Acadia National Park: Eye of the Whale (Adventures with the Parkers) by Mike Graf, illustrated by Majorie Leggitt

After a long flight from California, the Parkers are ready to see all the sites of Acadia National Park. With the guidance of the park rangers, the Parkers hike several challenging trails, bike the old carriage roads, watch the local sea life, explore nearby islands, and snack on wild blueberries growing all over the park. During their excursions, Mrs. Parker joins an old college friend to kayak around several of the islands. However, their kayaking trip is interrupted when the two friends come across a young beached whale.

Graf creates the ideal Acadia guide for families who have wondered what this national park has to offer. With several photographs, watercolor illustrations, and park maps, readers can follow the Parkers trails as they tour and camp around the park. Graf also showcases several of family-friendly programs offered by park rangers, like searching tide pools, learning how a beach is created, and experiencing the Dive-Inn Theater. This book will whet readers vacationing appetites to see this amazing national park firsthand.

Glacier National Park: Going to the Sun (Adventures with the Parkers) by Mike Graf, illustrated by Marjorie Leggitt

Mom, Dad, Morgan, and James are spending their vacation at Glacier National Park in Montana. Through keen planning, the family goes on several hikes inside the park to experience the glory of the vanishing glaciers and the views of the spectacular wild mountains and lakes. Near the end of their trip, a natural wildfire causes problems for the Parkers when it separates Dad from his wife and kids.

Graf's book is a quick, fun read with stunning photographs showcasing the beauties of Glacier National Park. Through the Parkers, readers get to experience what a visit to Glacier would be like. But alongside the Parkers' story, Graf adds in adventures with the park's wildlife. These nature snapshots can teach young readers what life is like for wolves, bears, moose, and eagles living in the park boundaries. Graf's National Parks series is a great resource for kids to get them interested in visiting these national wonders and appreciating the parks' value. Great for ages eight to twelve.