouraged to engaged in an expanded discussion at the end of each chapter on how each of the bolded words relate to one another and to the topic of the chapter.  At the end of each chapter there is also an activity to do together that reinforces that chapter's educational message. For instance in Chapter 3 of Follow Me! Animal Parents and Babies readers match pictures of animals, birds and fish to photos of their homes.  I really appreciated how these books expanded beyond just being an exercise in reading to provide an enhanced educational experience.

With photographs and interesting trivia that will capture a child's attention and educational elements that will enhance  children's reading and vocabulary skills, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS "You Read - I Read" books get A Geek Daddy's nod of approval.

To help you sustain your child's excitement about reading after going through the "You Read - I Read" books together, I'd recommend enrolling in the free NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS SUPER READER program.  Parents can download and print out a poster based upon a child's reading level that is filled with images of appropriate National Geographic children's book that are available at book stores or public libraries.  As kids read these books the images can be checked off the poster to earn specially designated prizes like stickers, bookmarks and fun fact cards. The SUPER READERS website also includes free learning activities, educational games and other fun stuff!



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.