Looking for an Atlas for your children?  I found a great one at Indigo today.

This atlas has “100 Essential Facts About Every Country in the World.”  Excellent.  First, I took a look at the entry for Israel.  You can usually judge the quality of a reference book by how they refer to Israel.

Not looking so good.  No mention of Israel as a Jewish homeland.  Vague explanation of Palestine.  Largest photo is of the Al Aqsa Mosque.  An atlas with a political agenda?  I’m not surprised.  I guess that they couldn’t find a photo of the Wailing Wall.

Anyhoo … that’s not terribly unusual.  However, the Atlas does have some fantastic information that most atlases are missing.  Did I mention that this is a children’s book?

Jamaica is known for RUM.

Ireland is known for GUINNESS.

Spain is known for WINE and SHERRY.

VODKA is the national drink of Poland.

And it doesn’t stop there.  Portugal is known for Port.  Czech Republic has Czech Budweiser (who knew?).  Germany has beer “brewed in most major towns and cities” plus wine.

WTF?

This is a children’s atlas.  For kids!  The binding says “smart kids” but I’m guessing also for future drunks as well.  Absolutely bizarre and yet another reminder to read books before giving them to your kids.