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Encyclopedias
Multimedia encyclopedias are useful and easy to use but they haven't
completely replaced their paper based competitors. A good single volume
encyclopedia can provide quick answers to questions, pictures to copy
and trace and a starting point for more in-depth research. In addition,
an encyclopedia in book form is always available even when someone else
is using the computer so it can ease the demand on the keyboard.
First Encyclopedias
Animated Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias for Older Children
First Encyclopedias
(with thanks to Jenny and Misty)
Several publishers produce simple encyclopedias with information and
illustrations designed to appeal to young children. They aim to introduce
the idea of reference books and interest their readers in the world about
them.
The
Dorling Kindersley First Encyclopedia is particularly suited to
the younger end of the age group as it starts by looking at familiar objects
and experiences, moving on gradually to the wider world. This approach
is good for the less confident child but means that the book will soon
be outgrown, especially as its slim size limits the amount of information
provided. On the other hand, its hard cover means it is robust enough
for a large family or classroom where it can be enjoyed by more than one
child. As you would expect from Dorling Kindersley, the colour drawings
and photographs are of a high standard and include plenty of children
to attract young readers attention. The text is clear with simple, straight
forward sentences to help beginner readers.
large format, hardback, 78 pages, ages 4-7
Buy from
Amazon
The
Oxford First Encyclopedia also divides its information into sections rather
than arranging it alphabetically. This works well as similar topics are
grouped together rather than spread through the book which minimises the
need for cross-referencing. With almost twice the number of pages as the
Dorling Kindersley version, it has the space to explore topics at greater
depth and includes suggestions for simple activities and investigations.
The layout is attractive with clear, bright illustrations and easy to
read text written in a direct, straightforward style which addresses the
reader as 'you' and builds new concepts from children's own experiences.
A good buy as a first encyclopedia which should remain useful for several
years.
large format, paperback, 144 pages, ages 5-9
Buy from
Amazon
The
Kingfisher First Encyclopedia is the closest to a traditional
reference book of the three titles considered here. The information is
arranged alphabetically and the text is slightly less direct, only occasionally
referring to the reader as 'you'. As with the others, the artwork is beautiful
and there is less text per page than the Oxford version which may make
it more appealing to weaker readers. This is the best choice if you want
to introduce children to alphabetical layout before they move on to standard
children's encyclopedias.
large format, hardback, 160 pages, ages 5-8
Buy from
Amazon
Animated Encyclopedias
The
Usborne Animated Encyclopedia
I've put this encyclopedia in its own category as it is so different from
the others on the market and bridges the two age ranges. All the information
is provided in strip cartoon format with colourful cartoon style illustrations.
This avoids long, daunting passages of text and makes the pages look as
child friendly as a comic but means there are no photographs to copy for
project work. There is also an accompanying CD ROM which contains the
whole book in electronic form with buttons to click to animate many of
the pictures and the option of hearing the text read aloud. Together the
book and CD cover a good range of topics in a way which is completely
accessible to weak readers and may tempt those who are put off by more
orthodox encyclopedias.
large format, hardback, 136 pages, ages 6 to 10+
Buy from
Amazon
Encyclopedias for Older
Children
There are three main contenders in this category, all of which are excellent.
These reviews are designed to highlight the differences between them to
help you choose the best one for your children.
The
Dorling Kindersley Illustrated Encyclopedia
This covers a wide range of topics including some British history
although it's surprising to see no separate entry for the Internet. Each
topic occupies at least one complete page with the text divided into a
main section which gives a good outline of the subject plus sub-sections
in smaller type which provide extra information and extend more able children.
The excellent illustrations are a balanced mix of photos and drawings
with some cut-away pictures and large maps. The index is reasonably easy
to use and there is also a useful factfinder section which includes a
timeline of world history and a map of the night sky.
Hardback 644 pages ages 9+
Buy from
Amazon .
The
Kingfisher Children's Encyclopedia
This also has a wide range of topics plus a factfinder section
but there is little coverage of purely British history. Each topic covers
at least one whole page and the book is printed on slightly thicker paper
than its two competitors which gives the book a feel some children will
prefer. The text is easy to read and understand with bold sub-headings
which divide it into easily manageable chunks. The book's strongest point
is its illustrations which are a good mix of photographs and drawings
with many excellent cut-away pictures. A number of the pictures
involve movement which increases their ability to catch children's interest.
This encyclopedia is a good choice for younger children and for reluctant
readers who will be attracted to the illustrations, although you'll need
to be prepared to help with the index as it is in much smaller type than
the rest of the book.
Hardback, 492 pages, interest age 7+, reading age 8+
Buy from
Amazon
The
Oxford Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia
As this encyclopedia is the only one which sometimes puts two
entries on the same page, it includes more topics than either of the others
and also provides the best coverage of British history. However, the text
dominates in this encyclopedia as the two or three illustrations per page
are small, static and only occasionally add extra information. This rather
formal layout is in marked contrast to its two competitors but it contains
some very well written and researched information which often goes into
sufficient depth to interest adults. The index has topic headings in bold
to make it easier to use. A good choice for studious older children and
unlikely to be outgrown.
Hardback, 672 pages, ages 11+
Buy from
Amazon
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