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Recommended References

 For Homeschoolers

 

Basic References

Click on item text link for additional images, pricing, and further details.

 

2-in-1 Illuminated Globe

Illuminated globe displays the Earth two ways. Not lit, globe shows detailed land areas in true-to-life colors and accurate, raised relief detail on mountains, deserts, forests and grasslands. When illuminated, the boundaries of all the nations appear. Globe is completely updated. 12" diameter.

 

World Atlas for Young Explorers (National Geographic) iconicon

This newly revised world atlas helps kids learn all about the world around them. Completely updated with accurate, detailed maps, fact-filled charts, photo essays and statistics. Designed especially for middle-grade readers, this is the atlas to which kids will refer again and again. Hardcover, 192 pages. Age 8+

 

Merriam-Webster's Biographical Dictionary

We found this reference volume to be very valuable and also reasonably priced. You'll find 1,170 pages of brief life biographies of more than 30,000 men and women--the famous, the not-so-famous, and the downright obscure. Coverage of the non-English speaking world is particularly comprehensive.  You'll have information about nearly any noteworthy person in history right at your fingertips. Terrific reference for homeschoolers.

 

World History Atlas 

Revised and updated to include recent archaeological discoveries and historical events, the World History Atlas is the most wide-ranging portrait of world history ever published. Combining state-of-the-art cartography with historical information and detailed regional mapping, this is a compelling look at the human journey. This huge book brings history to life for kids and anyone who thinks history is boring!

 

Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary

Designed especially for the needs of the middle-grade and junior high students, this revised dictionary contains 70,000 entries, more than 1,000 revised illustrations, abundant word history paragraphs, synonyms paragraphs, and example sentences. I originally bought a primary dictionary when my children were young, but we found it to be very disappointing. If you feel you need to get a children's dictionary, don't go with any less than this intermediate level. The younger versions lack many words that even young children want to look up.
 

Animal Encyclopedia

This lavishly illustrated guide investigates over 2,000 animal species, using crisp, stunning photographs, artwork, and special features. Each entry includes a fact box that provides quick reference information, such as family name for that group of animals, habitat, food, number of eggs or young, and size. A very useful scale shows a silhouette of the animal next to that of an average size adult human male, to give readers an idea of its size. The "Find Out More" box directs readers to other pages to read about a linked subject. A glossary and an index are provided, as well as an "Animal Life" section, which explains how animals behave and fit into their individual habitats. This wonderful resource for home projects or schoolwork will be an absolute favorite for every member of the family for years to come. Recommended ages 8+, but much younger children will love the animal photos.
 

Audubon Society Field Guides National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures (Audubon Society Field Guide)

Indispensable!  My children loved nature and exploring (don't all children?) so we found that good field guides were essential. We tried several and found the photographs in the Audubon Field Guides to be far superior to illustrations and drawings in others. Consider collecting these, starting with Birds Reptiles & Amphibians, and Mammals. Equally valuable are Butterflies, Insects & Spiders, Wild Flowers, Seashore Creatures, and Trees. Most of these field guides represent the species of specific regions, so be sure to select a field guide for the area in which you live.
 

Roget's Super Thesaurus, by Marc McCutcheon

When you are teaching children to write, it is essential that they learn to use a thesaurus. We always kept ours right next to the dictionary, plus each child had a pocket thesaurus in his or her room. I have selected Roget's Super Thesaurus here because it is carefully researched, very thorough, and is alphabetically arranged for ease of use. Put this one on the reference shelf, but be sure each child has a pocket thesaurus for quick reference too.

 

The 60-Second Encyclopedia (Okay, this one's just for fun!) iconicon

Did you know that in sixty seconds, a badger can dig a hole and disappear from sight? Or that a drizzle of rain falls at the speed of 198 feet a minute? This pint-sized encyclopedia offers hundreds of fascinating facts about all the things that happen or have been done in one minute! Includes a one-minute sand glass timer, and ideas for your own hands-on "minute" challenges to try. Softcover, 272 pages.  Ages: 8+

 

 

Children's Cookbooks

 

50 Craft Recipes for Kids - Our own e-book!

In this terrific new e-book, we've gathered recipes for a multitude of easy-to-make concoctions, compounds, mixtures, and brews that will get your children’s creative juices flowing (so to speak). Whether it’s Dazzling Paint, Secret Detective Disappearing Ink, or Watch Out! Volcano Lava, something here is sure to spark your child’s imagination. You'll find a huge variety of children's craft recipes that will keep your youngsters busy for hours! Perfect for homeschooling projects, rainy day activities, playgroups, after school programs, scout meetings, and more!

 

The Cheerios Cookbook, Betty Crocker

Creative, kid-friendly ways to use Cheerios in 37 recipes and 10 craft activities that families will love. From PB&J Squares and Choco Chip Mega Muffins to Superhero Shades, this book offers loads of opportunities for together time in the kitchen.

 

Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cookbook, edited by Jan Miller 

This kid-tested cookbook is written and designed to appeal to 8- to 12-year-old children. These recipes use short ingredient lists and have easy step-by-step instructions that kids will have fun preparing and the whole family will enjoy eating. Cooking Basics chapter covers all the things children need to know such as kitchen safety, menu-planning, basic nutrition information, and how to read food labels.  Yummy recipes include: Farmhouse Breakfast Pizza, Sun-Up Sandwiches, Fast Fixin’ Fajitas, Mighty Melts, Ooey Gooey Fudge Sauce, Raining Berries Turnovers. Age 8+

 

 

Drawing and Art Books and Supplies


Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too,

by Mona Brooks

I used the lessons in the book to each my younger children to draw, and we were so successful that I ended up using it to teach all of the children in our homeschool group. They were so pleased with their colorful masterpieces, we ended up presenting an art show. Excellent for kids 4+, and many adults too!

 

Drawing for Older Children & Teens: A Creative Method That Works for Adult

Beginners, Too

Also by Mona Brooks, this book was written with older