Overview

Explore the Middle East and Central Asia! Take a look at their countries, people, cities, plants, animals, farming and industry, transportation, and leisure activities.

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9781404838925

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For middle readers just beginning a serious study of geography and cartography, this World Atlases series offers eight volumes of colorful maps showing seven continents and the polar regions (Asia is divided between two books). Each volume has thirteen double-page spreads, starting with an introduction to map conventions and symbols (compass rose, tropics, the equator, scale bar). The political map of southwest and central Asia shows the huge Russian landmass, central Asian countries, India, and the nations of the Middle East with their flags. Other spreads present maps of Asia's landforms, bodies of water (the Tigris and Euphrates, the Ganges, Lake Baikal), climate, and major ecosystems, including a selection of central and southwest Asia's varied animals (camels, cobras, yaks, Siberian tigers) and plants (date palms, tulips, cedars). Especially interesting is the population map, showing tremendous density in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. A People and Customs spread tells something of the region's cultures, with pictures of Muslims at Mecca, a Bedouin tent, and men in a Turkish bath; designed as a bulletin board, a postcard page displays touristy views of attractions like the Taj Mahal and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. A products map reveals that oil, metals, spices, and diamonds are the most valuable products, while a transportation map emphasizes the 7500-mile-long Trans-Siberian Railway. As a finale, the last spread takes readers on a dangerous journey up Mount Everest. Summing it all up is a page of brief southwest and central Asian facts and a glossary.-- Children's Literature Comprehensive Database Splitting this immense continent in two makes sense as there are tremendous contrasts. Southwest ranges from the Arctic regions of Russia to the subtropics of India with the deserts of the Middle East between. Far East begins in China and continues south through the islands of Indonesia. An introductory spread in each book locates the region on a world map and provides basic geographic and map-skills information. The next spread identifies countries and includes images of their flags, lists of national foods, and other miscellaneous information. The remaining sections each include a map of the region on one page with accompanying information facing it, and cover Landforms, Bodies of Water, Climate, Plants, Animals, Population, Transportation, Growing and Making (sections that discuss agriculture, crafts, and industry), People and Customs, and Postcard Places. A final essay highlights a location or area of interest, e.g., Journey Up Mount Everest or Sailing Around the Pacific Islands. Bright background colors and short introductory paragraphs make the pages lively. Additional information is included in contrasting call-out boxes, tables, and captioned color photos, though the superimposition of extras on the landform maps sometimes makes reading them more difficult. Still, these are useful additions.-- School Library Journal

Author Information

Felicia Law, Children's Author and International Publisher Felicia Law is Publisher and Managing Director of Allegra Publishing, a established and vibrant children's publishing company located in London, UK. She is the author of 175 children's books, which have been published by a range of prestigious publishers worldwide, including Penguin Books, Harper Collins, Octopus, Andre Deutsch, Hodder and Stoughton, Kingfisher, Hamlyn, E.J. Arnold and US based World Book Encyclopedia. Additionally she has spent over 20 years heading up children's publishing companies and divisions worldwide, having served as Editorial Director and Publisher in US, European, Arab and Chinese owned companies based both overseas and in the UK. Felicia is also a qualified teacher who founded a flourishing and highly reputable school in London where she served as head teacher for 7 years. Subsequently she established a children's bookstore in London. Her market knowledge and track record in education and in writing, creating and marketing successful educational programs lies behind the success of Allegra Publishing's dynamic and innovative publishing profile. Rebecca Elliott has written and illustrated more than 20 books and solely illustrated more than 200 books since she began her career in 2002. Her most popular books include The Owl Diaries series, The Last Tiger, Mr. Super Poopy Pants, Sometimes, and Just Because. Rebecca's work has received several awards and much press attention. Rebecca resides in Suffolk in the UK with her husband, children, and cat.

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