Charting the World: Geography and Maps from Cave Paintings to GPS    by Richard Panchyk Order:  USA  Can Chicago Review Press, 2011 (2011) Softcover      Reviewed by Bob Walch 'There is no such thing as a typical map,' writes Richard Panchyk. As you read this fascinating history of maps and mapmaking, you'll see exactly what the author means. The evolution of maps, their different styles, and the many uses of cartography are just some of the subjects this book investigates. Not only will you find a wealth of illustrations and maps, but there are also 21 practical, child-friendly projects that either teachers or parents homeschooling their young can use to make this subject a more hands-on experience. Some of these activities include creating a three-dimensional island model using a contour map, determining the elevation of hills in the neighborhood, creating a nautical map of a puddle, and navigating a course using a compass. Although this is intended for use with children nine years of age and older, I found this book so interesting that I believe many adults will love reading it. If you'd like to know a whole lot more about cartography, this is an excellent place to begin. You might be surprised to discover that the entire family will want to investigate this topic in more depth and the activities can be a lot of fun too. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews