National Parks Guide U.S.A.
Written by Sarah Wassner Flynn and Julie Beer
Photos by Various Photographers
176 pages – ages 7+
Published by National Geographic on February 9, 2016

Synopsis from Amazon- “Happy 100th Birthday, National Parks! Join the centennial celebration by reading all about these greatest of American treasures — from Acadia to Zion — in preparation for a parks visit sometime soon. Filled with color photos, information on animals, fascinating lists, fun facts, maps, cool things to do, conservation tips, and much more — think of this book as your trusted guide to these most majestic of places.”

What I Thought- This is a good nonfiction book about the national parks of the United States of America. It goes through every single park and monument, and anything in between that is covered by the National Parks Service. It’s a good guide, with facts about what you can do in the parks, places nearby, and some of the flora and fauna. There are stunning photographs throughout the entire guide. I like that it includes a little history of the park or monument. It’s a fun guide. I think that families will like having this book while they are traveling.

I give this book five out of five bookworms. 

Junior Ranger Activity Book
Written by National Geographic Kids
Illustrations and Photography by Various Artists
159 pages – ages 5+
Published by National Geographic Kids on February 9, 2016

Synopsis from Amazon- “Calling all explorers and nature-lovers! From Acadia to Zion, discover all 59 of the United States’ amazing National Parks in this jam-packed book of games, trivia, jokes, fun facts, and so much more, all inspired by the National Parks outdoor-based Junior Ranger Program. Great for generating pre-trip excitement, long car rides, poking around historical sites, or general learning, these fun and sometimes silly activities will entertain while they draw kids into the majestic and historic importance of America’s national parks. Check out the most amazing park habitats, plus awesome sights and animals you might see, from birds to bears. Fun facts are jam-packed onto every page, so kids learn something amazing about each cool park.”

What I Thought- This was a decent activity book – it teaches the kids about the parks, wildlife, and other things while they are doing the activities. I like activity books like that. It includes trivia quizzes about the parks, or other related topics. It is a rather well organized book, and I enjoyed going through the activities and reading the fact boxes. I have been to national parks and became a junior ranger, and the book touches on what it is like to be a junior ranger, serving the parks. All in all, a rather nice book.

I give this book five out of five bookworms.

If you are not familiar with the junior ranger program you should be!

Here is a description from the National Parks website –

“The NPS Junior Ranger program is an activity based program conducted in almost all parks, and some Junior Ranger programs are national. Many national parks offer young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service “family” as Junior Rangers. Interested youth complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and Junior Ranger certificate. Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5 to 13, although people of all ages can participate.”

To find out more – visit the National Parks website!

Check out this cool video about the national parks!

National Geographic is hosting a Sweepstakes!
“This fabulous 8-day family adventure from National Geographic Expeditions is a dream trip come true. Discover the incredible geological treasures of the American Southwest and marvel at the rainbow colors  of the high desert; explore the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on foot or mule; hike amid Zion’s wonderland of slot canyons, hanging gardens, and waterfalls, and splash through the Narrows of the Virgin River; wind  through Bryce Canyon’s whimsical maze of red rock spires, and go on a scavenger hunt. Stay in historic park lodges with Old West atmosphere, and take part in activities and excursions geared for explorers of  all ages.  The National Geographic National Parks Sweepstakes runs from April 1-August 31, 2016. To enter or obtain full Official Rules go to: NationalParksSweeps.com.”

Categories: Age 6-9

Tags: julie beer, junior ranger, junior ranger activity book, national geographic kids, national parks, national parks guide usa, Sarah Wassner Flynn