Lonely Planet Kids My First Lift the Flap World Atlas

Lonely Planet Kids My First Lift-the-Flap World Atlas by Kate Baker, illustrated by Teresa Bellon, is a 16-page board book atlas for young children that tours all 7 continents and 5 oceans with 40 lift-the-flaps, search-and-find games and a giant pull-out world map.

What's inside

• 16 sturdy board pages, about 8.5 x 8.5 in.
• 40 lift-the-flaps with facts and surprises
• Spreads on the world and oceans, North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Oceania, and Antarctica
• Search-and-find games
• Giant pull-out world map

How it works

Kids explore one continent per spread, lifting flaps to find animals, landmarks and facts, then hunt for things in the pictures. The pull-out map shows the whole world at once.

What kids learn

• First geography: continents, oceans and that the world is made of many places
• World cultures and animals: what lives and happens where
• Early literacy: short facts to read together

Good to know before you buy

• Age: the publisher lists ages 3 to 5; some stores list up to 8.
• Flaps: board-book flaps are sturdier than paper ones, but still need gentle hands.
• Price: $15.99 at Barnes & Noble when we checked.

How it compares

This is a first atlas for preschoolers; the National Geographic Kids World Atlas is a full reference book for ages 10 to 14.

Who it's for

Preschoolers who love lift-the-flap books, families who travel or have relatives far away, and anyone starting a "where in the world" conversation with a young child.