Children learn about the states through a series of games in which they match three kinds of cards to the corresponding states. Shape cards show the state outline. Picture cards show something the state is famous for, which would interest kids (“In which state was the ice cream cone invented?”). Letter cards show the initial letter of a state -- how surprised they’ll be to find how many states start with the letter “M”! As youngsters search the map, they discover interesting things about the states, as well as whether that state is near enough for them to visit. All the components -- box, game board, and cards are sturdy enough to last through years of repeated play.