Books perfect for gift giving from National Geographic Kids Books [Review & 2-Book Giveaway]

Let's face it, kids reach for and react to the longed for and cherished toy more than they do a book. Well, after all, a book is a flat, inanimate object that doesn't make sounds, move, interact, etc. Well, that is unless..... you do of course, consider the imagination that soars with the turn of a page.

Books truly make the best gifts -- a thoughtfully selected book will hold a child's interest long after the new toys have been tossed aside.   National Geographic Kids Books is featuring several new titles that are perfect for gift giving and I have already reviewed several here on Chat With Vera.  These books have big, bold, and beautiful hardcovers; cater to book enthusiasts and reluctant readers alike; and are fun, inspiring AND educational (but don't tell kids that last part!).

Ultimate Oceanpedia: The Most Complete Ocean Reference Ever (National Geographic Kids) by Christina Wilsdon (ages 7-10, $24.99) 

About the book: Perfect for the ocean-obsessed, this book is the most complete ocean reference ever. Ultimate Oceanpedia is overflowing with amazing facts, photos, art and diagrams that take the reader on a journey through the ocean. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sharks, fish, crustaceans, sponges -- from the weird to the wonderful -- they are all featured in breathtaking photographs with easy to read captions. Wild weather, underwater exploration and tips and pointers on how to help keep our oceans thriving round out this thick, keepsake volume.

My thoughts: This book is a fabulous treasure trove of information about the World's oceans and how they interact and influence all life on the planet. Most everyone knows the planet is comprised primarily of water, but until you look at the pictures and further investigate the oceans themselves you have no clue as to the immensity of these wonderous  bodies of water.

For starters, I was awed by two pictures of the oceans. One showed the hot spots of the oceans and the article explained how the warmth of the hot spots influenced northern areas as well. The degree of heat indicated in the image was intriguing. The other picture showed the plates and how they extended beyond the land masses and how they once were all connected. Amazing!

 As with other National Geographic publications, the pictures are awe inspiring and cover such a variety of life in and on the oceans. It seems as though the author has thought of so much to help the young reader - A table of contests grouped into interesting categories such as Oceans, Ocean Life, Ocean in Motion, Wild Weathr, Underwater Exploration. And then she has included a superb Glossary and Index.

The "Bet You Didn't Know" sidebars are fun and interesting. Just another gem.

I recommend this book for every school library, public library, and home school library. Not only is it a fun and interesting book to read or peruse, it is a tremendous reference source.

Famous Fails!: Mighty Mistakes, Mega Mishaps, & How a Mess Can Lead to Success by Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12, $12.99) 

About the book: This fun book of quirky failures and famous flops will keep kids laughing while they learn the importance of messing up in order to get it right.  Science, architecture, technology, entertainment -- there are epic fails and hilarious goof-ups from every important field. Silly side features help to analyze the failures: "Lesson Learned," "It Could be Worse!," "Losing Combinations," and a "Fail Scale" help readers navigate the different kinds and scopes of the mistakes made. Read to learn what went wrong, what went right, and what kids can learn from each failed attempt.

My thoughts: This little soft cover book is fun. It chronicles failures - some not so well know and some epic. It also shows how failure can lead to success. The Table of Contents doesn't give a clue about the individuals (famous) one might wish to seek out, but you can find them in the Index in the back. Example: Thomas Edison and Einstein.

I love this quote: "Only the one who does not question is safe from making a mistake." Albert Einstein

A fun book to tuck away some interesting facts into your head and to while away a few hours.

GIVEAWAY ~~~~ FLASH 

1 Winner will receive 1 copy of each book in this review.

Begins December 7

ENDS December 15 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review of my own opinions which are given without compensation. Giveaway copies are provide by the publicist or publisher directly to the winner.