National Geographic still breaking new ground.

• Position: What's New? - Introduces a "metal-detecting rover" and a book about prehistoric mammals - Brief Article

Every year, National Geographic comes up with wonderful new items that fall in line with its reputation as a leader in science and exploration. Why should this year be any different?

A Metal-Detecting Rover ($29.95) may be one of the coolest toys your kids ever will get. This realistic looking all-terrain vehicle has a lesson in magnetic fields hiding in its onboard metal detector. It can be piloted across any land surface via a 54" cable and video-game-style controller. Whenever it rides over buried metal, light and sound signals indicate that it's time to park and start digging.

For an informative addition to your child's library, there is the Prehistoric Mammals book ($29.95), which examines some of the...