Illustrate Globe

Quick Answer: The Illustrate Globe is an illustrated globe of the Earth, decorated with pictures as well as map information, used with younger learners to connect places with the animals, landscapes and landmarks found there. ‘Illustrate’ in the title appears to translate the French illustré, meaning illustrated.

What an Illustrated Globe Adds

A standard globe shows land, sea, borders and names. A picture globe adds illustrations, commonly of wildlife, landmarks, landscapes or ways of life, placed on the region where they belong. For children who are not yet confident readers, pictures are an easier way in than place names, and they give each continent a character that makes it easier to remember.

The listing does not describe the illustrations on this globe, its diameter or its stand, so confirm what the pictures show before ordering if the theme matters for your lessons. A plain map globe and an illustrated one also work well together: one for locating places accurately, the other for talking about them.

Used in topic work, this globe supports storytelling and questions: finding where an animal lives, tracing a journey across oceans, or asking why some animals are found on only one continent. Those questions lead naturally into habitats, climate zones and conservation.

Ideas for Class Use

• ‘Where does it live?’ games matching animals to continents
• Topic work on world landmarks and journeys
• Starting points for lessons on habitats and climate zones
• Reading corners and library displays

Keeping the Globe in Good Condition

• Lift the globe by the stand and keep fingers off the printed surface where possible.
• Keep it away from sunny windows, as sunlight fades printed colours over time.
• Clean it with a soft, dry cloth only.

Specifications

Why Choose LabEquip

Early years settings, primary classrooms and school libraries choose illustrated globes because pictures invite children to explore before they can read place names. LabEquip lists this globe in General Lab Products; a plainer alternative is the Initiation Terrestrial Globe, and lit versions are listed as Globes, Illuminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘Illustrate Globe’ mean?

The name appears to be a translation of the French globe illustré, meaning an illustrated globe. It describes a globe with pictures added to the map, not a globe for drawing on.

How is a picture globe different from a political globe?

A political globe concentrates on countries, borders and capital cities. A picture globe adds images of things found in each region, which makes it better suited to young children and topic work than to detailed map study.

What age is a picture globe suited to?

Globes with pictures are usually chosen for early years and primary pupils, who respond to pictures before they can read place names. Older students generally need a physical or political globe with more detail.

Can children use it independently?

Yes, with some guidance. Show them how to turn the globe gently and hold it by the stand. Short tasks, such as finding three animals on one continent, suit independent exploration.

Does a picture globe show countries?

Many picture globes still show continents, oceans and often country names, with pictures layered on top. The detail on this globe is not stated, so look at a picture of it if you need borders or capitals.

How can the globe support science lessons?

Pictures of animals and landscapes lead into habitats, adaptation and climate zones. Pupils can compare animals of cold and hot regions and locate them relative to the equator and the poles.

Last Updated: September 2026