Magazine -- Ranger Rick

Title: Ranger Rick

Date: Issues reviewed -- February, March, April 2014


Publisher: The National Wildlife Federation

ISSN: 0738-6656

Format: Print periodical, monthly except January and July

Summary: Ranger Rick is a kid's magazine that features articles on animals of all shapes, sizes, colors and nationalities as well as environmental issues. Each issue is filled with colorful photography covering a variety of creatures. Subscriptions are available for $19.99 per year and includes ten issues of the magazine. Proceeds from the magazine support the National Wildlife Federation. It is available in a print and online format.

Audience: This magazine is created for readers aged 7-12. There is another version of this magazine, Ranger Rick Jr., that is available for readers 4-7.

Strengths: The strengths of this magazine are the many vibrant, colorful photographs that accompany each issue and the variety of topics covered each month. Each issue features a comic detailing Ranger Rick's (the raccoon) adventures for the month, along with games, jokes and riddles. Each month the selection of activities differ, but always includes a variety for children to complete. The magazine also offers ways for readers to interact and participate with Ranger Rick. These include   writing letters, asking questions, submitting jokes or riddles or submitting material for one of the many contests, the most recent of which was a photography contest. The winning submissions were included in the magazine along with the name, age and location of the photographer. This allows readers to not only interact with the magazine, but also explore new hobbies while participating in the various contests. The magazine includes a map with each article that shows where the featured animal lives, providing readers with geography lessons along with the science aspect.

Weaknesses: The only potential weakness of this magazine is that the title is boy-oriented and could cause some girls to overlook it. However, the magazine itself is not directed at a particular gender and  can be enjoyed by both girls and boys, given the chance.

Uses: This magazine presents a fun way to learn about animals and the environment. It can be used as a tool for teaching geography and about various climates and habitats around the world. The magazine provides a connection between animals and people and can educate children on the importance of protecting wildlife and treating animals with respect and care. It can also be used as a tool to inspire outside hobbies, such as photography or creative writing. It would also be useful as a tool to improve reading skills and foster a love of reading in children who are not yet interested in books.

Awards: Periodical of the Year 2011 for grades K-5 as awarded by the Association of Educational Publishers, 2013 Parents Choice Gold Award Winner