Illustrated Map of the World for Kids (Children's World Map)

This is a great map because for nearly every country, there is at least one icon of something famous from the area - an animal, building, person, plant, etc. This gives an extra level of geographical information that most maps don't provide, but it also makes it easy for kids to learn countries through association. I bought this map a couple of weeks ago and it's been on my 5 year old's wall since then - he learns a new country or two every night, and the associations make it easy. For example, he knows Norway has a viking ("that's a bad guy") in it, and when I ask where Spain is, he says "there's a bull fighter in Spain" and goes right to it. Or, if he doesn't remember where Australia is right away, I can say "there are kangaroos in Australia" and he remembers the kangaroo icons and finds Australia right away. There is a key on the bottom left of the map identifying each icon, and along the top of the map there is a display of the planets in the solar system (no Pluto, how modern!). Some of the other maps I've seen have the geographical icons displayed, but this one has the icons, colored countries so it's easier for children to see political boundaries, and geographical texturing so it's easy to see where there are mountains. The lamination is high quality and the map feels like it will last. This map has it all!

I live in Ankara Turkey. Although I was expecting the product to be delivered in 7-10 days the product has been delivered in a couple of days with UPS. I have received it well packed and undamaged. I bought the item for my 1.5 year old sons education and visual experience and very satisfied. I am sure he will be more interested in couple of months but even now he likes to look on the pictures of the map. I still have the map laminated for $10 for a better protection and I will hang it in my son`s bedroom. I recommend you to have it laminated because little guys like to tear and you cannot imagine how powerful they can be.

I read these reviews before I bought this map. I must agree with the previous poster that the map is definitely not laminated. Instead it is more like photo paper. It's still slick and could probably be written on with a dry erase marker (although I haven't tried it) but it could easily be torn. In fact, a piece of packing tape got stuck to the back as I was unrolling it and tore a little piece of paper off. Having said that, I still give the map a four because of it's captivating drawings and clear country lines. (I will probably have it laminated though.) :)

Must have for a family with young kids .. kids love to see the vivid colors and glossy look of the map .. I actually taped it on a drip pan .. everyday my kid learns a new country by moving the magnetic pin that I am having on it ..

this is a great map. my 4 year old loves it. we put it by her bed so she can explore it anytime she wants. its true its not laminated but it does have a glossy like layer. i think its fine. i was disappointed to see Antartica is not pictured other than that its great!

PLEASE, save yourself the time, money and aggravation and choose a different map! I am a long term substitute teacher for a first grade class, and bought this because the classroom I have been given in is poorly equipped. I was so excited to give the children a map to look at. The map in their social studies book doesn't have country borders and I thought finally we could really start to get into some real learning. It's pathetic... Not only is Antarctica relegated to a tiny little spit of white, with the word about a foot away... The depiction of the human element is completely and utterly, disgustingly stereotypical. I'm so thankful I looked at the map before I took it to the classroom. Why is it that the North American people are all clothed? but some South Americans, and pretty much all of the Africans are depicted as half naked natives? While Japan has Sumo wrestlers, that doesn't offend me, because that ties directly to a specific cultural event- just like bull fighting in Spain or Tango in Argentina... but to just have black skinned Africans with spears in their hands scattered around the Southern African countries... really? I may take it to the classroom to show the students about different perspectives and to teach them a lesson about what happens when people are ignorant. That's how poor this map is. On another note, this map is NOT laminated, it's simply printed on glossy paper. I am unable to return in it because in my attempts to re-roll it to repackage it, the d**n thing ripped. It's a cheap piece of inaccurate, poorly made trash... find something better!

I bought this map for my 11 year olddaughter, and it's been an excellent way to learn about different countries and what makes each one special and different. Even her friends have caught on and started doing research inspired by the map. We especially like the animal illustrations and the key is helpful and easy to use.

It has a lot of details with all countries, their capital and large cities, 250+ animals, structures with their details. It even has solar system on the top. It will keep children entertained also gaining knowledge. My 4 yr old boy likes this a lot. My only concern is I was expecting a little sturdy and laminated well to protect. It is made of a thick paper and a shiny lamination.

Great map. Great price. Quick shipping.

Good quality and has lots of interesting information on it. A little tightly rolled so am currently trying to persuade it to flatten out.

Good quality both graphically and geographically, our 3.5 yo is very excited to see the places were we travelled on the map. Very satisfied.

We bought this for our 7 year old son wh seems to enjoy looking at the map with his little sister (4yo). It is big and colourful and there are lots of little pictures to capture the attention of little minds. It isn't laminated, however, so it can tear if you're not careful. It is thicker than normal paper but not by much. For the price, I am very happy with it so far.

A fun way for me to improve my knowledge of countries and capitals as it is now on my study wall.