Yellowstone (Wonders of America Series) by Marion Dane Bauer, John Wallace (Illustrator)

Product Details

Synopsis

Bubbling mud puddles, shooting steam, and majestic bison make Yellowstone National Park — the world's first national park — a magical place to visit!

Children's Literature

Categorized as a Level 1 title, this first book about Yellowstone National Park is wonderfully informative. Beginning with the act of the United States Congress in 1872 to set aside land for recreation and enrichment, the narrative takes readers on a tour of the magical place. Young audiences discover geysers, fumaroles, and petrified forests. Led by child-guides, readers meet animals such as bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. They watch at a distance as mother bears nuzzle their cubs. Author Bauer also informs young readers of lessons learned in the great park—that even wolves and forest fires have their productive place within its boundaries. A concluding page lists interesting facts, which grown-ups could share with the beginning explorer. This title is a step two book in the "Ready-To-Read" series. Although the information is well selected, vocabulary seems too difficult for a young one who is "Starting to Read" as the designation indicates. This nonfiction title would be a fine read-aloud, however, and fills a void in historical information for primary readers/listeners. Reviewer: Janice DeLong

Biography

Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor book On My Honor and the New York Times bestseller My Mother Is Mine. Her other titles include A Mama for Owen, If You Were Born a Kitten, Grandmother's Song, and the forthcoming Thank You for Me! Marion is on the faculty of the Vermont College MFA program in writing for children and young adults. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at mariondanebauer.com.