Awesome Adventures at the Smithsonian: The Official Kids Guide to the Smithsonian Institution
Former museum docent and teacher Korrell has crafted an in-depth and interactive guide to the nation’s most iconic museum system. This manual encompasses three of the Smithsonian Institute’s most frequently visited sites: the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Included are general do’s and don’ts for the museums, checklists of major highlights, and annotated floor plans. This book is a must-read for families headed to the museums, as it both maximizes visitors’ time spent in the facilities and serves as a great memento—especially since readers are encouraged to journal and record their impressions of major exhibits along the way. While intended for use in conjunction with a site visit, kids not headed to Washington will find value in reading about the Smithsonian’s hallmark exhibits, such as the First Ladies’ inaugural gowns, the Wright Brothers’ airplane, and the Hall of Mammals. A dynamic layout will foster boundless interest for museum visitors and casual readers alike. Grades 4-7. --Erin Anderson