Great Magazines for Children

Everyone loves getting mail, especially children. What better way to introduce your child to different aspects of learning than through an ongoing subscription to an outstanding magazine?

Here are some with social studies/history or science themes your budding scholar might enjoy.

The next 4 magazines are all published by the Carus Publishing Co.: 800 - 821-0115. www.cricketmag.com Subscription: (9 issues) - $26.95. (Ages 9 - 14).

Calliope: This fascinating magazine introduces young people to different aspects of world history through tantalizing themes. Each colorful issue contains articles, maps, time lines, illustrations, historical photographs, artwork from museums, activities, contests, and submissions form readers. Past themes have included Science and Medicine in Ancient Egypt, the Theatre in Ancient Greece, and The Middle Ages in Europe.

Cobblestone: American history comes to life in the pages of this compelling theme-based magazine. Each issue contains intriguing articles and sidebars, biographical sketches, historic photos, original illustrations. Primary documents, maps, activities, and contests. Past themes included the Battle of Antietam, the California Gold Rush, and the Bill of Rights.

Faces: This brilliant magazine invites readers to travel the world without leaving their homes! Each issue uses feature articles, activities, first-hand accounts, folktales, legends, pictures, stories, illustrations, maps, and time lines to introduce youngsters to diverse cultures throughout the world. Past themes have included Canada, Hong Kong, and the Rainforest People of Peru.

Odyssey: This theme-based astronomy and space-science magazine contains feature articles, stories, games, puzzles, colorful photographs, sky charts, interviews with scientists, contests, and student-submitted work. Past themes included Robot Explorers, Imaging form the Atom to the Cosmos, and Science Olympiad.

Zoobooks: Published by Wildlife Education Ltd.: 800-992-5034 Subscription (12 issues) - $19.95. (Ages 5 - 14) www.zoobooks.com This informative, entertaining wildlife series introduces young readers to the exciting world of animals. Each colorful issue contains photographs, illustrations, scientifically accurate facts, and activities that explore different aspects of an animal or group of animals.

National Geographic Kids Magazine: Published by National Geographic Society: 800-638-4077. www.geokids.com Subscription (12 issues) - $17.95. (Ages 8 - 14). Designed to encourage geographic awareness and curiosity about the world, this award-winning magazine uses facts, articles, photographs, stories, cartoons, posters, games, and activities to introduce readers to various topics including natural history, science, hobbies, and outdoor adventures.

Here are some magazines to inspire your future writer or artist.

Creative kids: Published by Prufrock Press: 800-998-2208. www.prufrock.com Subscription (4 issues) - $19.95. (Ages 8 - 14). Bursting with new ideas and activities designed to challenge and encourage the thinking skills of youngsters, this award-winning magazine contains exciting stories, poems, essays, artwork, logic puzzles, games, cartoons, photographs, and crafts produced by creative kids.

Stone Soup: Published by Children's Art Foundation: 408-426-5557. www.stonesoup.com Subscription (6 issues) - $33.00. (Ages 6 - 14). This inspirational magazine showcases the talent of young writers and artists from around the world. Each issue contains original artwork and thought-provoking stories, poems, and book reviews.