Like me, my daughter Vanessa is fascinated by maps, atlases and geography in general. And like most first-graders, she’s addicted to the iPad and it’s endless apps. So I was intrigued when I was approached by Barefoot Books — one of my favorite multicultural children’s book publishers — regarding a new app they recently launched together with Touch Press – the creators of some of the best apps out there.

I knew the Barefoot World Atlas app would be well done, but I honestly didn’t expect it to be so amazing. I mean, I have so many good things to say about it that I don’t even know where to begin. For starters, it’s available in Spanish, English and Catalan, which is a HUGE plus in my book.

As soon as the app finished downloading*, Vanessa took the iPad from me and started exploring it. There was no need to explain how to work it because, like most kids her age, she’s growing up in a world surrounded by tablets and smartphones. Even so, the Barefoot World Atlas is extremely easy to figure out. The first thing Vanessa did was spin the 3D globe with a swish of her little finger. She then zoomed in and started pressing icons here and there.

I decided to sit back and watch her play with the app and all I could hear was “Ooooh” and “Aaah” and “Cool!” as she explored the world.

The app is loaded with endless information regarding each country, including sound effects, animated icons and multimedia features, which allow kids to learn more about many particular features of each country. The written and spoken Spanish is flawless and the possibilities for learning are never ending.

It has quickly become both Vanessa and Santiago’s (he’s only 3, but he copies everything his big sister does) favorite app and it’s the first one they’ll go to when allowed to use the iPad.

This is the perfect app for parents with kids in dual language programs to reinforce what they’re learning in social studies. But it’s even better for parents who, like me, are raising bilingual children by teaching them Spanish at home. The Barefoot World Atlas app is available for the iPad, the iPhone and iPod touch for $4.99 at Apple’s iTunes store.

(*A word of caution: the Barefoot World Atlas takes a while to download because it’s a pretty large file, but it’s totally worth all the space it takes)

THE GIVEAWAY

Two winners will each receive a code to download the Barefoot World Atlas app for free (you need to have an iPad, iPod touch or iPhone) and a copy of the Barefoot World Atlas book.

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Before the days of Google, I remember turning to encyclopedias and almanacs for information. School projects can become excuses to brush up on all kinds of topics when you have a picture-filled reference book. Almanacs have come a long way since I was in school, though.

The World Almanac for Kids 2013 has kept my family entertained for a week straight. We’ve quizzed each other on the order of U.S. Presidents, learned which planets are the biggest and hottest, and discussed the fashions of the 1500s. My 4-year-old can’t even read yet, but he’s been fascinated by the pictures and maps and has invented his own “facts” to tell me. My stepdaughters loved reading about Greek mythology and the world’s population.

Google may be able to produce fast answers, but it can’t generate the level of curiosity that a book such as The World Almanac does. The 2013 version discusses everything from Justin Bieber’s popularity to how dollar bills are made, and is guaranteed to make everyday discussions at your house more interesting.

The Giveaway!

ONE lucky winner will receive a copy of The World Almanac for Kids 2013.

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