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Author name: Kathy Cherry

10 Great National Park Books for Kids

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Looking for great national park books for kids? National parks are full of adventure, wildlife, history, and plenty of opportunities for kids to wonder about the world around them. Whether your young reader loves animal facts, mysteries, beautiful illustrations, or exciting adventures, there is definitely a national park book for them! Here are 10 books that can help kids discover the magic of America’s national parks without even needing a backpack! 1. For the Kid Who Wants to Explore Them All National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber Take a trip across the country without leaving home! This beautifully illustrated book introduces kids to national parks throughout the United States, along with the plants, animals, landscapes, and all the special features that make each one unique. Perfect for: Curious kids who love nature, animals, maps, and fun facts. 2. For the Kid Who Finds Wonder in the Wild I Am Made of Mountains by Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs This beautifully illustrated book celebrates America’s national parks while encouraging kids to connect with the natural world. Along the way, young readers can learn about wildlife, landscapes, history, and the people who have cared for these special places. Perfect for: Kids who love beautiful books, nature, and discovering new things. 3. For the Kid Who Loves a True Story The Camping Trip That Changed America by Barb Rosenstock What happened when President Theodore Roosevelt went camping with naturalist John Muir? Their real-life adventure in Yosemite helped shape the future of conservation in America. This picture book brings an important piece of national park history to life for young readers. Perfect for: Kids who enjoy history, biographies, and true stories about people who made a difference. 4. For the Future Explorer National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide USA Part guidebook and part adventure planner, this colorful National Geographic Kids book is packed with photos, maps, wildlife, park facts, and ideas for exploring. Perfect for: Future explorers and families planning or dreaming about their next park adventure. 5. For the Kid Who Loves a Road Trip Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager When a family’s summer plans change, they head out on a road trip through America’s national parks and discover just how much adventure can be found in their own backyard. It’s a fun reminder that sometimes the best family memories happen outdoors. Perfect for: Kids who love family adventures, road trips, and exploring new places. 6. For the Kid Who Thinks Poop Is Hilarious Who Pooped in the Park? series by Gary D. Robson Yes, we’re talking about poop! These park-specific books teach kids how to identify animals through tracks, scat, and other clues they leave behind. It’s a funny and educational way to learn about national park wildlife. Perfect for: Animal lovers, budding wildlife detectives, and any kid (or adult) who giggles at the word “poop.” 7. For the Kid Who Wants to Visit Yellowstone Where Is Yellowstone? by Sarah Fabiny From bubbling geysers and hot springs to bison, bears, and wolves, Yellowstone National Park is filled with amazing things to discover. This book explores the national park’s wildlife, geology, history, and the story of how Yellowstone became America’s first national park. Perfect for: Curious readers who love wildlife, cool natural phenomena, history, and learning more about one of America’s most famous national parks. 8. For the Kid Who Wants an Adventure Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park by Aaron Johnson A mysterious journal, hidden clues, and the rugged landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park set the stage for this middle-grade adventure. It’s a fun choice for readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries. Perfect for: Kids who love clues, treasure hunts, and page-turning adventures. 9. For the Kid Who Feels at Home Outside You Are Home: An Ode to the National Parks by Evan Turk With gorgeous illustrations and lyrical text, this book celebrates the landscapes, wildlife, and sense of belonging found in America’s national parks. Perfect for: Nature lovers and kids who appreciate beautiful artwork and quiet moments of wonder. 10. For the Kid Who Wishes National Parks Had a Little More Magic Erutuf National Park Series by Kathy Arnold Cherry What if you could fall through a video and land inside a magical national park? In the Erutuf National Park series, siblings Reese and Dean find themselves exploring incredible landscapes, meeting talking animals, encountering some very unusual pirates, and taking on adventures they never expected. Along the way, readers discover fun facts about wildlife and nature. They also see how kids can make a difference and work together to protect this magical national park. The series includes Turtle Tube, Bison Blog, and Polar Post, with more adventures to come! Perfect for: Kids ages 7–12 who love humor, adventure, talking animals, nature, and a little bit of magic. Find More National Park Books for Kids You don’t have to travel across the country to introduce kids to the wonder of national parks. Books can take young readers from snowy mountains to ocean shores, and even into a magical national park. Pick a book and start exploring! These national park books for kids are a wonderful way to inspire a love of wildlife, nature, adventure, and America’s national parks. Happy reading and exploring!  

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Write the World Organization

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Looking for a writing resource for ages 13-19? I’ve got a great one for you! Since September 2024, I have been volunteering for this amazing organization called Write the World as an expert reviewer and as a shortlisting judge for their monthly writing competitions. I love this opportunity to help young writers and also to read their creative pieces! I love how some sentences or entire pieces stay with me for some time. I’m grateful to play a small part here.  Write the World is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2012 at Harvard University. The organization’s mission is “To equip teenagers with the confidence and competence to change the world, one word at a time. By developing teenagers’ writing and critical thinking skills, we empower young writers to become global citizens and succeed in school, career, and life.” The organization offers free monthly writing competitions, but also has writing camps, college essay reviews, teaching resources, and much more. If you know anyone ages 13-19 or know any educators for this age, please share this great resource!  Watch this short video or visit their website to find out more information or to get involved. I highly recommend this great resource and organization!    

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Kids Ask Authors Answer YouTube Appearance and Resources

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Exciting news! 2026 started off with a super fun live YouTube appearance all about Polar Post hosted by two amazing authors, co-hosts of Kids Ask Authors Answer. I had the great opportunity to answer a number of questions from children and even participated in a rapid fire quiz! I had a blast! Click here to watch this super fun episode. Please give it a watch and let me know your favorite question submitted by a kid.  In addition to the interview, you can find a number of goodies related to Polar Post on their website such as activities, lesson plans, and the read aloud. In particular, I love the secret treasure map hunt activity. Enjoy a cute video example of it here.   Kids Ask Authors Answer is a super fun and interactive YouTube series where real kids get to ask real authors their most curious questions about children’s books! Each episode features a new children’s book read aloud followed by kid-submitted questions that the author answers on camera with no scripts, no prep, just genuine reactions and fun. Click this link for more information and resources on their website. Click this link to view all the awesome videos!  If you know a parent, teacher, librarian, or homeschool family looking for quality chapter book read-alouds, lesson plans, and other resources, please help us spread the word.

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2025 Holiday Indie Children’s Book Reading List

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The holidays are a great time to slow down, relax, and enjoy stories with the children in your life. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply love the spirit of the season, this year’s Holiday Indie Children’s Book Reading List brings together a collection of books written by independent authors who care deeply about storytelling, creativity, and connection. Each book in this list was submitted directly by the author and reflects their unique voice. You will find stories that highlight kindness, courage, imagination, friendship, and adventure. These titles make thoughtful gifts for families, classrooms, and holiday celebrations throughout December. Supporting independent authors helps keep fresh ideas and diverse stories in the world. Your purchases, shares, and reviews all make a meaningful difference. How to Support This Holiday Book List: 1. Explore the books and visit the author’s websites. 2. Purchase using the links provided. 3. Leave an honest review after reading. 4. Share the digital flip book with friends, family, teachers, librarians, and your social media community. 5. Help spread the word by encouraging others to read and support indie authors. Give the gift of stories this holiday season and help independent authors continue creating books children love. 2025 Holiday Indie Children’s Book Reading List: Merry Christmas, Missy Moo A cozy Christmas tale filled with kindness, friendship, and a touch of holiday magic. Website: https://www.mrs-bs-books.com/ The Candies’ Last Stand Magical candies team up in a Kindergarten holiday adventure that blends teamwork, friendship, and chaos. Website: https://rachaeltarfmanperez.com/ Here We Go Again! A Story About Bullying Peter the panther learns to find his voice with the help of a trusted friend as he navigates a bullying challenge. Website: http://www.savanna-therapeutic.org.uk/ Petunia the Perfectionist Petunia discovers that mistakes are part of life and that joy matters more than perfection. Website: https://marissabader.com/ Pennygirl’s Rescue Told from the perspective of a rescue dog, Penny’s journey highlights courage, love, and the hope for a forever family. Website: http://www.judymcgeeauthor.com/ DOGFISH and the Gift of Inclusion Dogfish and friends search for Ollie before a birthday celebration can begin, showing that everyone belongs. Website: https://www.dogfishtales.com/ Penelope and the Power of Positivity Penelope learns how to replace doubt with confidence using the power of her words and the magic of “yet.” Website: https://pictureperfectreads.com/ Are You Bored? Three children discover how imagination can turn boring moments into new adventures. Website: http://www.monikamarzec.com/ Ready Steady Lyra prepares for Sports Day and imagines one adventure after another as she searches for her “go.” Website: https://www.beckyedwardsbooks.com/ The Boy Who Wanted to Fly Max dreams of soaring and learns with his sister that creativity and perseverance can bring dreams to life. Website: https://www.farialsbooks.com/ Count to 20 with the Silly Dinosaurs A playful counting book that invites preschoolers to find a hidden bird dinosaur on each page. Website: https://www.quilltownbooks.com/ Polar Post: An Erutuf National Park Novel Reese and Dean return to a magical national park and face their coldest and most challenging mission yet. Website: https://www.kathycherrybooks.com/ A Courageous, Clever Crow Series: Go Gladiator! Three clever crows time-travel to Ancient Rome and explore gladiator games, feasts, and Roman life. Website: https://www.deborahbradburybooks.com/ How I Saved the Ants! Cheeku meets tiny ants deep underground and receives a life-changing blessing from their queen. Website: https://julie09ichi.wixsite.com/jyothsna When the Moon Sleeps, Do You Think He Dreams? A child wonders what the moon might dream about during the day in this imaginative bedtime adventure. Website: https://davidklochkobooks.com/ Bo the Boat A gentle lift-the-flap sea adventure that supports early speech and language development. Website: http://www.clareshort.com/ To see the full flipbook of all the books in this holiday guide, scan the QR code above! Here’s to a holiday season filled with kindness, courage, adventure, and the magic of books. Thank you for supporting children’s independent authors this holiday season!

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Children’s Nature Book Recommendations

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Nature lovers, are you looking for more books to share with your children? Look no further! We have organized a great list here of wonderful nature children’s books. Check out these children’s books with a nature and environmental focus: The Nature’s Little Wonders series helps children to discover the magic and beauty of our natural world. Children will learn how nature supports us, how interconnected everything is, and how important it is to cherish and protect the world around them. This series helps young minds build a lifelong bond with the environment while celebrating the incredible magic of life all around us. By Adele Lamothe https://adelelamothe.com/ The Grande Guide series for children allows you and your children to travel through the national parks without having to leave your house! In each book, an animal ranger will journey with you through a specific national park. Along the way you’ll be introduced to defining characteristics of the park in an imaginative and playful manner. With captivating rhymes and playful illustrations, your child will be introduced to the history and magic of our magnificent national parks. Which park will be your next adventure? By Sarah Del Grande https://www.grandeguidesbooks.com/ Dive into The MerKids series with mermaid sisters, Maisie and Mila, on adventures filled with fun, fantasy, and fascinating facts. Perfect for curious minds and nature enthusiasts, this is a must-have guide for every MerKid ready to explore the natural wonders! By Laura Raffin https://www.youtube.com/@themerkids The Know It Owl series stars the wise and witty Owl who sets out to correct the misconceptions of different featured animals from around the world and enlightens them with the truth in a fun and playful way. By Terri Sabol https://www.terrisabol.com/ Meet the Wild Things series introduces young readers to endangered animals from around the globe, told from the points of view of the animals themselves. By Hayley Rocco https://www.hayleyrocco.com/ In the Lesser Known Parks Collection, comes an endearing story of a boy stranded in one of America’s wildest places, Isle Royal National Park, in The Wild Island: An Adventure at Isle Royale National Park. By Tracy Phillippi https://tracywritesoutside.com/ In the Erutuf National Park series, join siblings Reese and Dean on their adventures to the magical Erutuf National Park! Can they fulfill their missions and protect this special place? By Kathy Arnold Cherry https://www.kathycherrybooks.com Happy exploring these children’s books!

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Happy 109th to the National Park Service!

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Happy 109th Birthday to the National Park Service! 🎉 It’s the National Park Service’s 109th birthday! Yay! 🌲 Celebrate at home with your kids with 5 easy and fun activities! ✨ Check out these images for ideas full of wonder, creativity, and adventure to do with your children to celebrate this fun birthday. You can click on the last two images for links. Cheers to a great day and to our amazing national parks!

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13 Summer Reading Suggestions for Kids: Amazing Indie Books You’ll Love!

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Summer is almost here, and that means long sunny days, popsicles, splashy adventures—and the perfect time to dive into a good book! Whether your child is lounging in a hammock, traveling on a family road trip, or just enjoying some quiet time indoors, reading keeps their imagination sharp and their minds engaged. This year, why not discover something new? We’ve gathered a list of wonderful children’s books from indie authors—talented storytellers who pour their hearts into creating fun, thoughtful, and inspiring books for young readers. These books might not be on every big-box shelf, but trust us—they’re gems worth reading! Check out these books: 1. Website: www.sockcrewadventures.com Book title: The Sock Crew Adventures Series Ages- 5-8 About: Sara and her magical socks travel the world learning culture, art and history. It’s not just a book it’s a coloring book too!   2. Website: www.thereselynchcreates.com Book title: A Mole in One Ages: 4-9 About: Join Fergus the golfing mole as he discovers that being true to himself and embracing his unique talents leads to victory on and off the course.   3. Website: https://hunnyandkoko.com Book Title: Hunny & Koko Series Ages: 3-7 About: Dog Best Friends go on adventures like a mission to space, the county fair, the farm, and even the grocery store! With vibrant illustrations and sweet life lessons, these stories are a hit with young readers and grown-ups alike.   4. Website: www.amydoslich.com Book Title: Seeking Snowball About: Uh-oh! Snowball, the family dog, has escaped, and it’s up to your little one to bring him home safely! Join Hannah and Mary in this delightful adventure from The Hannah Banana and Mary Berry Series, where every page is a new opportunity for fun and exploration.   5. Website:https://www.katiegigliotti.com Book title: Wander World About: Up, up, and away! Boredom doesn’t always have to be bad. When a bored young girl persuades her sleepy grandpa to take a journey with her, they embark on an imaginative adventure. Together, they wander around the world visiting each of the seven continents, right from the living room couch!   6. Website: https://www.kathycherrybooks.com Book series: Erutuf National Park series Ages: 7-12 About: Join two siblings on an exciting adventure to the magical Erutuf National Park. Can they work together and overcome obstacles to complete their mission and protect this extraordinary place?   7. Website: http://www.dumplingsandus.com Book series: Five Little Dumplings Series Ages: 2-10 About: Five Little Dumplings is a delightful picture book series for children, featuring uplifting and educational stories that inspire joy, curiosity, and growth in young readers.   8.Website: http://www.clareshort.com About:  Join Bo the Boat and Capt. Mo on their adventure at sea! This lift-the-flap board book was written by a Speech-Language Pathologist and supports early speech skills. 9.Website: www.erinmurphybooks.com/ Book titles: Halfway Home: A Rescue Dog’s Sky-high Journey to Acceptance Daring Dexter: How Aviation Sparks Change in a Rescue Dog’s Life About: Two great stories about animal rescue and adoption. These books feature some great humor and provide an insight into how dogs may be feeling throughout the rescue and adoption process with an emphasis on how aviation has been a great resource for these rescue dogs.   10. Website: www.mrs-bs-books.com Book title: Missy Moo and the Great Fart Mishap About: Join Missy Moo and her barnyard friends as they tackle one hilariously stinky situation on the farm. Packed with laughs and lovable characters, it’s the perfect pick for early readers and silly storytime fun.   11. Website: Www.fruity-budz.com/ Book title: Frog Fish and Worm and Dorothy Dustbucket About: Frog, Fish, and Worm is a funny, rhyming tale for kids aged 2–8. Three cheeky pals outwit the hairy fisherman, Stan. With help from a toothless croc, they show that teamwork can take down a bully.   12. Website: www.rachaeltarfmanperez.com Book series: Gia Toddler-Preschool-Kindergarten Series In this charming series, little Gia tackles big milestones like potty training, discovers the joy of her favorite foods, and makes sweet new friends along the way. With laugh-out-loud moments, helpful tips for parents & children, and delightful illustrations, these stories make everyday challenges feel fun, relatable, and oh-so-cute.   13. Website: https://www.quilltownbooks.com Book title: Count to 20 With the Silly Dinosaurs This book combines counting and fun by featuring a hidden little dinosaur bird on each page. It helps children learn to count while preparing for bedtime. The book also includes a list of dinosaur names and pictures for better association. Happy reading!

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National Park Week Thanks

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As National Park Week wrapped up yesterday, I thought a lot about our national parks this past week and all the memories of our visits there. I also thought about the discoveries, innovations, conservation, workforce, volunteers, youth, junior rangers, community, and the arts! National parks bring us great joy in addition to many other benefits. National Park Week provided us with a daily reminder of all the goodness within this great and unique system. Thank you for coming along with me on this year’s National Park Week!

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