CAMPING WITH THE PRESIDENT

With illustrations by Karen Dugan

Imagine a U.S. president on a camping trip.  It seems unlikely today, but in May 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt dismissed his Secret Service men and sent away reporters and dignitaries to go camping with John Muir, the world-famous naturalist.  During three glorious nights and four days in California's Yosemite National Park, the two men talked about birds, giant sequoia trees, glaciers, as well as the importance of preserving wilderness for future generations.  Setting aside new national parks and monuments became one of the cornerstones of Roosevelt's presidency and was a direct result of this camping trip. (Ages 9 and up)

Published by Calkins Creek, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press

Winner of 2011 California Reading Association Eureka! Honor Award

A 2009 Smithsonian Notable Book

Winner of 2010 National Outdoor Book Award

Winner of 2011 Green Book Festival Award

"Two years after he became president, Theodore Roosevelt made a decision that would have large repercussions for forest and wildlife preservation in the United States. Roosevelt wrote John Muir, a famous naturalist and one of the president's favorite authors, and said he would like to meet Muir in California for a camping trip.  . . . This interesting book, with its realistic illustrations, makes a useful vehicle for teaching children about natural resources and an important but little-known event in Theodore Roosevelt's presidency." RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PROJECT ON ECONOMICS AND CHILDREN

"Dodging persistent reporters, the men rode through ancient sequoia forests, [went to] Glacier [Point] and camped at the foot of Bridalveil Fall. As detailed in an author's note, the trip likely played a significant role in Roosevelt's later conservation efforts.  Wadsworth's research is sound, her writing spritely, and her information interesting." KIRKUS REVIEWS

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