Jordan (Hardcover)

This series succeeds dramatically in communicating the unique charm, the allure, and the cultures of other parts of the world. Here also are geography, history, economics, key attractions ... and so much more. The result is a delightful mix of enchantment that is as riveting as it is informative.

From the start, readers are caught up in the crisp style of the series. Whether it's a description of bustling London, or an incredibly readable explanation of the decline of ancient Egypt, 5th-grade-and-up students are right there ... visualizing ... understanding ... and remembering!

Best of all, little is overlooked that will contribute to the readers' total appreciation of a culture. Be it sagas of Vikings or folktales of trolls. Or even acknowledgment of modern Vikings like Thor Heyerdahl. There's mystery such as England's Stonehenge and Egypt's Great Pyramids ... plus nature's wonders -- like Australia's egg-laying platypus and China's gentle but rare pandas. Everything is there ... to be enjoyed, relished, and learned from.

Each book also includes a chapter of brief biographies of important people. And each features an 8-10 page reference section of "quick facts", perfect for students' research, about such subjects as population, government, geographical data, currency, and historical chronology. Throughout, all the books are ablaze with a generous amount of beautiful full-color photographs.

"Enchantment of the World" can be of equal importance in the library or social studies classroom. Either way, it's a series that students will go back to again and again.