Camping with the President.

Wadsworth, Ginger (author).

Inspired by conservationist John Muir’s nature essays, President Theodore Roosevelt traveled west, visiting national parks and learning more about their resources. Wadsworth’s well-written, lively account highlights the pair’s 1903 exploration of the Yosemite wilderness, as well as America’s early conservation movement, in an accessible and engaging picture book for older readers. Dugan’s abundant, intricately rendered watercolors portray the stunning vistas and wildlife and are set against white backgrounds on occasionally text-heavy pages with small type. The descriptive narrative incorporates Roosevelt’s enthusiasm (with several “Bully!” exclamations) and aspects of presidential life, including intrusive crowds, reporters, and security, as well as the leader’s love for the solitude he found amid the giant sequoias and beautiful valleys. Although the account is fictionalized, actual quotes are attributed, and an author’s note provides helpful background, sources, and recommended books for young readers, including Roosevelt and Muir biographies. Students and educators alike will find this an informative and enjoyable introduction to two of America’s early environmental champions and to the early history of our national parks.