GRAND CANYON

An introduction to multiple aspects of the park, from foundational rock to overarching sky.

This title’s content parallels Jason Chin’s 2017 Caldecott Honor–winning book Grand Canyon (which adds a narrative thread), but unlike Chin’s romantic watercolors, Lewis’ information-rich designs evoke stylish WPA posters, dominated by rust red and indigo. Following a map and an introduction citing the canyon’s jaw-dropping statistics (length, width, depth, area), Lamb explains its formation, providing some basic geological facts along the way. One chapter covers the people who have lived in the canyon from ancient times to the present day, including the Cohonina, Havasupai, and Navajo peoples; some of their legends are featured. The author notes past management mistakes and discusses the people who explored the canyon and helped preserve it for future generations, such as naturalist John Muir. Lamb also covers the contributions of various women, including architect Mary Jane Colter and botanists Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter. The abundant and unique wildlife earn the most extensive coverage: Lamb analyzes ecosystems at various elevations and the habitats they offer. The in-depth pages feature characteristic animals (monarch butterflies, peregrine falcons) and plants (cacti, ponderosa trees), explaining their adaptation and potential challenges from climate change. History, biology, botany, ecology, geology, and human appreciation for beauty, security, and adventure—it’s all here; readers will want to snap up this one.

A fact-filled tribute to this national natural treasure.