Kids love to read magazines. Here are some kid favorites and related web sites based on a list developed by the Children's Services Dept. of the Monroe County (Indiana) Public Library http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/kidsmags.html Note: Age level recommendations for most of the magazines listed are based on those given in the reference book Magazines for Young People. Age recommendations made by the publisher may differ.

• American Girl http://www.americangirl.com

  Designed for girls (ages 8-12) who enjoy reading the American Girl books. The Web-based version of American Girl Magazine features a number of fun activities, as well as information on each American Girl and a "Peek Into the Past" section where you can find out what has happened on your birth date.

• Calliope World History for Young People http://www.cobblestonepub.com/magazines.html

  Designed to help readers between the ages of 9-15 understand how historical events intertwine, each issue of Calliope is devoted to one theme in world history. The web site lists current and upcoming themes and links to theme-related web sites and others of interest to children and teachers.

• Cobblestone American History for Kids http://www.cobblestonepub.com/magazines.html

  Geared for kids ages 8-14, each issue examines a part of America's past. The web site lists current and upcoming themes and links to theme-related web sites and others of interest to children and teachers.

• Cricket http://www.cricketmag.com/cricket/index.html

  Features children's literature, poems, stories, articles, songs, crafts and jokes for children ages 8-12. Contributors are often internationally known authors and illustrators. Regular features include "Cricket League" (a story, art, or poetry contest), crossword puzzle, and letters from children to the magazine.

• Highlights for Children http://www.highlights.com/

  Issues contain poems, stories, puzzles, jokes, riddles, rebus stories, crafts, and hidden pictures. There is something for everyone ages 4-12.

• Kids Discover http://www.kidsdiscover.com/

  An attractive monthly topical magazine, the publisher bills this publication for students age 6 and up, although it is probably geared toward an upper elementary reading level.

• Ladybug http://www.cricketmag.com/home.asp

  This is a magazine from the publishers of Cricket, targeted to a younger audience (2-7). It contains numerous learning activities with a particular focus on reading and understanding. Contains poems, stories, cartoons, and activities.

• National Geographic World http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/

  Published by the National Geographic Society for kids between the ages of 8 and 14, World covers a wide variety of topics, but focuses on geography, adventure, wildlife and science issues. The web site includes links to fun facts, games and other activities, a National Geographic World http://www.nationalgeographic.com/media/world/index.html as well as the online version of the monthly feature article.

• Odyssey http://www.odysseymagazine.com

  The web site for "The premier science magazine for young adventurers!" shows the cover photo of the current issue and gives a summary of featured articles. It also includes sections on science news, science fun, a teachers guide, and links to webcams around the world! (Recommended for ages 8-14.)

• OWLkids Online http://www.owlkids.com/owl/index.html

  Geared for children over 8, this monthly magazine aims to interest children in nature, science and the world around them. The website includes links to Chickadee Net, designed for kids 8 and under, and CyberFamily, a place for parents to explore. Paper subscription: https://secure.indas.on.ca/bayard/

• Spider http://www.cricketmag.com/home.asp

  Another magazine from the publishers of Cricket, recommended for ages 6-9. Contains stories, articles, poems, drawings, cartoons and letters all with the aim of getting children interested in reading.

• Sports Illustrated for Kids http://www.sikids.com

  Monthly magazine for elementary age children includes interviews with sports heroes, comics, action photos and much more. The Web version mirrors the print edition while capitalizing on the magazine's interactive appeal.

• Stone Soup http://www.stonesoup.com/

  This international magazine is written and illustrated by children between the ages of 8 and 13. The web site includes examples of the stories, poems, artwork and book reviews that appear in sample issues, project ideas and guidelines for contributing to the magazine.

• Time Magazine for Kids http://www.pathfinder.com/TFK/

  The web site for this current-events oriented monthly magazine for kids includes a multimedia exploration of the planet Mars. Also includes an archive of Time for Kids issues from 1995 to present.

• Zoobooks http://www.zoobooks.com/

  Issues are also available as hard and softbound books. The pictures, text and activities cover the elementary spectrum.