National Parks Maps: Illustrated Maps of America's 62 National Parks

Gr 3 Up--This volume provides an introduction to the U.S. National Parks System and invites readers to explore America's many national parks. The preface includes a brief history of Scottish American naturalist John Muir, 26th U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt, and Yellowstone, which was the first national park established in 1872. A table of contents lists the 62 national parks; the book is organized in alphabetical order. Each park is covered in one page, and two or three sentences describe its general features, plus an outline map with significant points of interest, a key that defines roads, water, trails, etc., an information box listing acres and the date of establishment, and an outline of the state showing the park's location. This format results in a cluttered appearance. Each page has a different two-color theme, with a font that can be difficult to decipher. VERDICT Purchase only where this genre is needed. The busy format may overwhelm younger readers, and the spare text may leave older readers wondering if that's all there is.--Eldon Younce, Anthony P.L., KS