"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 … 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." —Booklist
"Parents and young naturalists will enjoy reading this ..., a great starting point for teaching children about conservation, national parks, and political activism." —Sierra Club
"While the story reads like fiction, the source notes indicate the breadth of research that came first.This glimpse back in time gives valuable insight to a president that made the environment and preserving our natural resources a priority. Historically realistic watercolor illustrations depicting life in the early 1900s provide added interest. This entertaining book provides important historical information in an enjoyable format." —Library Media Connection
"Coinciding with Ken Burns’s latest documentary series on national parks, Camping With the President is a kid-friendly companion about two great historical figures who had an enduring impact on our national parks and forests. Ginger Wadsworth’s chatty, well-researched narrative tells the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s camping trip into Yosemite Valley with renowned naturalist John Muir. For four solid days the pair rode horseback amid giant sequoia trees and granite mountains, sleeping in tents and awakening to birdsong—evading the press and the president’s Secret Service at every turn. Karen Dugan’s watercolor illustrations depict the characters and scenes in delightful detail: Roosevelt is robust in tan Rough Rider–like attire, round spectacles, and cropped mustache; lithe and bearded, Muir dons a simple charcoal suit. In one inspiring scene, a halo of firelight ensconces the two men as El Capitan’s indigo facade rises behind them in the growing darkness. Muir waves his hands animatedly while Roosevelt reclines pensively, revealing how the president “respected the mountaineer’s advice on the importance of preserving land”—indeed, Roosevelt established Muir Woods National Monument, among others—as well as his understanding that to appreciate nature, it helps to spend time under the stars." —Audubon Magazine
