Book review: 'National Geographic Kids Almanac' makes learning fun for kids

The Fed Ex guy delivered a bright blue package to my house the other day. My kids have figured out that certain packages shaped in certain sizes usually mean one thing: a new book.

I've somehow passed my obsession love of reading on to my kids and, unless I exert a good amount of discipline, those kids will grab new books right out of my hands.

Good thing I'm strong. Because this book was one they were literally fighting over.

Aaaaand here's the package contents. Photo taken on my driveway with my cell phone because I don't even attempt to pretend I'm a classy photographer.

They also really liked the toy that came with the book. At first they and their friends (our neighborhood is full of kids and that day there were five of them at our house) fought over playing with the pool toy, then they started grabbing the book from each other.

But this is a book review, so let's talk about the book.

Super cool.

This book has it all: facts about space, geography, land forms, Yellowstone, U.S. presidents, ocean animals, technology, you name it, it's in there. But it also has mazes, Mad Lib-type games, hidden pictures, funny trivia, and quizzes. The caption on the front that claims it will tell kids "everything you always wanted to know about everything," is pretty spot on.

So basically, this book is perfect for not only kids, but also adults. Because, let's be honest here, I refused to hand the book over to my kids until I'd been able to spend a good deal of time with it.

That night, I found my son sequestered on the couch, spouting off space facts to his older sister. Earlier that day, one of my daughters had taken the book and was finding the hidden pictures with her friend. Then my oldest got hold of the book. She and her friend read facts about ocean animals and then quizzed each other about how many volcanoes were located in the Ring of Fire. I thought about reminding all these kids that school was over for the day, but instead I just sat back and watched them enjoy learning.

With 350 pages of full-color photographs and facts, this book can keep kids not only entertained, but informed for a long time. Just make sure you get your hands on it before your kids do. Otherwise, you might never see it again. Amazon claims this book is for 8-12 year olds. But based on how much my 5-year-old enjoyed it, and how cool I think it is, I'd say it's for just about any age.