The Little Man In the Map

The Little Man In the Map is a beautiful, oversized hardcover book that teaches United States geography through picture and rhyme. Author E. Andrew Martonyi and illustrator Ed Olson have done an excellent job creating a book that is both visually appealing and fun to read aloud again and again.

The story begins in a classroom of children; none too excited to have to piece together all the states in a puzzle. They soon discover that the shapes of the states in the middle of the map create a figure, and so the Man In the Middle (or MIM) is discovered. He takes them on a journey of their imaginations where each state becomes more than meets the eye. As they travel through the regions, they find a mitten, puppy, table, chair, a turtle, an elf, and even a flashlight, all cleverly disguised as states. The children are now excited to learn United States geography, all thanks to MIM and their imaginations.

I tend to be more right brain dominant and have children who are as well. We need story and visuals to cement dry facts into our heads and this book does a wonderful job connecting the facts with the imagination. This would be an excellent choice for anyone who learns best with pictures and story, although I’m sure all would enjoy it. A short teacher’s guide is available with added activities. My favorite is “Bake the States” which contains instructions for creating a clay map of the US. There is also a wall map available for purchase, which would be an excellent reinforcement.

I will use this book myself by combining it with the Flat Travelers project and a good US Kids Cookbook. The wall map and a US State puzzle (maybe a floor size puzzle?) would also be a great addition. It sounds like a wonderfully fun way to learn about geography!

The Little Man In the Map sells for $19.95 and the 38x22 inch Wall Map for $21.95 at Schoolside Press. Also be sure and check out the authors blog, FrogsJumpUSA!