National Geographic Kids: Weird But True

Children are very inquisitive. And as a parent, I’m constantly looking for innovative ways to foster my own children’s learning, creativity, and curiosity. National Geographic, one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world, offers an entire kid’s site and section featuring books and activities designed to inspire and educate children. Several of our reviewers had an opportunity to check out Weird But True. Here is a bit more information about the book from the site:

Weird But True is based on the hugely popular magazine page of quirky, fun facts that many readers of National Geographic Kids magazine turn to first. All of the facts in this handy book will amaze friends and family: Animals Superpowers, Chills and Thrills, Eat or Be Eaten, Mini and Mega, Wild and Crazy, and much, much more. Wacky facts, fascinating information, and lively art combine in this easy-to-browse, casual reference book that is sure to give young readers hours of fun.

So what did our reviewers think?

All Because Two People Fell In Love: All of the facts in this handy book just totally amaze my kids and they can’t wait to share these facts with friends and family! I appreciate the adjacent pages for each fact that presents a one-paragraph explanation of how that fact is possible or why it is so. I also like how these wacky facts, fascinating information, and lively art are combined into an easy-to-browse, reference book for my little ones.

An Island Life: The best part is that this book shared the information with just a basic phrase. If my kids wanted to know more about the subject, they had to look it up themselves in the encyclopedia or internet. And believe me, their curiosity just had to know more. All in all, we found this book to be interesting, educational and fun!

Army Mom’s Place: I love how this book has been able to get my kiddos thinking! It’s a book that they all enjoy. Finding a book that is able to meet the interests of a wide age range is always great!

A Nut in a Nutshell: I’m all about quirky. And this book is full of it! You won’t be able to stop turning the pages to see what’s next!

Maria’s Space: The book is small enough for little hands. The pictures are full color. The information is fun, educational, interesting and some of it is just plain weird. (Pun on the Title!). There are 300 facts in this 206 page book and at the end you are wishing and praying for book 2 to come out soon.

Mommy Reviewed: An amazing, amazing and FUN book for all ages! So far me, my husband, and my father-in-law have been through it and we all loved it. It’s made for fascinating dinner table conversation. I can’t wait to read this thought-provocative book with my kids when they’re a little older and better able to understand it.

Moody Mama Says: This is such a fun book! My boys have requested that I read it to them over and over. Some of the facts are just plain funny!

Rockin’ Mama: I think it is a fun, creative way to get children excited and interested in the subject matter. It opens the door for discussion and expansion on topics brought up in the book. The pictures are colorful and kid-friendly.

The Angel Forever: Both of the boys are fascinated with the photos within Weird But True. Yes, even my 2 year old will sit with the book for an extended time looking at all of the photos. JSL will chat away and call out all of the items that he recognizes. NHL, in first grade, will read the facts to me and then talk with me about what it says. Our conversations actually made me think about ways to use this book in the classroom. (I am always a teacher, even when on hiatus.) I could see the fun facts in this book being used as a prompt for classroom discussion and/or a writing exercise. In addition to this, the facts could easily create interest in a subject for kids to do more research on.

The Clan McLeod: Some of the facts presented in National Geographic Kids: Weird But True, left me saying, “No way!” I got my hands on it before the girls and after seeing and hearing my reactions, they couldn’t wait to read it for themselves. Weird But True is a small, softcover book with 208 pages of wacky facts that will get your kids giggling and gasping and having fun. It’s brightly colored pages and fantastic graphics really add to the value of the book.

The Mommy-Files: I really enjoyed this little book and loved the fun facts presented in it. I also loved the pictures throughout it, as did my kids. There are so many fun facts in here. I think I may have enjoyed it more than my kids!