Fact or Fiction? Get BOTH With National Geographic Kids {+ Sweepstakes}

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My kids love National Geographic books!

No matter how many we add to our collection, each one is met with the same excitement. Who knew that books that are actually quite informative could grab kids attention as they do? But with their bold images and interesting facts, I must admit that at 31 years old, I enjoy them too.

When it comes to educational non-fiction books... no one does it quite like National Geographic Kids. They actually get kids EXCITED to learn! When the 'National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019' arrived a few weeks ago, my son said it best with his simple exclamation, "I've been waiting for this!"

Who knew that a book full of facts could truly get kids so excited that they actually WAIT for it? It comes as no surprise to me that it is the most popular kids almanac on the planet! Each year it comes out with new fun facts and interesting reads that will keep kids coming back for more all year long. I love that when my son is getting bored, it's one I can hand to him and let him go to town--- whether we're riding in the car, waiting at the doctor's office, or just trying to kill some time on a rainy day.  Some of its features include Cool Things for 2019 on various themes throughout the book, from the 19 cutest animals to 19 amazing facts about Vikings and more. Sounds fun, right?

This year, the fun keeps going beyond the pages. Kids are invited to participate in the Lions Forever Almanac Challenge for a chance to win a $500 gift card to host a lion conservation party! Go to natgeokids.com/almanac to learn more!

When it comes to the facts, we know that National Geographic is fantastic. That goes without saying. But now, they just released the first book in their new Explorer Academy seven book fiction series. We were beyond thrilled to check out the first book in the series, Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret-

Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.
Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him, and why? 
Readers can get in on the excitement with puzzles and codes embedded throughout.

This book series is geared towards middle-graders (ages 8-12). My 11 year old is an advanced reader, so this was an easy read for him, but most importantly it managed to capture his interest which is perhaps the hardest task in finding books for him (and boys at his age in general, if you ask me). A school for adventurers? What kid isn't going to love that? Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret engages kids on so many levels beyond the story itself, featuring code-breaking, puzzles, and a storyline that encourages observation, deductive reasoning, and problem-solving. My son loved the great story and the added interactive elements. They kept him interested and really drew him in. To him, it was just fun.

As a mom, I loved the educational aspect of it. We've come to expect great fact from National Geographic and this series still provides that! It is fact-based fiction, inspired by the real-life adventures of real National Geographic explorers. Each book features a Truth Behind the Fiction section and profiles real explorers and their work. Cool, right? I also loved that it introduces kids to a wide variety of cultures too. All things we as moms can feel good about our kids reading.

Even better? To celebrate the launch of Explorer Academy, one lucky family will experience a spectacular ship-based expedition, just like the students at Explorer Academy. The grand prize is a family trip for four to Alaska’s Inside Passage from National Geographic Expeditions. Enter the sweepstakes at exploreracademytrip.com.

Ready to get reading? National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 and Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret are available to purchase on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Hudson Booksellers, IndieBound, Powell’s, or wherever books are sold. Don't forget to also check out the books' websites above for more fun activities.

Learn more and connect with National Geographic at the links below:

Visit the Website.
Like on Facebook.
Follow on Twitter.