New Book Series for PAW Patrol Fans and Dog Lovers

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Calling Paw Patrol fans and all dog lovers! Doggy Defenders is brand new National Geographic Kids picture book series debuting with four amazing canine heroes.

In each read-aloud picture book, kids can follow the real-life adventures of dogs with jobs as they help their communities and save the day. We thought we’d be among the first to spread the word, since the only thing we might love more than dogs is encouraging a love of reading. And, it also happens to be National Read A Book Day today!

Stella the Search Dog  Courageous(and ridiculously cute!) bloodhound Stella spends an exciting day at work as a Virginia police search dog, tracking scent trails, riding in a helicopter, and even saving a lost hiker.

Dolley the Fire Dog  Learn all about Dolley’s important role as a fire dog in Loudoun County, Virginia as this Labrador retriever visits the site of a fire, trains to sniff out flammable items, and teaches kids about fire safety.

Willow the Therapy Dog  Willow is a rescued greyhound and a therapy dog in Washington, D.C. Willow has a very important job cheering people up and making them feel better and shares her day with young readers as she visits a hospital, helps children read at a library book party, and brings smiles to people who need them.

Tiger the Police Dog  Together with his handler Aida, Belgian Malinois Tiger is a member off the Washington, D.C. police department. Readers join Tiger on a typical day “on the job” where he visits a police academy, trains to sniff out important items, patrols famous landmarks, and keeps us all safe.

We think these make a great gift for your favorite young reader, dog lover and teacher to add to their bookshelves! Shop online here or at your local bookshop.

Also be sure to check out Daisy’s Big List of Dog Books for more ideas.

Learn About Animals and Encourage Year-Round Reading w/ National Geographic Kids Magazine

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Nat Geo Mag for Kids

Parents and grandparents, don’t miss this deal on National Geographic Kids Magazine. It’s 62% OFF a 12-month subscription right now at Amazon.com. This magazine discount works out to $15 ($39.50 reg) and this discount can be applied to a new or current subscription. What a great way to encourage your children to learn about animals, science and technology!

National Geographic Kids magazine is aimed at young readers from six years and up who want to find out more about the world around them. The magazine contains photos, fun facts, and articles presented in a cheery style, making it perfect for keeping kids’ attention. National Geographic Kids magazine has been presenting information to kids in an accessible way for over thirty-five years. [Read more…]

Sea Turtles for kids

You can expect the same kind of subjects to be included in National Geographic Kids magazine that you get in the adult version: animals, science, archaeology, and geography, but with technology and pop culture added to the mix too. As you might expect, there is also a strong emphasis on magnificent wildlife photography. Frequent appearances of animal posters can be found within the pages, as well as high-quality photographs sprinkled throughout the magazine. The addition of games and jokes, alongside other activities such as puzzles and competitions, keeps the subjects light, while still getting across the important facts. [See reviews from other parents and teachers…]

Dog laughing mag cover

Summer break will be here before you know it, and this magazine would be great at helping to prevent the ‘summer slide’ or learning loss that occurs over the summer if kids aren’t encouraged and motivated to keep reading and learning during their vacation. It looks like a super deal and a real treat for animal-loving young readers! Go HERE to check it out.

Adopt a Virtual Pet — Animal Jam FREE National Geographic Game Site for Kids!

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free pet-themed games for kids

Does your kid LOVE animals and games? What kid doesn’t! Here’s a super CUTE and fun FREE online animal game site for kids of all ages courtesy of National Geographic. Animal Jam is an online virtual playground for children who love animals and the outdoors, and is the result of an ongoing creative collaboration between Smart Bomb Interactive and National Geographic Society. I just had a look around and looks so fun, I can’t wait to play when I finish my work LOL!

This cool portal provides a fun, exciting and educational environment for kids to play online, while inspiring them to explore and protect the natural world outside their doors. And since it’s from the animal and nature experts over at National Geographic Kids, you know it’s also a SAFE online environment designed especially for children. Signup here to play for FREE…as with most game sites, there are optional paid features so be sure to have a look around and supervise your kiddos to get them started.

Exclusive Interview: 10 Questions with The Incredible Dr. Pol

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The Incredible Dr. Pol National Geographic Wild

In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (November 5th-11th), star of National Geographic Wild’s #1 series,  Dr. Jan Pol from The Incredible Dr. Pol took time from his busy schedule to offer our readers his expertise on spaying and neutering, as well as answer some burning questions we had about him, his family and the show. We’re HUGE fans of the show and so excited to get the opportunity to interview him as well as help spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering all pets to help reduce the number of unwanted animals who end up in shelters through no fault of their own.

10 Questions with The Incredible Dr. Pol

1) We know that you’re helping to spread the word about reducing the homeless pet population as part of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.  What age should pets be spayed or neutered?  Is it ever too early?
We spay and neuter pets at 4 months.  This is the ideal age for us.  I know some places do it earlier, but I like to do it at 16 weeks.

2) Are there other benefits to spaying and neutering pets besides reducing the homeless animal population/overcrowding in shelters?
Yes.  It reduces the incidence of mammary tumors, uterus infections and in males the prostrate problems later in life. [Read more…]

$17 for National Geographic Kids One-Year Subscription & Kids Almanac (73% Off)

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National Geographic Kids Almanac & 1yr

Mamasource has this awesome Cyber Monday Special, today only, which is the perfect holiday bundle for your young explorer! Give your child a head start with a subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine plus the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012!

This magazine educates and entertains at the same time, so keep the kiddos busy as they read about wildlife, science and technology, history and archaeology, cultures around the world. Plus, you’ll get this exciting and educational almanac (a New York Times best-seller) which is packed with fun-to-browse features, useful reference material, homework help developed by educators, and the kind of quirky facts that kids adore.

Don’t miss your chance to save big and help your kids develop a love and understanding of nature, animals and geography with this One Year Subscription and Kids Almanac for only $17 (or LESS if you have earned Mamasource Credits in the past)!