Happy 100th Birthday, National Park Service! 0

The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. In case you've ever wondered, "Why was a national park service important?", author Annette Bay Pimentel answers that very question in the back matter of her new picture book biography, Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped Cook Up the National Park Service, illustrated by Rich Lo:

"In 1872 Yellowstone was declared the first national park. In 1911 President William Howard Taft recommended the formation of a national park service, but he failed to whip up enough enthusiasm among members of Congress. By 1915 there were eleven national parks--but no system of administering the parks.

In January 1915 Stephen Mather was appointed assistant secretary of the interior by President Woodrow Wilson. Mather was determined both to protect the national parks and to share them with all Americans. Appalled at the bureaucratic red tape in Washington, DC, he dreamed up a camping trip that would change hearts and minds."

From Mountain Chef. Text copyright (c) 2016 by Annette Bay Pimentel.
Illustration copyright (c) 2016 by Rich Lo.

According to the National Park's website, "The centennial will kick off a second century of stewardship of America's national parks and engaging communities through recreation, conservation, and historic preservation programs."

From Mountain Chef. Text copyright (c) 2016 by Annette Bay Pimentel.
Illustration copyright (c) 2016 by Rich Lo.

In honor of this momentous occasion and also to celebrate the August publication of Mountain Chef, Charlesbridge is excited to offer a special promotion: Order Mountain Chef on our website and receive a 25% discount. Enter promo code NPS100. (Offer expires September 30, 2016.)

We'd also love to know your favorite national parks and which ones you are visiting this year in honor of the centennial--feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Cheers to 100 more years of our beautiful national parks!

 From Mountain Chef. Text copyright (c) 2016 by Annette Bay Pimentel.
Illustration copyright (c) 2016 by Rich Lo.

Resources:
Mountain Chef
National Park Service Centennial (#NPS100)
Find Your Park (#FindYourPark)

Other Charlesbridge books about our National Parks:
Family Pack
Out on the Prairie
Mule Train Mail
John Muir Wrestles a Waterfall