What do you think?
Rate this book
The Camping Trip That Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Our National Parks
Caldecott medalist Mordicai Gerstein captures the majestic redwoods of Yosemite in this little-known but important story from our nation's history. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2012
22 people are currently reading
1396 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
April 9, 2018
I have a long history of camping and backpacking in the National Parks and plans to visit a few again this summer. I also write this during a time in which the long protected public lands are being auctioned off (or attempts are made to sell it) to the highest bidders. This. Must. Not. Happen.
How did the National Parks come about? A lot of work against a lot of resistance, without question. But it began with outdoorsman Teddy Roosevelt reading a book written by John Muir, which led to a camping trip in what would later become Yosemite National Park (and if I know anything about California today, it just may always be protected). Muir told Roosevelt he was worried his grandchildren would not have these sacred places, and that is my fear now, too.
Roosevelt did more than any other president to protect the environment by creating national parks, forests, monuments, bird sanctuaries, safe from rapacious greed. More than a 10o years ago, this all happened, and was and is crucial, necessary.
I was not a huge fan of Caldecott-winning Mordecai Gerstein's artwork in this book, though I liked some of the Yosemite panoramas quite a bit. Josh Muir is a great voice for the environment to read and reread, and this picture book will I hope lead to many kids choosing to read Muir today.
How did the National Parks come about? A lot of work against a lot of resistance, without question. But it began with outdoorsman Teddy Roosevelt reading a book written by John Muir, which led to a camping trip in what would later become Yosemite National Park (and if I know anything about California today, it just may always be protected). Muir told Roosevelt he was worried his grandchildren would not have these sacred places, and that is my fear now, too.
Roosevelt did more than any other president to protect the environment by creating national parks, forests, monuments, bird sanctuaries, safe from rapacious greed. More than a 10o years ago, this all happened, and was and is crucial, necessary.
I was not a huge fan of Caldecott-winning Mordecai Gerstein's artwork in this book, though I liked some of the Yosemite panoramas quite a bit. Josh Muir is a great voice for the environment to read and reread, and this picture book will I hope lead to many kids choosing to read Muir today.
April 29, 2018
What if everyone owned the wilderness?
In 1903, Teddy Roosevelt headed west to learn about the great outdoors from John Muir. They slept under the stars, once even waking under a blanket of snow. Roosevelt returned to Washington determined to protect huge tracts of land from mining and development.
What if we could save the forests for all the children to come?
In 1903, Teddy Roosevelt headed west to learn about the great outdoors from John Muir. They slept under the stars, once even waking under a blanket of snow. Roosevelt returned to Washington determined to protect huge tracts of land from mining and development.
What if we could save the forests for all the children to come?
May 1, 2013
Sure, its a kids book and I've heard the story before of Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir, but, because half the fun of any trip is the anticipation and we'll be camping in Yosemite this summer, I just want to drink in anything about this beautiful place of wonder. The illustrations are great and the author makes the story come alive. I actually can (and have) recommended this book to others -- young and old.
April 11, 2021
Read to 6 year old boy who enjoyed it and learned about Roosevelt and Muir and the legacy of the parks. Fun way of presenting for elementary school history. For educators using Classical Conversations curriculum, fits well with Cycle 3 week 15 History.
November 29, 2012
Richie's Picks: THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA: THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JOHN MUIR, AND OUR NATIONAL PARKS by Barb Rosenstock and Mordicai Gerstein, ill, Dial, January 2012, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-8037-3710-5
"So then, here is our common question:
"If our country, our companies, and each one of us benefit more in the short run from using as many natural resources as we can, then what will stop us from destroying our whole world -- our common ground?
-- from COMMON GROUND: THE WATER, EARTH, AND AIR WE SHARE by Molly Bang (Scholastic/Blue Sky Press, 1997)
CNN, January 9, 2012:
"The Obama administration on Monday announced a 20-year ban on new mining claims on more than 1-million acres of public land near the Grand Canyon, a move meant to protect the iconic landmark from new uranium mining."
Those reading that entire article learned how not everyone was happy with this action: The current governor of Arizona argued that, "the move will needlessly cost Arizona jobs and stall economic growth."
Doing a bit of research, I found a report that there are already 12 national parks in which oil and gas companies have been given leases for drilling, and found another article detailing how some of our most famous and well-visited national parks have drilling operations currently going on right up to their boundary lines. I also learned that, as of 2011, there were more than 38 million acres of public land leased to oil and gas companies.
"Overnight a storm blew in, spreading five inches of fresh snow. Teedie and Johnnie woke under a coverlet of white flakes. They shook themselves off like two old grizzly bears.
"'Bully!' said Teedie stretching. 'What a glorious day!'"
According to the US Constitution, the Congress cannot legislate a national religion. But, in my mind, we do have a national cathedral. It is called Yosemite National Park, and if you grew up in the east, like I did, a first visit Yosemite is like finding yourself on another planet. The same goes for the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon and so many other unique pieces of America's wild lands that have been preserved for future generations.
Just imagine if Yosemite and these other national treasures had not been protected Or imagine if our national resolve to maintain this preservation continues to fall victim to the drumbeat of "Drill, Baby! Drill!"
"He loved to end the day reading. Tonight, he chose a book by John Muir. Muir's adventures in California's Sierra Mountains sounded just about perfect to the busy president.
"It was strange then, when Muir ended his story by asking for help...help for trees! He said the wild forests were vanishing. He called on the government to save them.
In the wake of Teddy Roosevelt's reading that book about the Sierra Nevada in 1903, and having had his curiosity piqued, the president wrote to author John Muir and asked Muir "to take him camping in California's Yosemite wilderness" at the end of a trip Roosevelt was then planning to the western states.
THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA imagines the fun the duo had while off for four days in the wilderness, and the roots of the steadfast friendship that developed on that camping trip which was shared by Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir. We see why -- thanks to Muir's inspiration -- Teddy Roosevelt ended up saving more wild land than any American president in history.
This is such a fun read, seeing this outdoor-loving duo -- one of whom liked hunting, fishing, and riding, the other, who liked studying, sketching, and writing about plants -- lying on opposite sides of a campfire and talking animatedly long into the night.
In a fascinating author's note, Barb Rosenstock explains how this camping trip almost didn't happen. The then sixty-five year-old Muir did not want any part of playing tour guide to a "noisy politician" but was persuaded by friends that the president could well be very sympathetic to Muir's push for preserving wild spaces. In the wake of that adventure shared by two very-different men with a common love for wild lands, Roosevelt returned to Washington DC and employed "an act that was designed to protect small historic structures to put large tracts of land under federal protection by declaring them National Monuments."
Having just witnessed a presidential campaign in which the challenger seriously proposed that the states be handed over the power to "administer" national lands lying within their borders, THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA is a very timely read. Will we decide to permit our national jewels to become shells of themselves because (as one reader commented) we don't value anything sacred and we feel like we need the money? Or will we put our collective foot down and demand that we, as a nation, administer our national lands in a manner that would have made John Muir enthusiastic?
As Molly Bang illustrated in COMMON GROUND, in the past when a particular locale got exploited, trashed, and used up, there were always new places to move on to. But, as she points out about today:
"Now we don't have anyplace else to go."
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"So then, here is our common question:
"If our country, our companies, and each one of us benefit more in the short run from using as many natural resources as we can, then what will stop us from destroying our whole world -- our common ground?
-- from COMMON GROUND: THE WATER, EARTH, AND AIR WE SHARE by Molly Bang (Scholastic/Blue Sky Press, 1997)
CNN, January 9, 2012:
"The Obama administration on Monday announced a 20-year ban on new mining claims on more than 1-million acres of public land near the Grand Canyon, a move meant to protect the iconic landmark from new uranium mining."
Those reading that entire article learned how not everyone was happy with this action: The current governor of Arizona argued that, "the move will needlessly cost Arizona jobs and stall economic growth."
Doing a bit of research, I found a report that there are already 12 national parks in which oil and gas companies have been given leases for drilling, and found another article detailing how some of our most famous and well-visited national parks have drilling operations currently going on right up to their boundary lines. I also learned that, as of 2011, there were more than 38 million acres of public land leased to oil and gas companies.
"Overnight a storm blew in, spreading five inches of fresh snow. Teedie and Johnnie woke under a coverlet of white flakes. They shook themselves off like two old grizzly bears.
"'Bully!' said Teedie stretching. 'What a glorious day!'"
According to the US Constitution, the Congress cannot legislate a national religion. But, in my mind, we do have a national cathedral. It is called Yosemite National Park, and if you grew up in the east, like I did, a first visit Yosemite is like finding yourself on another planet. The same goes for the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon and so many other unique pieces of America's wild lands that have been preserved for future generations.
Just imagine if Yosemite and these other national treasures had not been protected Or imagine if our national resolve to maintain this preservation continues to fall victim to the drumbeat of "Drill, Baby! Drill!"
"He loved to end the day reading. Tonight, he chose a book by John Muir. Muir's adventures in California's Sierra Mountains sounded just about perfect to the busy president.
"It was strange then, when Muir ended his story by asking for help...help for trees! He said the wild forests were vanishing. He called on the government to save them.
In the wake of Teddy Roosevelt's reading that book about the Sierra Nevada in 1903, and having had his curiosity piqued, the president wrote to author John Muir and asked Muir "to take him camping in California's Yosemite wilderness" at the end of a trip Roosevelt was then planning to the western states.
THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA imagines the fun the duo had while off for four days in the wilderness, and the roots of the steadfast friendship that developed on that camping trip which was shared by Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir. We see why -- thanks to Muir's inspiration -- Teddy Roosevelt ended up saving more wild land than any American president in history.
This is such a fun read, seeing this outdoor-loving duo -- one of whom liked hunting, fishing, and riding, the other, who liked studying, sketching, and writing about plants -- lying on opposite sides of a campfire and talking animatedly long into the night.
In a fascinating author's note, Barb Rosenstock explains how this camping trip almost didn't happen. The then sixty-five year-old Muir did not want any part of playing tour guide to a "noisy politician" but was persuaded by friends that the president could well be very sympathetic to Muir's push for preserving wild spaces. In the wake of that adventure shared by two very-different men with a common love for wild lands, Roosevelt returned to Washington DC and employed "an act that was designed to protect small historic structures to put large tracts of land under federal protection by declaring them National Monuments."
Having just witnessed a presidential campaign in which the challenger seriously proposed that the states be handed over the power to "administer" national lands lying within their borders, THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA is a very timely read. Will we decide to permit our national jewels to become shells of themselves because (as one reader commented) we don't value anything sacred and we feel like we need the money? Or will we put our collective foot down and demand that we, as a nation, administer our national lands in a manner that would have made John Muir enthusiastic?
As Molly Bang illustrated in COMMON GROUND, in the past when a particular locale got exploited, trashed, and used up, there were always new places to move on to. But, as she points out about today:
"Now we don't have anyplace else to go."
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
November 12, 2020
I loved this book! It's a subject that is dear to my heart and it is told in such an engaging, entertaining and touching way. While the story feels complete, the Author's Note is excellent and helps provide greater context as well as insight into how she created the story from the historical sources available. Sources are included, and I appreciate the direct quotes from Muir and Roosevelt included, as well. Highly recommend.
May 16, 2018
Great story of an untold part of history. I had no idea that we didn't have National Parks or preserved wildlife until Teddy Roosevelt put those things in place. Perfect read to bring into a middle school classroom.
June 13, 2017
6/11/17 Read to the family.
An interesting story except for the evolutionary blah blah blah.
An interesting story except for the evolutionary blah blah blah.
January 26, 2019
When John Muir met Teddy Roosevelt, a mission to save America's precious wilderness.
A fortunate meeting as even in 1903ish, investors were looking to overtake these treasures.
A fortunate meeting as even in 1903ish, investors were looking to overtake these treasures.
February 25, 2020
Note: mentions millions of years
September 28, 2019
My 6 year old son and I absolutely loved this book about John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, which combined our loves of history, National Parks, and hiking adventures.
September 11, 2012
This beautiful book tells of the meeting of naturalist John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt during a camping trip at Yosemite that inspired President Roosevelt to declare 18 national monuments including the Grand Canyon. Roosevelt is known for increasing the number of national parks and preserving large amounts of wilderness.
This book specifically focuses on the camping trip, the same trip that was featured in PBS's "National Parks" documentary program. It is a well-worded story with funny bits and beautiful illustrations. There are moments that sum of Muir’s knowledge and Roosevelt's joy in nature well, such as when Roosevelt woke up covered in snow. An entire two-page spread is gloriously illustrated in blues and whites with the sun coming up. Only a few short sentences tells us that it snowed on them overnight, and then "Teedie" stretches and says with his arms spread, "What a glorious day!" in bold script.
I really like this book: text, illustrations, and message. However, I did have some difficulty near the end of the book when I read the book aloud to 2nd graders. The repeated questioning of "What if everyone owned the wilderness? What if both rich and poor could spend time out in the open? What if we could save the forests for all the children to come?” sounded too preachy when trying to communicate with young children. One minute we were on a camping adventure, and then suddenly I should be shouting about the vision to save the forests. On that page, the story fell, although it picked up again when the book describes how both Muir and Roosevelt are buried under different groves of trees. Independent readers might not have this performance difficulty.
I particularly love the opening of the book: "Teedie and Johnnie didn't have much in common--but they shared a love of the outdoors. They both loved a good story, too. And that was enough to change America." Overall it is a wonderful story about a quiet, but significant event.
This book specifically focuses on the camping trip, the same trip that was featured in PBS's "National Parks" documentary program. It is a well-worded story with funny bits and beautiful illustrations. There are moments that sum of Muir’s knowledge and Roosevelt's joy in nature well, such as when Roosevelt woke up covered in snow. An entire two-page spread is gloriously illustrated in blues and whites with the sun coming up. Only a few short sentences tells us that it snowed on them overnight, and then "Teedie" stretches and says with his arms spread, "What a glorious day!" in bold script.
I really like this book: text, illustrations, and message. However, I did have some difficulty near the end of the book when I read the book aloud to 2nd graders. The repeated questioning of "What if everyone owned the wilderness? What if both rich and poor could spend time out in the open? What if we could save the forests for all the children to come?” sounded too preachy when trying to communicate with young children. One minute we were on a camping adventure, and then suddenly I should be shouting about the vision to save the forests. On that page, the story fell, although it picked up again when the book describes how both Muir and Roosevelt are buried under different groves of trees. Independent readers might not have this performance difficulty.
I particularly love the opening of the book: "Teedie and Johnnie didn't have much in common--but they shared a love of the outdoors. They both loved a good story, too. And that was enough to change America." Overall it is a wonderful story about a quiet, but significant event.
March 6, 2013
Part biography, but mostly a historical retelling, this informational book was well complemented by Gerstein's illustrations. Much like Byrd's illustrations for the Ben Franklin book, the ink drawings have a hint of old engraving to them that makes the book feel in the correct period (interestingly, the palette was almost identical to Byrd's Franklin book).
The 'slice' of history is again a refreshing approach, because it allowed me to see both Muir and Roosevelt in some depth through this one experience. One of the nice details Rosenstock wrote was how Muir was annoyed by Roosevelt's constant stopping to make speeches and talk to reporters. The sources listed at the end give pointers to both some primary and secondary sources. I was disappointed that Rosenstock mentioned her access to the Muir-Roosevelt correspondence, but gave no details on how she got to look at those letters--not even cited in her source list!
The 'slice' of history is again a refreshing approach, because it allowed me to see both Muir and Roosevelt in some depth through this one experience. One of the nice details Rosenstock wrote was how Muir was annoyed by Roosevelt's constant stopping to make speeches and talk to reporters. The sources listed at the end give pointers to both some primary and secondary sources. I was disappointed that Rosenstock mentioned her access to the Muir-Roosevelt correspondence, but gave no details on how she got to look at those letters--not even cited in her source list!
April 28, 2024
This was an excellent book! I had so much fun reading about the adventures of Theodore Roosevelt (Teedie) and John Muir (Johnnie). The illustrations were delightful and the characters just popped off the page. The story was simply told, but well-written, making for an eloquent introduction to a fascinating event in American history. I actually went out and requested more books about Roosevelt and Muir, specifically about their involvement in the creation of the National Parks system, or at least their adventures in nature.
I loved how both characters were portrayed, and kept flipping through the pages to really appreciate the illustrations. The two looked like they were having so much fun, and it was so much fun to share in their adventure. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.
I loved how both characters were portrayed, and kept flipping through the pages to really appreciate the illustrations. The two looked like they were having so much fun, and it was so much fun to share in their adventure. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.
October 31, 2012
3.9 stars
I got this title from a list of best nonfiction for children. The illustrations are wonderful. It's a short, easy read. It tells how President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir went on a famous camping trip. President Roosevelt was so impressed by what John Muir shared with him that he enacted legislation that produced national monuments, national parks, designated wilderness areas, etc. I'm not sure if kids would have watched Ken Burns' National Parks series on PBS---but this would be a nice companion book for that series.
I got this title from a list of best nonfiction for children. The illustrations are wonderful. It's a short, easy read. It tells how President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir went on a famous camping trip. President Roosevelt was so impressed by what John Muir shared with him that he enacted legislation that produced national monuments, national parks, designated wilderness areas, etc. I'm not sure if kids would have watched Ken Burns' National Parks series on PBS---but this would be a nice companion book for that series.
March 18, 2012
Perhaps I am reacting mostly to the idea and principles and setting of this book, which I couldn't love more if I tried, but it is also a purely joyful read, with illustrations that make you want to get up and dance.
August 13, 2013
This book was such an interesting look at Theodore Roosevelt and for many a first look at John Muir. I love how the story gave such rich details about both men and how the beautiful illustrations added to the story. Overall, a beautiful book.
June 16, 2019
#bookaday summer reading challenge #15. True story of how TR’s trip to Yosemite inspired him to protect it. Would make a great read-aloud, with social studies, science, writing, and character ed tie-ins; or just share it because it’s beautiful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 19, 2012
The meeting of Theodore "Teedie" Roosevelt and John "Johnnie" Muir and the camping trip that inspired Roosevelt to draft into action the protection of wooded places as national parks and reserves.
October 16, 2015
Subtitled: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and our National Parks. Excellent, engaging romp through history showing how government and conservancy can actually work together sometimes!
December 16, 2022
Learned somethings!
November 29, 2018
In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt read John Muir’s book on the Sierra Nevada, which ended with a plea for government to save the vanishing forests. The president asked Muir to take him camping in the Yosemite wilderness, and two months later, Roosevelt followed his knowledgeable guide into the mountains, through the valley, and among the giant sequoia trees. Returning to Washington, the president pushed to pass the laws that created national parks and forests as well as wildlife sanctuaries.
Short on text, but heavy on illustration, this book is visually a beauty. The artwork by illustrator, Mordicai Gerstein is a combination of line-and-watercolor, and includes small portraits of the men, as well as several full page spreads, including one memorable scene showing the two men mounted on horseback dwarfed by giant sequoias.
In an Author’s Note at the end of the book Barb Rosenstock includes information left out of the story and mentions that some scenes were imagined. An extremely short list of sources is included.
This book is not as informational as would be expected from a nonfiction picture book, but the illustrations totally convey the wonder of this country and the enjoyment of a camping trip in the wilderness as experienced by two very different but influential men of their day.
Short on text, but heavy on illustration, this book is visually a beauty. The artwork by illustrator, Mordicai Gerstein is a combination of line-and-watercolor, and includes small portraits of the men, as well as several full page spreads, including one memorable scene showing the two men mounted on horseback dwarfed by giant sequoias.
In an Author’s Note at the end of the book Barb Rosenstock includes information left out of the story and mentions that some scenes were imagined. An extremely short list of sources is included.
This book is not as informational as would be expected from a nonfiction picture book, but the illustrations totally convey the wonder of this country and the enjoyment of a camping trip in the wilderness as experienced by two very different but influential men of their day.
February 4, 2020
This children’s picture book explains how President Theodore Roosevelt came to establish the National Park Service. He was a well known sportsman and loved being in the outdoors, and as president, he read a John Muir book about how the wilderness of California was being taken over by human progress. This inspired Roosevelt to journey by train to see for himself. Roosevelt and Muir camped together, and after this camping trip, they exchanged letters throughout the rest of their lives. While there is no account about what they talked about during their camping trip, Rosenstock, through researching their letters, imagines their dialogue in the story. The illustrations capture the grand scale of the sequoias, which are the largest living things on earth. Students, especially in fourth grade could research their nearest national park and bring home information for the program, Every Kid in a Park. They could write opinions about protecting wild places.
Read
February 20, 2023I loved this book! It gives a brief background on Teddy Roosevelt and Joh Muir, and then tells a story about how they worked together to preserve the natural land for future generations. I thought it did an excellent job at giving a background of the historical root of our National Parks. The book talks about Teddy Roosevelt being inspired by spending time outside, which prompted him to take action (which included starting America’s National Parks!) to work to preserve the natural land for many generations to come. This is a fun book that is easy for children to understand, that also provides historical context towards something that so many of us know so little about! There is also an author's note with additional information/context, which provides opportunities for further education. I liked this book! It's a fun book that is rooted in history and truth and talks about an important topic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
The Camping Trip That Changed America is a story about Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt trip to the western parks in 1903. On the three day journey, Teddy experiences the mountains and never ending forests. This camping trip between Teddy Roosevelt and his journalist, John Muir, is the reason that America has national parks, national forests, and national sanctuaries. This book also tells the reader that Teddy Roosevelt saved more wild land than any other President in history. I would read this book to an elementary classroom to help them understand how something they know so well came to be in America. I thought this book was very informational and a good read to learn more about how America discovered parks, forests, and sanctuaries.
February 17, 2025
This beautifully illustrated children's book is based on the true story of how President Teddy Roosevelt became interested in and succeeded in creating National Monuments, adding to the National Forest, and doubling the number of National Parks.
In this book, we learn that when Roosevelt read a book by John Muir about the Sierra Mountains, he was inspired to write to Muir. Roosevelt asked Muir to take him camping in Yosemite.
Roosevelt and Muir camped under the trees, enjoyed the scenery, and discussed how the population was destroying wild land in the name of progress.
Roosevelt decided he wanted his children to see the wild country he had seen. To do so, he determined he needed to protect these spaces in our country.
In this book, we learn that when Roosevelt read a book by John Muir about the Sierra Mountains, he was inspired to write to Muir. Roosevelt asked Muir to take him camping in Yosemite.
Roosevelt and Muir camped under the trees, enjoyed the scenery, and discussed how the population was destroying wild land in the name of progress.
Roosevelt decided he wanted his children to see the wild country he had seen. To do so, he determined he needed to protect these spaces in our country.
May 30, 2017
I enjoyed The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barb Rosenstock. This read told how a world famous naturalist and a President join together to save the forest in California's Yosemite wilderness. President Roosevelt determined to hear and see how could he be of assistance, contacted John to plan a camping trip that would later impact America. From official speeches, horseback riding, site seeing in the Mariposa Grove to a warm fire with story-telling and mountain climbing, a friendship formed, and an agreement emerged that saved the wilderness. This short and brief story would be great to assist in a lesson for 2nd to 4th grade. Love the illustrations!
June 7, 2022
It's a fun story, and I appreciate the notes Rosenstock put at the end, about where the storyline came from, considering that this event in American history is not well-documented with primary sources. All the same, it is the historical equivalent of The Lorax, a call to action that we all need to heed (even more so now) to protect the wild places in our country from those who would prefer to make money off of them. I doubt the current NPS is what Muir envisioned, based on this book's description, but I admit it's better than what would have happened if Teddy Roosevelt hadn't camped with Muir.
January 4, 2019
Teddy Roosevelt is a first grade standard and this book is a little long, but it would make a FABULOUS read aloud in fifth grade to go with that period of history and I think I will use it as an if-the-government-can't-get-their-act-together backup for a national park virtual field trip. The book was very well written and the narrative felt conversational and approachable. It detailed the one meeting between Muir and Roosevelt, and if I made a virtual field trip through the places in the story that might be a lot of fun :).
March 2, 2021
I love this storytelling style dual type narrative based on quotes and facts about Teddy Roosevelt's meeting with conservationist John Muir. It has the feeling of a tall tale the naturalist might tell, generating the excitement the 26th president himself might have felt. The energetic illustrations glow with color. The characters are recognizable yet have an elastic cartoon quality which supports the storytelling. A great story and a great introduction to this historic event. Terrific for starting conversations about environmentalism, nature, and our role as stewards of the land.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews