The Redrock Canyon Explorer (The Explorer Library) - Softcover

Irene Brady

9780915965045: The Redrock Canyon Explorer (The Explorer Library)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0915965046 ISBN 13: 9780915965045

Publisher: Nature Works, 1998

This book for both kids and adults has something for every nature lover - especially if you're planning a visit to the redrock canyon country of the Southwest. The gripping illustrated story on the right-hand pages follows the lives of the mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and plants and their closely interconnected paths in a desert canyon. Experience a flash flood and visit the canyon potholes with the wildlife. Explore Ancient Puebloan lifeways and artifacts in the ancient sites where some of the story takes place.

The pages facing the text give fascinating details and an enriched field-guide background of factual (and fun) related information. Superb illustrations illuminate every subject - from tracks and skulls and animal behavior to petrified sand dunes and dinosaur footprints. Carefully researched "information nuggets" spark insight on what's happening in the picture/story on the opposite pages.

There are maps of the Colorado Plateau and the fictional redrock canyon, a great guide to the geology of all the popular parks and monuments, plus hiking and camping do's and don'ts, and an entertaining, low-impact Things-To-Do section.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Publisher:

It isn't easy to find a book about the natural history of the Southwest that features animals, plants, geology and the Ancient Puebloans in a way that connects them all together — especially a profusely and beautifully illustrated book which the whole family can read and enjoy.

THE REDROCK CANYON EXPLORER appeals to the curious naturalist in everyone. But its scope includes far more than just the redrock canyons — its animals and plants can be found in ALL of the high desert areas of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

You'll be instantly engaged as you leaf through the lavishly illustrated, information-packed pages. And you'll go back to it again and again to re-read the compelling story, look up details, or simply enjoy the intricate drawings of life in the canyons.

We've tried something new here -- on every right-hand page the story carries the reader along in an intimate chain-of-events which leads from one animal and its activites to its natural encounter with the next. On the facing left-hand pages are facts and details about what is mentioned in the story opposite.

For instance, across from the chapter on the coyote, you can learn facts about coyotes, the Aztec way to say "coyote," how to identify tracks and scat (great illustration), what happens if you make a lot of noise when hiking, see what a coyote skull looks like, learn how scientists find important information in animal droppings, and why coyotes and other carnivores are an essential part of the environment.

It isn't often that an author/illustrator has both high-quality writing and illustrating skills, but in Irene Brady we have found that rare combination. Having created nature books for almost thirty years, her writing and illustrating have been honed to a fine point, and her attention to detail is legendary. The text is lyrical yet simple and readable, and above all engaging. You'll find yourself poring over the larger illustrations to pick up all the fascinating details that accompany the action. Her animals manage to be delightful without crossing over the line to "cute."

If you appreciate the redrock country, the desert, or wildlife in general, this book will take you in just about any direction you care to go. While it makes great armchair reading, you'll also find it a valuable traveling companion and guide when you travel in the Southwest.

From the Author:

The redrock canyons have intrigued me for as long as I can remember. Visiting my first one was like walking into a mysterious time warp. I felt as though I were entering an ageless place where a dinosaur might peer out from behind the next boulder, or then again, it might be a cougar -- or a curious lizard. And I have never been disappointed. There is always something, large or small, to grab my attention and pique my curiosity. I have spent countless hours climbing, listening, sketching and journaling in the redrock canyons.

In these canyons (which many people see as empty, rock-tumbled gashes in the cliffs) I find a glowing, living cathedral, filled with life -- with wren and coyote songs, croaking ravens, rattling pebbles and mysteries around every corner.

So I wrote this book to share my wonder with kids and adults alike. Does the Southwestern scenery appear dull and lifeless? Open up this book and you'll discover strange and amazing things. Is there a kid in the back seat of the car moaning "this place is boring...?" Pass them THE REDROCK CANYON EXPLORER and let them discover what's REALLY out there. It'll change their whole way of seeing. I guarantee.

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