Kids' Guide to the National Parks of California and Oregon - Written by Kids for Kids* - *but parents might learn something too [Paperback]

Jenna M. Sullivan (Author), Laura C. Sullivan (Author)

Book Description

This one-of-a-kind publication highlights fun things for kids to do as you explore the national parklands of California and Oregon. While accompanying their parents on a trip that entailed work for the National park Service on the natural resources of nine of our west coast national treasures, Jenna and Laura decided to do a little scientific research of their own. The fruits of their labor, together with detailed journal entries, are cleverly crafted into a delightful tale describing the trip of a lifetime for two nature-loving kids with curious minds and boundless energy. Their scientific understanding of the geology, vegetation, and wildlife of the parks belies their young ages, and they share countless insights into natural resources, ecology, and park resource management. Ten scientists from federal agencies, universities and research industries reviewed their draft for scientific accuracy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

GRRREAT reading for all kids and their families. -- Yvonne McMillan, Interpretive Ranger, Lava Beds National Monument

I'm constantly on the lookout for park-related books for my nieces and nephew. -- Tonnie Maniero, Biologist, National Park Service

This kids' eye view of natural history will make your visit to the national parks even more enjoyable. -- David Peterson, Research Biologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

About the Author

Jenna and Laura Sullivan are 8th and 9th grade students at Ashbrook Independent School and Corvallis High School, respectively, in Corvallis, Oregon. They both love sports, music, hiking, nature, and animals. They have spent a great deal of time exploring national parks throughout the western United States, accompanying their parents on scientific research and assessment projects. As a result, they have become experts in their own right. They enjoy science, writing, math, and history, and began publishing their own extended family "newspaper," called the Puptown News, when they were 6 and 7 years old.

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: E & S Geographic & Information (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880062232
• ISBN-13: 978-1880062234
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,241,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly "kid friendly" guidebook, May 21, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids' Guide to the National Parks of California and Oregon - Written by Kids for Kids* - *but parents might learn something too (Paperback)

In the Kids' Guide To The National Parks Of California And Oregon, 12 year old Jenna Sullivan and her 14 year old sister Laura effectively collaborate to write a thoroughly "kid friendly" guidebook to the spectacular parklands of California and Oregon. These include Redwood National Park; Yosemite National Park; Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Pinnacles National Monument; Point Reyes National Seashore; Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lava Beds National Monument; and Crater Lake National Park. These descriptive text covers the geology, vegetation, and wildlife of the parks, along with the young authors' insights into natural resource issues like air pollution, acid rain, fire ecology, wildlife habitat, plant ecology, and resource management. Very highly recommended for any family planning to visit these west coast parklands, the Kids' Guide To The National Parks Of California And Oregon is enhanced with an introduction, a conclusion, an index, author bios, and four color plates.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars so good it's hard to believe it's written by kids, January 23, 2001

By 

M. H. Bayliss "book queen" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kids' Guide to the National Parks of California and Oregon - Written by Kids for Kids* - *but parents might learn something too (Paperback)

As I read these two sister's enthusiastic descriptions of a number of national parks, I found myself forgetting that they were only kids. I'm a habitual reader of travel guides (otherwise known as the armchair traveler), so I feel qualified to say that this one is very refreshing. In fact, if you're thinking of travelling with your kids to any national park, you should pick up this book so you can see what it's like from their point of view. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with park rangers who treated their thoughtful questions very seriously and added a needed perspective on many parks. I'm impressed that two young kids were able to put together such a professional book -- I can only imagine what their next project will be!