Having received 6 issues now, I am very impressed with NG Little Kids. Each issue is 24 pgs long, of which 19 of them containing high quality photos (as opposed to drawings). It is packed with activities: a page or two on questioning animal behavior, figuring out rhymes, finding differences and similarities, naming close-up shots, matching big and small items, counting, solving a maze, finding animals within a scene, and imagining what an animal in a photo is thinking. Not only is there a short article detailing one animal but usually there is also one on a society culture (i.e. Africa, China, India), which most kids' magazines lack. A few pages are dedicated to science exploration, craft, and cooking. Every issue also has six tear-out cards of animals with an animal fact on the back of each. Even though it is geared to toddlers and preschoolers, this magazine interests all of my kids, ages 6, 4 and 1 (but really the best for ages 3-4). Best of all, except for a tear-out subscription postcard, there are no ads (unlike NG Kids). This magazine is better than National Wildlife Federation's Wild Animal Baby. As mentioned in a previous review, buy it direct from National Geographic to save money. The only thing I can think of to improve the magazine is to have more issues per year and maybe sturdier/thicker pages.
My only major complaint is that Amazon is charging way too much for a subscription. On the National Geographic site, you can get it for $15 a year. Don't waste your money here.
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My daughter (3 1/2) really likes this magazine. As another reviewer said, the content is great. The only problem is, there's not enough of it. It's a small magazine, and it takes us about 20 minutes to go through it. It needs to either be meatier, or more frequent than every 2 months! Even with re-reading, it doesn't last very long before she's memorized the whole thing.It is cheaper on the NG website, which is how I bought it, and I still question whether it will be worth $15 again this year. For $2.50 an issue, I'd like to see more of it! It offers something that Ladybug and Highlights High Five don't, with a focus on nature and science, but I expected more magazine for the money.
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This short magazine is really wonderful for the audience it's targeted to: LITTLE KIDS. Think 2-3-year-olds here. My 3-year-old son received a subscription for his birthday and absolutely loves it. He and his Dad read it together and it only takes about 20 minutes to read the whole thing at his pace. I do think that the age appropriateness will depend on your kid; I'd say there are 1and 4-year-olds out there who would also enjoy it. I suggest searching your public library or inter-library loan to see if you can borrow a copy first to see if it's something your kid will like (this is what we did).I want to address some complaints other reviewers have made:
1)Uses stock photos. They may be stock photos but they are fantastic ones, up close, and suited to young children. I can only imagine this keeps publishing costs lower than they'd otherwise be.
2)Too simple/not enough content. I disagree. This is meant to be a first magazine, even before a kid is old enough for the classic Highlights mag. It's got LOTS of high-quality photos so a kid can enjoy looking at it on his own. The written content is meant to be interactive I like this for a small child. If you want articles that keep you interested as a parent, you should get National Geographic or if your kid is beginning to read himself then order NG Kids. Also, in addition to the content in the magazine there is a website with games, "science experiments", crafts and short articles on animals. The web content doesn't match what's in the paper mag each month, but it is a fun way to fill in the gap while you wait another week for the next issues and fun to introduce your kid to learning on the web.
3)Too few issues. I agree it would be nice if there were 10-12 issues especially when paying full price for a subscription. But when on sale for $15 per year ($2.50 per issue) I don't think it's too terribly expensive if your kids devours it over and over again like mine does. Just when he's starting to get bored with the last issue another comes in the mail. This is another reason to try borrowing a copy you'll be able to see if the interest lasts.
4)Cheap. I assume this is what the reviewer meant who wrote that this seems like a freebie that comes with a Happy Meal. At first glance, yes, perhaps it seems that way. But the freebies at McD's are truly cheap and when they try to be educational are often inaccurate. This is small and short because it's aimed at young children, but it's very well produced. The photos are stunning and the "games" aren't as stupid and inane as the ones that come as freebies. It's fairly durable too, printed on high quality paper. I still make my son be careful with it because he's a rough kid, but it holds up well even to him.
5)Small. While the magazine is small (6.5x7 inches) I see this as a plus. Have you ever seen a 2-year-old trying to hold up a large floppy magazine or piece of paper? Very frustrating for the kid. NG Little Kids is the perfect size for little hands.
All in all I'd highly recommend this magazine TO A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE: preschoolers who love animals and nature but can't yet read. If that's not your child, then check out some of the other quality nature magazines for older kids (i.e.National Geographic Kids, NG Young Explorers, Big Backyard, or Ranger Rick).
***I'd also like to point out for parents who are wary of the intent behind science-based kids' materials that I've never seen anything in the issues so far that I thought needed further explanation or correction. Whether you are a Creationist or believe in evolution, you probably won't find anything in here to give you pause.***
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As an educator and mom of a 3 year old, this magazine rocks! My 3 1/2 year old LOVES it! It is highly engaging. She loves to read it over and over and at this age, and as a developing reader, that is what she should be doing. The age range (3-6) is actually perfect. This product is not meant to send you kid to a corner and keep them quiet for an hour. There are fabulous activities that build reading readiness and help emerging reader. To get the full value out of the magazine make sure you are reading it with your child, and using the guides (such as the questions) to interact and educate your child! Also, there are NO ADS in this magazine....ther is a subscription card, but that is easily taken out and thrown away or passed on to a friend!Save 37% Off
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