No one knows the national parks better than National Geographic. Drawing millions of tourists each year, our national parks capture a special place in our hearts — and in the history of how the planet came to be the shape it is now. National Geographic offers a beautifully illustrated 36 half-hour lecture series that takes you to more than a hundred spectacular sites guided by geologist and former college professor Ford Cochran; exploring the geology, history, and grandeur of our national parks.

As a National Geographic KIDS Ambassador, we had the privilege of chatting with Ford Cochran, geologist and Program Director for National Geographic, and we asked him if he had a chance to do three road trips, where would he go? I won’t lie, we had a hard time nailing him down to just three, but here are his DREAM National Park Road Trip Loops:

The intros to each of the parks are provided from their National Park Service or Forest Service website homepages since we haven’t visited all of them — yet.

Best National Park Road Trips

#1 Pacific Northwest Circuit

Olympic National Park

With nearly one million acres, Olympic encompasses several distinctly different ecosystems and protects a rich mosaic of natural and cultural history. Untamed rivers flow from glacier-capped peaks through valleys of old-growth forests, waves crash against a shoreline rich with life, and only trails traverse the vast interior of this internationally recognized wilderness.

Mt Rainier National Park

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

Mt. St. Helen’s

Located in Southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1,368,300 acres of forests, mountains, river valleys, waterfalls, wildernesses, and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.  The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has something for everyone.

— If you want more, add in:

Fort Clatsop – Louis & Clark National Park

Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the Native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America’s most famous explorers.

The park encompasses sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. Follow in the footsteps of the explorers and have an adventure in history.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake has inspired people for thousands of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom.

Mt. Hood National Forest

Located twenty miles east of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the northern Willamette River valley, the Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams to Olallie Scenic Area, a high lake basin under the slopes of Mt. Jefferson. –

According to Mr. Cochran, the Timberline Lodge is a must!

#2 Colorado Plateau Circuit

Grand Canyon National Park – a national treasure

Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep. Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size.

Bryce Canyon National Park

There is no place like Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion) can be found on every continent, but here is the largest collection of hoodoos in the world! Descriptions fail. Cave without a roof? Forest of stone? Photographs do not do it justice. An imagination an wonder will serve you when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park.

Zion National Park

Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.—If you want more, add in:

Arches National Park

Visit Arches and discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures unlike any other in the world. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. This red rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.

Mesa Verde National Park

On June 29, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park to “preserve the works of man,” the first national park of its kind. Today, the continued preservation of both cultural and natural resources is the focus of the park’s research and resource management staff.

Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the park, inspires visitors to imagine what life was like over seven hundred years ago. But the task of preserving this nearly eight century old site has its challenges as well as its rewards. Learn about the current conservation and stabilization project of this magnificent ancient structure.

#3 US – Canada

Glacier National Park

Come and experience Glacier’s pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans.

Developed when the Park Service felt it was their job to provide accessibility and they created a road that climbs over a major pass “Going to the Sun Road” which has been called the “Most Beautiful Drive in the United States”.

Waterton Lakes National Park (Canadian)

The prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.Bampf

Banff National Park (Canadian)

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and the world’s third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world’s premier destination spots. Do not miss Lake Louise and The Icefields Parkway (Canada’s most spectacular drive!).

—add in these two National Treasures with this incredible group.

Yellowstone National Park

Visit Yellowstone and experience the world’s first national park. Marvel at a volcano’s hidden power rising up in colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. Explore mountains, forests, and lakes to watch wildlife and witness the drama of the natural world unfold. Discover the history that led to the conservation of our national treasures “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

Grand Tetons National Park

Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.

National Geographic National Park Book Store

Click to purchase using our Amazon affiliate links

As always, our friends at  National Geographic Kids have provided us with some FANTASTIC books to accompany your research and your adventure!

This is a fun, kid-friendly guide with a cute story about Buddy the Bison and a brother and sister team as they explore the park.

The next three books should be on EVERY road trip this summer. Seriously, these are fantastic resources with fun activities, puzzles, games, facts and more! They will keep your kids entertained for hours and help them (and you!) learn about our national treasures, the National Parks.

When you go to a National Park, seek out the Visitor’s Center and get a stamp for your passport book. We just started ours this year and my kids are already plotting for more!

Buy your National Park Passports and get started!

FINALLY, I couldn’t write this post without including a plug for Ken Burns’ Documentary on the National Parks. It is absolutely stunning and will fill you with awe.

So — where are you going to go?

If you head out, tag your photos with #BonBonBreakIRL

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The post Expert Picks: The 3 Best National Park Road Trips first appeared on BonBon Break.

We were asked if we would like to pick one of the new t-shirts from Crazy 8 that share various facts from National Geographic’s book “Weird But True“. Each of my kids picked one, but honestly, they wanted all eight!

Who wouldn’t want a shirt that boasts one of the following facts:

• A baby porcupine is called a porcupette.
• Girls have more taste buds than boys.
• Butterflies taste food with their feet.
• Astronauts can’t whistle on the moon.
• Spiders have clear blood.
• Sharks have eight senses. Humans only have five.
• No one knows what color dinosaurs were.
• Gorillas burp when they are happy.

Check out our choices and some of Cole’s favorite facts.

Crazy 8 is a children’s clothing brand that makes fun, fashion-forward, age-appropriate clothes for children 6 months – 14 years old. They know that life is crazy 8 days a week. so they give parents real deals on cool clothes that kids love to wear – making shopping easy and fun! Take a peek at the entire series.

Now is your chance to win that $75 gift card and a copy of “Weird But True”!

To enter, leave a comment about which of these is your favorite “Weird But True” T-shirt.

Just a warning: If you try to get a somewhat serious photo out of your kids while they are wearing these t-shirts, you will be out of luck. The good news? You will get photos of their real, energetic, fun selves.

Giveaway details:

This giveaway is sponsored by National Geographic Kids and BonBon Break Media, LLC. Entries will be accepted until June 15, 2016, at midnight PST. This giveaway is open to United States and Canadian residents only. Void where prohibited. We will never sell, distribute, or spam your email.

The winner will be chosen by Random.org and we will contact them via Facebook Direct Messenger. In the event that the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a second winner will be chosen.

Cannot redeem for cash. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S or Canada to enter. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

The post Get Crazy & Weird with Your Kids (Giveaway) first appeared on BonBon Break.

National Geographic has partnered with a National Park every year and this year they are partnering with all of these parks!

Stay overnight and look for owls and stay to the end where you can join the celebration.

What a great way for your kids to learn about the nearby biodiversity and to be active. We will be heading to ours, will you?

BioBlitzes will be held in parks across the nation, including:

Cornerstone Event:

National Parks BioBlitz: Washington, D.C.

Northeast Region:

First State National Historical Park

Southeast Region:

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Congaree National Park
Cowpens National Battlefield
Fort Sumter National Monument
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Ninety Six National Historic Site

Midwest Region:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Intermountain Region:

Bandelier National Monument

Pacific West North:

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle Unit
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
Olympic National Park
San Juan Island National Historical Park

Pacific West South:

Cabrillo National Monument
Channel Islands National Park
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Alaska Region:

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Keep an eye on the BioBlitz site for updates, to learn more, to engage with their interactive maps, and to learn how to record your observations.

Thank you to National Geographic Kids for teaching us about this awesome opportunity!

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The post May 20 & 21 National Park Service BioBlitz first appeared on BonBon Break.

My daughter is full of fire. When I was pregnant with her, we called her “Sass-parilla” because as I rubbed my belly, she would punch back. When she was born, we gifted my son a pair of earmuffs to stifle her operatic screams. When she began to move, we started calling her “Full Throttle”. You get the idea, right?

At one point, someone commented that we would need to “break that one”.

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Yes, it stunned me into silence. I can’t imagine trying to “break” the spirit of my running, jumping, climbing, repelling, diving, swimming, laughing girl. It’s quite the opposite, we celebrate it and encourage her by presenting her with new challenges that she can conquer. If it is a physical challenge that she needs to think her way through, she is at the top of her game and we see this:

Lately, her challenge has taken a turn from physical to intellectual. My baby girl is learning to read and it didn’t surprise me to see that she would relate to the energy of Big Cats. Through our partnership with National Geographic KIDS, we were sent MISSION: LION RESCUE a book all about lions and how to save them.

This isn’t a book for beginning readers, yet at the same time, it is. The photos caught her attention and she felt PARTICULARLY powerful while wearing these:

and this:

We looked through the beautiful photos and talked about why these animals are so important. She asked about “all of the mamas and babies living together”. Ah yes, the village, the tribe, the pack, the pride. We all need that. It’s amazing the conversations that can be had while flipping through this book. What do they need to survive? Why would people want to hurt them? Mama, how can we help them?

I pointed to her shoes. “Can you believe it? This company, TOMS, believes in these Big Cats and wants to help them. Every time someone buys a pair of these shoes, they donate money to help.” Her eyes opened bright with delight.

So here is the scoop…

Big cats in the wild are disappearing at an alarming rate. In fact, within your lifetime lions in the wild could disappear forever. Since 2009, National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative has worked to reverse this decline through on-the-ground conservation and education projects.

TOMS is excited to partner with National Geographic and support its nonprofit work through the Big Cats Collection, a special-edition line of footwear, sunglasses, and a backpack. Inspired by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative, the collection draws attention to the critical need to protect these majestic creatures for generations to come.

Each item in the collection features design elements representative of a big cat as well as iconic photography from National Geographic’s image library.

The collection is available at TOMS retail stores, select retailers and online now.

My little lady also learned that she can write a letter to the lions via filmmakers and National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Dereck and Beverly have promised to deliver them to African leaders to let them know how important lions are to kids EVERYWHERE. Visit here for details.

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As we perused through the section of the book on African v. Asiatic lions, there was a section about ANIMAL SUPERPOWERS and the language of lions, their roar.

Lions roar to communicate with their pride mates and to announce their presence in a territory. Lions can count the number of nearby lions just by listening to their roars. By listening to their roars, lions know whether a lion is a friend or an invader and even if it is male or female. 

“Mama? We use our voices that way, too and we can use our voices to save their roar.” Well said little lady.

…and because we TRULY believe in National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and TOMS, we are giving away a pair of these fabulous shoes and a copy of MISSION: LION RESCUE! One for mama and one for your little wild cat. Go to THIS FB POST and leave a photo of your kiddo giving their fiercest lion roar by January 29, 2016 11: 59 PM PST. See the fine print below.

We are proud to be part of the

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Giveaway details:

This giveaway is sponsored by BonBon Break Media, LLC and it will end on January 29, 2016, at 11:59 PM PST. One LUCKY winner will be chosen to receive an adult female pair of shoes, a child’s pair and a book. No purchase necessary. Cannot redeem for cash. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S or Canada to enter. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Google+, Pinterest or Instagram. Winner will be chosen randomly and will be notified via Facebook Direct Messenger within 48 hours of the giveaway closing. Winner will be announced on the post. The winner must respond within 48 hours of receiving the email or a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck! This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

The post Preserving Your Daughter’s ROAR first appeared on BonBon Break.

Ahhh! It is fast approaching…Christmas. Do you need some last minute options? (Read to the end for a quick giveaway!) One of the BEST perks about being a National Geographic Insider is the incredible flow of fantastic books and magazines to my mailbox! There was one that really caught my eye, my time, and we have enjoyed it for hours. Take a peek:

National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry

This book is beautiful on so many levels. The combination of photos and poetry have tied us to the couch multiple times. Did I mention that they even included my favorite, Robert Frost? Swoon. From mountains to rivers, this is the perfect gift for nature lovers and poets alike.

MORE FAVORITES FROM NAT GEO

National Geographic Why? 1,111 Answers to Everything

National Geographic How to Survive Anything

National Geographic Treasury of Norse Mythology

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Reptileopedia

National Geographic 4-D puzzles Ancient Egypt

So now for the giveaway…

The National Geographic Kids magazine is a HUGE favorite in our house. From the breathtakingly beautiful photos to the stories and animal cards, my kids are always thrilled when there is one in our mailbox. They have the wide variety of topics you have come to love from National Geographic magazines in a kid-friendly format that will get your kids excited to learn about everything from archaeology to wildlife. Complete with projects and collector cards, these magazines will whet your kids’ whistles for conservation and photography and they will bring the diversity of the world to life in their hands. This magazine is considered appropriate for ages 6 and up.

The National Geographic Little Kids magazine. This magazine is primarily aimed at preschoolers, and kids from ages 3 to 6 will enjoy the content. The large text is perfect for beginning readers and the photos are enough to capture any child’s imagination. Loaded with great age-appropriate activities, these magazines are perfect for a little parent / kid time. Jump in to learn more about animals, plants, other cultures and science with the quality you have grown to expect from National Geographic.

…and we are giving away the magazine and book of your choice from this page! Just enter which book and which magazine you would choose in the comments below and tell us why YOU love National Geographic.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

This giveaway is sponsored by National Geographic Kids and BonBon Break Media, LLC. Entries will be accepted until December 22, 2015, at midnight PST. This giveaway is open to United States and Canadian residents only. Void where prohibited. We will never sell, distribute, or spam your email.

The winner will be chosen by Random.org and we will contact them via Facebook Direct Messenger. In the event that the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a second winner will be chosen.

The post National Geographic Kids GIVEAWAY first appeared on BonBon Break.

One of the perks of being an Ambassador for National Geographic Kids is great opportunities like chatting with their Editor-in-chief, Rachel Buchholz, who authored this fabulous book. Well, given the season, my fellow ambassadors and I had to ask her:

“How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse”

Q: Are zombies afraid of anything?

A: I’m not sure if zombies actually fear anything, but if I were a zombie I’d be afraid of major storm systems. If they’re out wandering around in an open field during a thunderstorm, there’s a good chance they’ll be a target for lightning since lightning often strikes the tallest thing around. That goes double if they’re in a large swarm since lightning can jump from zombie to zombie and all that noisy thunder is sure to distract them. They like to follow loud noises so they’ll totally get confused.

I think that hurricanes and tornadoes would also be scary for zombies, not so much because the wind will blow them away from you (because another storm might be blowing more TOWARD you) but because of all the falling debris from houses, cars, bridges, etc. that could crush them. That’s what usually harms people—not the storm itself—so I’d think it’d do the same to zombies.

Q: What is the best way to ward off zombies?

A: It’d be great if zombies were like lions and bears and actually wanted to avoid humans, and were scared off by loud noises, but that only attracts them to you. I’m not sure there’s any way to ward off zombies, so I think it’s best to just avoid them, like venomous snakes. Stay on clear trails or roads, and avoid walking through tall grasses or stepping over fallen logs without looking.

Try to wear thick clothing that they can’t bite through.

If you see one that hasn’t seen you yet, just stay calm and slowly start walking in the opposite direction. If it has seen you and is making its way in your direction, run.

Q: Is there anything zombies would rather eat than human brains?

A: I think zombies are probably like crocodiles and sharks, and will eat just about anything they can sink their teeth into. But unlike crocodiles and sharks, they’re not very agile in the water so it’s pretty easy to get away from one if one happens to grab you in the water. The key is to treat them like crocs and sharks and start punching them in the face till they let you go. In the water, zombies are really just trying to hang on to you for support anyway.

Q: Do zombies have any weaknesses?

A: It’s a little-known fact that zombies are pretty lazy. They’re like lions and gators, which are usually after the easiest meal. If you put up a fight—if you throw rocks, swing sticks, even poke at their eyeballs – they’ll probably start looking for an easier snack.

As you know, zombies are also pretty slow so if one gets too close it’s totally feasible to take off and run. They’re kind of like killer bees, which will chase you for maybe about 200 yards, until you’re far enough away from their hive. I think 200 yards sounds like a good distance to put between you and a zombie swarm.

Q: Are there kid zombies?

A: If there are, I think these are the best kinds of zombies because they’re still losing their baby teeth, which means eventually they won’t have anything to bite you with. And if they’re a little older, then their adult teeth have probably started coming in crooked, and since they won’t be able to get braces they won’t have the bite capacity as an adult would.

Q: Can zombies smell fear?

A: I don’t know if they can smell fear, but I believe that they are certainly attracted to really strong types of human smells, kind of like how a shark is attracted to tiny amounts of blood or urine in the water.

So if you’re living outside, act like you’re protecting yourself from a grizzly bear wandering too close.

Try to wash daily so your natural scent doesn’t get too strong and if for whatever reason you’ve saved a bottle of perfume in the zombie apocalypse, don’t wear it.

Hopefully during a zombie apocalypse you’ll be able to figure out how to recycle or reuse your trash, but if you haven’t, make sure to bury it far away from your camp.

Make sure to do your business away from where you’re sleeping. Those are super strong scents, and like bears and sharks, zombies will be extra attracted to them.

Q: When is it best to attack a zombie (versus hide) and where’s the best place to hide? 

A: Unless you really know what you’re doing I don’t ever advise attacking a zombie. They might be slow and lazy, but if you don’t have a lot of practice you can become quickly overwhelmed, especially if there’s more than one.

To hide, I’d take some cues from surviving a tornado or hurricane. A basement or storm cellar is a pretty safe place. Zombies are horrible at opening storm doors and even worse at walking down stairs.

If you don’t have access to that try a central room in a house like a bathroom or closet, something without windows. During a tornado or hurricane, that’ll protect you from breaking glass from the storm. During a zombie attack, it’ll protect you from breaking glass from the zombies crashing through the windows. They’re going to want to break windows more than break down a bathroom door because, again, they’re after easy meals. If you make it hard for them, like hiding in a closed room, hopefully they’ll give up.

Q: Is there anywhere you can hide that zombies won’t find you?

A: A lot of people wouldn’t like to be stranded on a deserted island for very long during normal times, but I think during a zombie apocalypse that’s one place where you might be the safest. It’s unlikely a zombie is going to make it to the island in the first place and if it does, it’s going to be pretty weak when it washes up and probably alone.

On a deserted island, you have access to a lot of seafood as well as seaweed. You can often find fresh water by digging on the land side of a sand dune. Also, lots of useful things can wash up on shore that you can recycle, even driftwood that you can use to start fires for cooking or signalling. That is, if you even want other humans to join you.

Q: If you can pick any item, but only one item, to have on you and use to survive during a zombie apocalypse what would it be?

A: If I could only have one item on me, it’d be a pop-top from a soda can. You can use it as a fish hook, a signaling mirror, a scraper, a flint, a food knife, and even a weapon.

If I could have one other thing, it’d be a sock. You can slit holes in it and use it as sunglasses, but you can also take out some of the elastic from time to time to use as string, like for a fishing lure.

Q: What would be the best ways to ensure a supply of safe drinking water and food?

A: If it’s the beginning of the apocalypse I’d start like you were expecting a power outage after a hurricane and fill up every bathtub and sink you can find, even use the clean water in the toilet.

That will last you for a while if you limit your intake to the equivalent of about two cans of soda a day, but that’s not going to last you forever.  Eventually, you will have to go to the woods and survive there.

Try to make camp near a fresh source of water. This way you can learn to catch fish, but also scavenge around the banks for water plants and the critters that live in them.

However, don’t drink the water unless you can boil it. Fresh water is really like one big toilet for animals, and too many of those microorganisms can make you sick.

If you can’t boil the water, you can collect rainwater or lick dew off of plants and if you get desperate, suck the liquid out of a fisheye.

Check out Rachel’s book “How to Survive Anything” for more tips like these! I mean, the pop can as a fish hook, a signaling mirror, a scraper, a flint, a food knife, and even a weapon! How cool is that?

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The post How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse first appeared on BonBon Break.

Here are some of his more notable quotes from his visit:

“[Man] possesses a body shaped by physical, chemical and biological elements, and can only survive and develop if the ecological environment is favorable. Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity.”

“We must resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educated new generations not to turn their back on our ‘neighbors’ and everything around us.”

“In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities.”

“The right use of natural resources, the proper application of technology and the harnessing of the spirit of enterprise are essential elements of an economy which seeks to be modern, inclusive and sustainable.”

Photo by Dave Yoder/National Geographic – Pope Francis talks with the prefect of the papal household, Archbishop Georg Gänswein. The pontiff’s blue Ford Focus is visible behind him.

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Here are 5 Fun Facts about Pope Francis from our friends at National Geographic KIDS!

The photos in this post are from the National Geographic Book, “Pope Francis and the New Vatican” and used with permission from National Geographic.

Check out this great reader for kids about Pope Francis from National Geographic Kids:

The post 7 Fun Facts for Kids about Pope Francis first appeared on BonBon Break.

You would think I would just hand these off to my kids, but I am going to let you in on a little secret:

I carried around 30 years of National Geographic magazines through 10 years of moving. They finally landed (and stayed) in my classroom. 

Receiving these mail bundles with NGS on the label makes me SQUEAL with glee each time. Literally. 

In the last couple of weeks, our conversations have largely consisted of Back-to-School supplies, but this particular Fun Pack sent my kids running!

Our latest collection looked like this:

This was the first book grabbed by my 8-year-old. He claimed this one as his own immediately. After a little cajoling, I convinced him that it would be a fun thing to add to our morning chat at the breakfast table (currently, we are introduced to a new bird every day via our Audobon Bird a Day Calendar). Birds and trivia, a pretty great way to start the day!

This was the next grab. He ran from the table and hopped onto the couch.  (He was probably afraid that I would try to claim that one as well.) A steady stream of chuckles and snickers were heard from the couch and before long, he couldn’t help delivering a few:

Q: Some animal names have 6 letters, and some have 10 letters. Which animal names have 2 letters?

A: ALL animals’ names have at least 2 letters!

Q: Where can you find a crazy tortoise?

A: In a nutshell.

Ba-dum-bum-bum. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Our little lady, age 4, jumped in to grab the rest and there were choruses of “That’s Not Fair” chirping melodically through our home. Le sigh.

Time for me to grab ALL THE BOOKS because I need to do some research for work. HA! #MamaWins

Ok…now for the GOOD NEWS! You can win this entire set by entering below.

This is a really fun gift for your child’s classroom or for your family collection. These are also PERFECT for placing into those back pockets of your car seats for those times when a little extra entertainment is needed.

Here’s how you enter – just sign up for our newsletter.

The post National Geographic Kids Fun Pack #NGKInsiders first appeared on BonBon Break.

As Ambassadors for National Geographic Kids, we learn about GREAT opportunities and resources early on and we are thoroughly excited about this!

CAMP GOOGLE

What?! Yes, it is kicking off on Monday with — drumroll please — a LIVE video session with Nat Geo Explorers Sylvia Earle and Erika Bergman as they dive into the Atlantic Ocean. Time? 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET

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The post #NGKInsider: Camp Google – Ocean Week first appeared on BonBon Break.