Highlights

Highlights, Hidden Pictures 2009
$5.95
Thank you for sending the hidden picture book. I have been using it as thank you for working reward. It was nice to have the book come so quickly.

National Geographic Kids
$39.50
I am not happy that this magazine began in late October after I was told that the first issue would not arrive until near Christmas. That being said, my nephew and his family love receiving this magazine. It is Nov. 22 and they have already received 2 issues of what was supposed to be a Christmas present! My nephew is 7 and in first grade. His parents find that the magazine is great for discussions, especially at dinner, and that he has begun being interested in different countries and people than his friends, neighbors and relatives. It's a great magazine for both kids and parents. It has something new and interesting for everyone.

Ranger Rick
$42.00
Haven't received anything yet... in fact AFTER I commited to purchasing this magazine, I received a message saying that it was not published on a regular basis... and (to be fair to Amazon) charges would be posted only after the first magazine has been sent... I wish Amazon would put this info in the description/up front... I was disappointed for the kid.

Your Big Backyard
$35.40
Your Big Backyard is one of several excellent magazines issued by the National Wildlife Federation and it ranks as a great choice of reading and learning material for the targeted age group, which is between three and seven years of age. This magazine aims to educate children on the fascinating world of animals and it accomplishes this through its fun games, colorful pictures, fact sheets, and learning materials to stimulate interest in the great outdoors.

This magazine is aimed at learning and building an interest in children about wildlife and it succeeds on all counts. The cover picture on each issue of Your Big Backyard always features an animal and there are always a few accompanying pages of facts and pictures about the featured animal, including a poster in the middle of each issue that children will enjoy tacking to their bedroom wall. When the magazine isn't offering facts and photos, it is entertaining children with its many games and other enjoyable learning tools and activities. Some of the fun material each month includes suggestions for outdoor games involving wildlife, animal- related crafts, and a fun guide that includes suggestions for songs, books, and more.

Your Big Backyard is mostly a visually- stimulating magazine, and this makes it perfect for children in the target age group. Kids will like learning the facts about different animals, but what they will like most of all are the pictures. The photography includes animals in their actual habitat, including close- up shots that help to educate children on specific traits of different animals. Besides the photographs, there are also some drawings of animals and there is even a section that displays some of the works of art drawn by little kids who submit their drawings and colorings to Your Big Backyard with the hope of getting published. Children will like the visual aspects more than anything and they will often marvel at the interesting animals depicted in each issue.

The National Wildlife Federation publishes many fine magazines and Your Big Backyard is one of its best. It teaches children about animals, is loaded with great visuals for children, and offers games and other interactive tools to encourage quality time spent between parent and child. It is an educational read that earns an easy recommendation.