In clear, accessible prose and with often-striking color photos, this Preserving America series title offers an informative, well-written introduction to Death Valley in the Mojave Desert. The content ranges from its geographical elements (extreme temperatures!); diverse plant and animal life; and cultural history, including the gold rush years; to its becoming a national landmark in 1933 ough only gaining national park status in 1994. Appended notes, with accompanying photos, highlight specific wildlife, nearby visitor attractions, and safety caveats (like extreme heat's impact). The slim volume's attractive, colorful layout and glossy pages incorporate illustrative, eye-catching visuals, from a detailed map and historical photos to expansive desert vistas capturing the area's characteristics, landscapes, and unique beauty. A useful, user-friendly resource, whether for researchers, those considering an upcoming trip, or armchair travelers.

FRISCH, Nate . Everglades National Park . ISBN 978-1-60818-195-7 . LC 2012023229. FRISCH, Nate . Grand Canyon National Park . ISBN 978-1-60818-196-4 . LC 2012023230. FRISCH, Nate . Great Smoky Mountains National Park . ISBN 978-1-60818-197-1 . LC 2012023231. FRISCH, Nate . Yellowstone National Park . ISBN 978-1-60818-198-8 . LC 2012023232. FRISCH, Nate . Yosemite National Park . ISBN 978-1-60818-199-5 . LC 2012023233. ea vol: 48p. (Preserving America Series). bibliog. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Creative Education . 2013. lib. ed. $35.65. Gr 4-7 This series delivers the next best thing to traveling to the national parks in person. Informative and visually stunning, each title provides a level of access report writers will appreciate. Features covered include each park's history, geography, animal life, recreational activities, and conservation efforts. The writing is direct and illustrative: "Yosemite is characterized by sky-piercing mountain peaks and plunging waterfalls." Illustrations consist of archival and present-day photos, drawings, and maps. The many color photographs are of exceptionally fine quality, giving the images an almost stereoscopic quality. First-rate all around.