USBORNE – looks like a fascinating series of books! I don’t have any of them in my library but I’ll surely look at them closely as soon as I have a chance and share what I think.

I’ve come close to many DK encyclopedias – I like some of them very much.

Our latest find is Britannica Interactive Science Library for kids with some special talking pen (http://www.britannicastore.com/britannica-interactive-science-library-dinosaurs-reptiles-and-birds/invt/088266000/).

Our friend found a set for us in Costco and so far my 5 year old seems fascinated. Though, I am not – I believe it is better suited for the older aged kids (age indication is grades 5-8, but usually this doesn’t stop us). I think my son is mostly fascinated with the talking pen.

The major drawback of this encyclopedia is that most of the information is not typed on the page, but available only as a text narrated by the talking pen. It is really fun to listen, and all the illustrations have the basic information that you need, but I am worried that once the pen breaks (as do all the electronics), the book will loose a very significant portion of its value/information. Otherwise, it is fun and easy to use, illustrations are beautiful, information layed out intuitively and interactively.

Map of USA: our favorite map has more then 24 pieces: it is Melissa&Doug states map with sound. Every time you put a piece inside, it names the state and its capital. My older one LOVED this puzzle since he was two and a half!!! Now, at four and a half, he is putting it together all by himself, quietly muttering the names to himself. Couldn’t recommend it more. This is the one I was talking about:
http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/usa-map-sound-puzzle.html

There are more choices here:
http://search.store.yahoo.net/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=yhst-77232211527973&query=map%20usa&I1.x=0&I1.y=0

As a side question, I am wondering if A.P.P. also publishes a list of non-fiction children books (especially for boys)? That will be a nice addition to the list on this post. Also, do you by any chance know where I can order a puzzle map of the U.S.A. (ca. 24 pieces)?

Thanks so much!
Amelia

Imagine a big bear who doesn’t have any friends and who thinks he doesn’t like any visitors. Suddenly he gets a visitor (an unwanted one, of course!): a little mouse. The bear tries to get rid of a unwanted guest as hard as he can, but the mouse keeps insisting on a cup of tea together by the fire. My little one was laughing so loudly! Eventually the bear gives in only to discover that he has a wonderful friend right beside him.