Dec. 16, 2008 - Book Review -- The Little Man in the Map
The Little Man in the Map (With Clues to Remember All 50 States)
What's Included: This is a picture book by E. Andrew Martonyi and illustrated by Ed Olson; published by SchoolSide Press. The hardcover book includes 63 pages and costs $15.96 at Amazon.com.
What I like: I really love this book! It is perfect for teaching the location of the 50 states to your children. I have read it to my children once, and I already know at least 10 more state locations then I did before today.. This book seems ideal for right-brain learners, since almost all of the states become pictures or people that fit together. It also works great for visual and auditory learners, with fun rhyming text and really great illustrations. My children love this book! The oldest three (ages 9,7, and 5) giggled all the way through, actually begged to do the review pages, and remembered many of the states in each section. I suspect only a few more readings will be necessary before these children can remember the locations of all the states! We will definitely be keeping this book in our library.
What I don't like: I didn't personally have a problem with anything in the book; however some of my friends over at the TOS Review Crew had a problem that some pages included drawing of elf type people.
My Bottom Line: I am definitely going to enjoy reading this book repeatedly to my children, expect them to learn the information presented, and by the way, my two readers have already asked to peruse the book on their own several times since our first read-through. If you enjoy using picture books to teach, or your children need help with US Geography, I highly recommend this book.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
. This book seems ideal for right-brain learners, since almost all of the states become pictures or people that fit together. It also works great for visual and auditory learners, with fun rhyming text and really great illustrations. My children love this book! The oldest three (ages 9,7, and 5) giggled all the way through, actually begged to do the review pages, and remembered many of the states in each section. I suspect only a few more readings will be necessary before these children can remember the locations of all the states! We will definitely be keeping this book in our library.
