I've Got A Whale In My House!

Have you ever seen the breaching of a whale so close up that you swear the water is going to come pouring down? If you have the December issue of Your Big Backyard, then you know what I'm talking about. Big, huge, giant, gigantic, enormous whales are featured in the December issue with close ups and facts. Did you know that 15 elephants can fit inside of a humpback whale? These and other facts are sure to amaze and entertain children as they learn about wildlife and habitats all over the world. As you can guess, this magazine is produced by the National Wildlife Federation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving wildlife.

Beautifully displayed in issue after issue of this amazing magazine are close ups of animals that will literally take your breath away. Just one look at the cover of this magazine and you'll swear that the same photographers who work at National Geographic Magazine are moonlighting at this one. Every issue features a centerfold close up that can be pulled out and displayed. Every month, your little one can be introduced to a new animal and learn about where it lives, what it eats, etc. For example, do you know the difference between a moose and an elk? A wolf and a dog? Pictures of each are displayed along with short facts about them. The photographs alone are well worth the $15 per year subscription to this magazine.

Open the first page and you'll find What's That?, a close up of an unusual animal that leaves kids guessing. One month it's a badger, the next month it's a screech owl that blends in with the trees. 4-6 year olds will love guessing the names.

Every issue is chock full of activities that pre-schoolers can usually manage. Everything is animal oriented and there is something to learn from each one. Mazes, guessing games, counting activities are usually included in each issue. A little bit of language learning is included, such as an activity that lists animals and nature objects and the reader has to guess which one rhymes with a listed word. Every issue contains "Bonnie's Crafts," an activity that requires adult involvement. For example, the June issue contains instructions on how to make a wave bottle and includes a bit of science in the project. First- and second-graders will appreciate this magazine for its bits and pieces of facts about animals.

This is an excellent magazine for beginning readers. Every issue has a story, "The Adventures of Bonnie and Chester." This story has pictures in place of words to help early readers figure out the words. Adults can read the words and stop at the pictures, letting the child figure out the word that comes next. My 7 year old likes reading the stories in the back of the magazine, which are meant to be read to the younger set.

At the very end, you will find "Parent's Pages." One or two full pages of facts and suggestions of how to use the material in the magazine. More information can be found at the National Wildlife Federation's online site: www.nwf.org.

This is a children's magazine that is a wonderful learning tool. The pictures will captivate a child so much that they won't even be aware of the tremendous amount of learning involved.

Another plus, the whale on the fridge is a great diet tool.