Here's a truly integrated approach to geography. Each book is in the format of an adventure capturing the imagination of learners and transporting them to a special location where they share in adventures via captivating stories, whimsical characters, and beautiful illustrations. M.A.P.S. Book 1 unfolds in the charming village of Sycamore Glade with quaint characters such as young raccoon, Jonathan Demaskcus (son of the keeper of the bed and breakfast); otter, Otto Darty (who runs the ferry); Charles Airborne (hot air balloonist); and many others. Each intriguing story is accompanied by reproducible worksheets that relate to the events of the story and teach and reinforce map-reading skills. Students fall in love with the characters and their adventures and want to learn each new map skill in order to plot their way through the next escapade. Each book also includes a full-color poster of the book's location and ideas for additional, hands-on activities. What a wonderful way to stimulate students' imaginations and create fervor for learning essential map-reading skills. This pair of books received the Teachers' Choice Award from Learning Magazine for best new curriculum materials throughout the United States. For more map activities for primary students, see M.A.P.S. Book 2. Grades 2-3