This was a book that I was quite interested in and although there is still a bit of interest it has been tamped down.

The author of the book seems to have missed the mark to me for when I think of Yellowstone the animals are what comes to mind as well as Old Faithful and the scenery. When it comes to this book although you have two pictures of bison before the actual pages start there is barely any mention of the wildlife for the reader.

Instead the book focuses on the park's water attractions whether they are of the thermals or the rivers. For those who are interested in such there are simple given informative text that explains the timeframes, where they can be found and how they work or used to.

The book itself was creatively made to resemble a scrapbook and has nicely done photographs of the various scenery. Strewn throughout are more fact boxes, small glossary inserts and other information lending to the reading experience.

Another thing is that the book does have critical questions in the back for further learning. As much as I enjoy some of these I would have rather seen the author put some warnings for both adult and younger readers to help their experience be safer not only for them but for the park they are visiting. The one cautionary warning of a washed-out path shouldn't be the only word of caution.

All in all it is a nice and comfy little book that families may enjoy together if they are planning a trip to Yellowstone. Otherwise I am sure there are even better guides out there, especially for more mature readers.

***I received a free copy to read of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

Yellowstone National Park by Megan Cooley Peterson is an interesting book mostly concerning geysers and other land features of the park. It has clear photographs and concise maps to go with the easy to read and understand text. My grandson could read this nonfiction book. It is geared towards six to eight year old children. There is a helpful glossary to explain any unknown or scientific words that the child might not be familiar. Younger children would certainly enjoy the photos and drawings.

As a nonfiction book, it is well done. As a book on Yellowstone National Park, I wish it had more on the animals that live there. From the viewpoint of learning about the unique physical features, it is excellent.

This is a lovely new book about Yellowstone that is perfect for young readers. There are vivid pictures that show the wonders of Yellowstone and short pieces of text that give lots of facts. This is going to be a terrific addition to our school library.

Yellowstone National Park is a bit of a misnomer for this book I’d say. It should more accurately be labeled something like The Thermal Features of Yellowstone Park or Geysers and Hot Springs of Yellowstone, because that is its relatively narrow focus. There’s nothing wrong with a book focusing solely on the thermal features, but with such a general title I would have expected (and I’d assume readers would as well) more broad coverage of the park. Something that encompasses for instance wildlife, water features, etc.

If one is looking simply for information on the thermals, then the book is solid enough. The author begins with a general explanation of Yellowstone as sitting atop a huge volcano and of how magma creates the thermal features. What follows is a very brief breakdown of the various steam vents, hot springs, geysers, etc. at several of the main areas: Norris, Upper Geyser, Mammoth, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Mud Volcano area. Steamboat, Castle, and of course Old Faithful make an appearance on the geyser list, while the Grand Prismatic, Emerald, and Mammoth Terrace hot springs also are shown in photos and described. We get several views of the canyon and waterfall and close with a look at Dragon’s Mouth and Mud Volcano.

The prose is simple and direct. It seemed to me that at times there was some overlap/wordiness that could have been reduced and then the extra space could be used for some more vivid detail. For instance, any description of the Dragon’s Mouth should incorporate the deep rhythmic pulsing sound that to many ears sounds like the “dragon” breathing inside its cave. To be honest, while the facts were fine, the language/descriptions felt more than a little flat to me, which was especially disappointing for such a magical place as Yellowstone. And I’ll confess to a little pet peeve as well, and that is the repeated use of the word “hike” to describe what in my mind are “walks” along boardwalks, pavement, and stairs. I’d prefer “hike” be reserved for trails and especially for trails out of sight of massive parking lots.

The visuals are a mixed lot. Again, Yellowstone is such a stunning vista that each photograph would ideally convey the majesty/beauty, and I can’t say every here does. Some certainly do — one of bison drinking at the river is a highlight — but several are a bit dull or too covered up. A cut-away diagram of what is a happening beneath the surface of the thermal features might have been useful as well.

Finally, I’d have liked to have seen some mention of a few things. One is getting off the paved/boardwalked paths. We should be encouraging families and children to get out of sight of roads and parking lots and into nature fully, and there are certainly trails in Yellowstone that will allow you to see thermals “off the beaten path.” And I don’t mean fifteen-mile backcountry hikes. And in a book for children, it’s also important to give them two cautions—one about never putting their hands in a thermal feature and another is never to throw anything into one, with explanations as to why (not a bad idea that parents are reminded of this as well—I’ve seen too many adults turn a blind eye to their children tossing rocks into thermal features).

In the end, I’d call this a somewhat disappointing (and mistitled) look at a truly unique place. It gives the facts, but I think misses the magic linguistically and visually. It could serve as a quick starting point, but I’d move on to something a bit more substantive and more imaginative in its use of language and image.

What beautiful photographs in this book covering the high points of Yellowstone National Park! Peterson does an admirable job of condensing one of the nation’s most beautiful and diverse places into a mere 23 pages. Families planning to visit the park and libraries with a large non-fiction readership in grades 2-6 may want to consider this one. ELA and Social Studies teachers will appreciate the variety of text features including maps, glossary, print variation, captions, side bars and more. Back matter contains websites for further research, however, one of them has very little information and much encouragement to subscribe. Additional criticism that I hope is corrected in final editions would include the misspelling of ‘gases’ on page 21 and the the misleading statement that the park is in Wyoming when the map clearly shows that parts of the park are also in Idaho and Montana.

My family visited Yellowstone National Park several years ago while my children were younger (7 & 10). They loved participating in the Junior Ranger Program. This is a book that I would have loved to read with them before and after we visited. It highlighted various areas of the park and gave basic facts and information about them. Some of the things highlighted we did not see as we only spent two days there and there is so much to see and do. This is a wonderful non-fiction book that describes the park and often makes you feel like you are there. An excellent book for a school library or for anyone to read if you are planning a trip to visit. It will help you plan what you want to see and give you information to start your explorations. The photographs are amazing and add another dimension to this book. It is not a comprehensive book on Yellowstone, so if that is what you want, then you might want to check elsewhere. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Yellowstone National Park by Megan Cooley Peterson is, as the name suggests, all about Yellowstone, a US national park spanning parts of three states. Geared towards kids 6-8 years old, this field guide is packed with gorgeous pictures, and tons of information. New words are introduced, with definitions supplied. Not only that, but Peterson even lays out a hike to take when visiting Yellowstone. An overall great book for getting kids interested in nature. My cubs and I read it together, and we all enjoyed it! Now they want to go visit Yellowstone in person. Haha, maybe soon!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley and Capstone for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have wanted to take my family to Yellowstone for two years, but haven't gotten to go. This book was very informative and makes me more excited to make the trip!

Yellowstone National Park is a quick reference guide for families and kids. This book outlines the different geysers and rivers to see. It has all the must see spots on your trip, detailed maps, beautiful pictures, and fun facts.

I am determined to travel to Yellowstone, and this book will come with me!

Taking in sights of Yellowstone National Park brings each and every visitor to pause with its majestic beauty. Sharing the beautiful photographs and clearly written text about the geysers, springs and canyon will pique the curiosity of young readers all over the globe. This book uses text features and scientific vocabulary to show beginning readers that this story is nonfiction. One of my favorite features, though, is supplement at the end of the book (glossary, index, thinking questions, etc), which gives teachers and caregivers the opportunity to extend the lesson. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher as well. I think #YellowstoneNationalPark by Megan Cooley Peterson will be the perfect addition to a preschool or early elementary classroom!

Lovely photographs of the park interspersed with facts, sure to engage the interest of even the dullest of the dull children.