“Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park” by Bob and Teri Temple
Children’s World, Chanhassen, Minn., 2007, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
The United States National Park System is a marvelous gift to the country. Although Yellowstone National Park was created in 1872, the National Park System was formed in 1916 through a law signed by President Woodrow Wilson. The purpose of the law was to preserve some of the most beautiful and interesting geographical areas in the United States. The Park System was needed because vital parts of the country were vulnerable to overdevelopment resulting in critical loss of natural habitat. Because of the creation of the national parks, everyone in the United States is allowed to visit these remarkable areas. They are an endless treasure trove of beauty.
Teri and Bo Temple have written an inspiring account of one park in the system, the Grand Canyon National Park. The book takes you on an informational and photographic tour of this splendid area. The title of the book is “Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park.”
The Temples begin with a history of national parks and some astounding pictures of Grand Canyon National Park. The Park is 1,904 square miles or nearly twice the size of the State of Rhode Island. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide at its widest point and more than a mile deep. It’s famed South Rim is the most widely visited. Here tourists can look down to the bottom of the canyon and sense the magnificence of the geography.
The rare California Condor, with its near 10 foot wingspan, can sometimes be viewed from the South Rim. Though at one time nearly extinct, the California Condor, has benefitted from the protection of the National Park System and once again soars over the huge canyon. So marvelous is the view from the South Rim that people have been known to break into tears upon seeing it for the first time.
Next, visitors can brave the trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This trip requires a modicum of courage as it is usually done by riding a mule down the narrow and dangerous trail to the bottom. The path is narrow and the drop-offs are dangerous. Fortunately, mules are very steady on their feet. At the bottom of the canyon lies the Colorado River. After a sweat filled ride on the mules, visitors often experience a shocking sensation when they plunge their feet into the icy river.
The third section of the park is the isolated North Rim. Much harder to get to, the North Rim holds its own special sights. Due to its isolation, the fauna and animal life is slightly different than the other parts of the Grand Canyon. Sunrises are particularly beautiful from the North Rim. Though it is difficult for visitors to tour all three major areas of the Grand Canyon, the Temples give valuable tips on how to get the most out of your trip.
Have you ever visited a National Park? What beautiful areas in the United States are in the National Parks System? Have you ever thought about visiting the Grand Canyon? Why is this famous area so interesting? To find out the answers to these questions go to the library and check out: “Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park” by Teri and Bob Temple.
The photography in this book is superb, and the writing holds the interest of the readers. If you would like to share your memories of a trip to the Grand Canyon with the younger members of your family, or you would like to encourage them to think about visiting this national park, this is an excellent book. It is great fun to read and contains outstanding photographs. Enjoy!
