Theme Parks Books

Secrets To Drawing Realistic Children by Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Parks is just as their other Secrets to Drawing books, an exceptional tool. If you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this great book will be of value. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning or improving their skills.

As a graphite artist of about every other subject,I used to think drawing realistic portraits was beyond my capacity. I can't remember why I initially decided to give it a try but there was something believable about their first book on realistic drawing that made it seem possible. The comments I've gotten on my efforts (even well before they were completed) were enough to convince me that it was really happening. Carrie and Rick actually guided me through the process perfectly with their books. This one is my favorite because as a grandparent I can blend my two favorite past times now. Thanks, you guys.

This book is remarkable. I am a self-taught artist and Carrie has been the best guide I could ever imagine without actually being here and holding my hand. Her books are wonderful for beginners without being too simplistic. She has great advice and examples and covers it all without going into boring stuff like the history of the pencil. She gets right down to it and you can too. I've shocked myself in going from stick figures to actual commissions in under a year. I mostly draw for pleasure, and don't actually want many commissions, but I'm far better at it than I ever imagined. Carrie teaches you that drawing CAN be learned and easily. Thank you Carrie for giving me the tools to fulfill a life long dream. I'd give you 10 stars if I could.

I highly recommend this book. Written in a lighthearted humourous way this book helps the reader understand and remember all the secrets of the trade. As an experienced artist I found Secrets to Drawing Realistic Children a most valuble teaching and refrence resource. Anyone wishing to advance their skills in drawning would greatly benefit from this book!

This is a good beginners' book to learn the art of drawing portraits. Full-face, three-quarters, profile, angles, distortion and shading are well-covered by the author. Important techniques of proportion, shading, perspective, how to draw eyes, how to make the irids bright and realistic and add highlights to give life to pencil drawings.


There is a section on "toys", by which the author means "drawing tools." She discusses types of erasers, including electric erasers. These sound as if they are gimmicky to say the least, but an electric eraser, which makes repeated small movements, is a boon for lightening shaded graphite areas in a controlled manner. Colored pencil artists swear by them. Pencils are of course covered, as well as paper types.

The tone of the book is rather casual to the point of silliness, but if you are an amateur, intending to learn to draw children, this might be appealing.

Now, about that title. Shouldn't the title be "Secrets to Drawing Children Realistically" (Or ..in a realistic manner?) I'm floored that the publisher didn't figure out that "realistic children" are probably the only kind of children you and I would want to be drawing, unless there are upcoming titles such as "How to draw Crash-Dummy Children" or "How to Draw Unholy Minions-of-Hell Vampire Children of the Night"."

This book is a spectacular visual text to some of the American National Parks. The size of the photos, and their photographic quality, are just excellent. The photos are right up there with National Geographic-type quality. In addition, the accompaning text gives ecological insights to where and why this part of the United States was designated and saved as a National Park. The book gives short but insightful accompanying text for each of the Parks that are presented to the reader. The only problem is, unfortunately, the organization of the chapters, and a very skimpy table of contents, and the reader can get easily annoyed with these two problems. It is hard to understand why the publisher made such errors, as the problems are very obvious, and the whole book suffers as a result. It is a beautiful book covering many of the National Parks, with super photos and very good college level text, and if you can put up with the problems of a missing table of contents, this book is a great collection of art, ecology, and the National Parks of the USA. A 5-star for the photos and accompanying text, and a 3 for a useless table of contents. Sorry, but the publisher made major mistakes in putting this otherwise spectacular book together. But I will still give the book a 5-star anyway. The photos and text are just too good to give this book anything less than a 5-star.

Paul Schullery presents a book filled with powerful and beautiful images of fifty-six national parks that have been dedicated to the preservation and protection of irreplaceable treasures. This book shows why these parks are so worthy of protection.

Not only are they places where indescribable beauty can be seen, they have also been formed by unique geological forces. From stunning mountain ranges to arid expanses of desert, these are the lands we view, wander in and learn from.

America's National Parks is a celebration of the diversity of national parks throughout the United States. They are grouped according to the geological forces that helped to create them.

Diagrammatic illustrations, important landmarks, travel routes, topographical maps and spectacular full-color photographs illustrate the sheer majestic beauty of nature.

You will also find captivating information to encourage an awareness of the landforms, flora and fauna. Families will also find information to help enhance their vacations at the parks.

Inside the front cover a map of America shows the location of each park I started to remember my trip to the Grand Canyon National Park and my husband's visit to Denali.

Our Treasured Lands
The Rolling Land - Volcanic and Geothermal Forces
The Broken Crust - The Power of Mountain Building
Water Designing Lands - Waves, Caves and Currents
Ice Sculpting Stone - The Carving Power of Glaciers
The Patient Power - Wind and Water Erosion
Weather Shaping Life - Effects of Extreme Climates

This book contains some of the most amazing photographs I've ever seen of America. From pictures of dripstone formations adorning New Mexico's Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico to Lush Ecosystems shrouded in Fog in the National Park in Washington, these pictures help to vividly describe each park. I remember once having an argument with someone over the fact that there were rainforests near where I lived in Washington and no one would believe me. Well, here is proof!

I was also especially interested in looking up the Painted Desert we visited once on a trip across America after college. At the time, I didn't actually realize I was in the Petrified Forest national Park in Arizona because technically, we were just driving right through and I wasn't paying attention.

This book has helped to bring a new awareness to my own life and also encourages a desire for more exploration. Now I definitely want to see Mount McKinley in person.

Voyageurs National Park looks like a fascinating place to paddle around lonely islands. However, they do say never to skimp on insect repellent. A third of the park is water.

A memento of past visits or an inspiration for future exploration!

~The Rebecca Review

You might expect a book on US National Parks to have an all-USA (including Alaska and Hawaii) orientation map along with local maps of each National Park--and it does. You would expect it to have beautiful pictures--and it does. You would expect it to discuss the flora and wildlife found in these parks--and it does. You might expect it to touch on the history of the locations going back to the days of the First Americans--and it does. You would probably expect to hear that Yellowstone National Park, founded in 1872, was the first US National Park, and that it contains most of the world's geysers--and the book certainly states this.

Being a geologist, what I find relatively unique about this book is its emphasis throughout on basic geological processes. The cross-sections it gives of various geological processes and structures are quite educational, and they are very suitable for the geology classroom. (I wish that I had seen them when I first began to formally study geology!) The reader learns about the internal structure and dynamics of volcanoes, the types of folds and faults that form during mountain building, weathering and erosional structures such as hoodoos, and even such things as fumaroles and mudspots. There are also detailed visual aids on bays and reefs.

Fabulous book! The text is very interesting and educational, and it explains the scientific aspects of the National Parks and their land very well. The photos are gorgeous and made me want to visit every single park! :-) They really show some of the awesome beauty of God's handiwork. I highly recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts, lovers of nature and science and fellow armchair travelers. The book also contains helpful contact information for planning a visit to the parks. A great read and a great book to enjoy!

This was a great guide to get me started on my Disney vacation. It provided me with a great lay-out for all the parks, tips on making the best use of time, and guides for deciding where to stay and where to eat. I enjoyed the "Birmbaums Best" monikers on many of the attractions so that I would be clued into the absolute "must see" attractions. Overall, this is a good book for getting started at Disney World, especially if one has never gone to the theme parks in the past.

This is THE BOOK for WDW. It keeps you posted on new rides, the quality and prices of on-property accommodations, and much more. We have a "collection" of them going back to 1998. It's not too large or heavy to take to the park for referrals to activities, eating, shopping etc. A good buy.

I am very pleased with this guide book. I am slightly disappointed because the front of the book discusses the coupons in the back; however, the coupons are for special tours or discounts at restaurants that we will not be visiting. Other than that, I am very pleased with the layout and information provided.

This WDW guide is one of my favorites. Like most WDW Guests, I like to use both Birnbaum's Guide and The Healthy Guide to Walt Disney World 2009: How to Eat Right and Stay Fit in Disney - The NEW Diet, Dining, Food, Fitness and Complete Weight Loss Book whenever my family visits WDW. As the two guides seem to compliment each other very well and instill great insights, information and tips for travelers. The Birnbaum Guide has more detail and theme park info. The Healthy Guide to Disney has more dining, menu and activity tips. If you are planning on visiting WDW in 2009, don't leave home without them.

Makes a perfect Holiday gift! Shows the vibrancy and timeless appeal of New York.

Makes a perfect Holiday gift! Shows the vibrancy and timeless appeal of New York.

This photographic excursion through Central Park is a real delight. It is just what we all need to remind us of the splendor and joy of New York. The photographs are breathtaking and the text is beautifully wirtten , with just a touch of humor and humility.After enjoying the book myself, I've ordered a number for holiday gifts. I've already heard form some of the folks I sent it to and they share my enthusiam. The real advice: if you don't get this for the holidays, buy it for yourself to get you through the January doldrums.

by showing us his "park for all seasons". With his spectacular pictures of the monuments and statuary, the animals, the foliage, the rock formations, the whimisical pictures like the Bride and Groom on rollar skates, the shots of the same setting in different lights, the fountains (and my particular favorite, a sudden snow storm interrupting spring), Mr Freund takes us on a magical trip through the park. There are photos of spots you never knew existed but will long to explore. As a bonus, there are great tips for all of us amateur photographers. And "Lucy" has my vote for cutest dog of the year! Especially in these difficult times, the book is a wonderful reminder to everyone of the beauty and wonder that exists right in the middle of New York City. I couldn't stop smiling as I looked through it. Thank you, Mr. Freund for sharing "your" park with us.

Interesting old photos of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, side-by-side with modern photos taken from the exact spot and perspective as the old ones, showing the changes that have occurred in the past 50-100yrs. The photographer, Mic Clinger, took a lot of time and energy to get the views right, and it shows. Great book! As someone who lives near the area, I heartily recommend it!

We vacation in Estes Park every summer and we enjoyed the book very much. It's interesting to see the history and read the stories of Estes.

Time well spent reading this well investigated and reported step through history. To be able to see what we missed before our time, and then to see what it is now, makes one wonder if only....The photos were right on target as far as placement and the history was fasinating. It made you want to go and explore the area, or at least dream of being there. I have been to this area and know of its wonder and beauty. Take the time to read and wonder.

There are 98 groups of pictures, old and new. The book is sectioned by areas: Estes Valley Scenes and Sites, including the familiar, but also the mostly forgotten. The Village. Hotels, Lodges and Ranches, plus two sections on Rocky Mountain National Park, East and West.

The text is by Dr. James Pickering, who has written numerous histories of the area, including the excellent "This Blue Hollow" in 1999, about the early years of Estes Park.

The old photographs in the current book come from a number of sources, but most of the new ones, which duplicate exactly the viewpoint of the older photo, are by Mic Clinger, who has been painstaking in finding the precise vantage point, often with some difficulty.

If the history of the area interests you at all, this is a book you will enjoy. And it will invite you to ask a question: What has been gained, and what has been lost forever?

Fasinating book! Great history of the Youngstown, Ohio area during the start-up of the city as it rapidy grew during the 1800's through 20th century! Anyone with a desire to learn more about what Yougstown was about during the boom years should purchase this book, the history of Mill Creek Park, and Steel Valley.

I found the book to back great old memories of the greasy french fries and rattly old coasters. The old train was my favorite

Another fantastic trip back down the amusement park midway, courtesy of Mr. Jacques. This well researched and colorful book manages to chronicle the life and times of Youngstown's Idora Park - without reading like your typical history lesson. Filled with hundreds of pictures, this book is a must read for any amusement park enthusiast. Although I have never been to Idora, or even Youngstown, this book put me right back on Idora's midway and in the front seat of their infamous Wildcat and Jack Rabbit roller coasters.

Mr. Jacques' book also includes many unique behind the scenes stories and anecdotes from countless interviews and local archives. Personal photos and individual recollections of time spent at Idora Park take the reader back to a time when the traditional amusement park was the highlight of our summer days.

Anyone who lives in and around Youngstown, Ohio and those who are devotees of the amusement park tradition in America will find this attractive book to be both informative and nostalgic. The Last Ride... is an intelligent, intriguing look back through time to the park's opening in 1899 through to the fire which sealed its fate! The book is beautifully and thoroughly illustrated with copious photos and other interesting items; including a summary list of the events, groups, bands, etc. who were part of the park's history. This book is a must for everyone who's ever set foot in the park wither during its glowing years or during its decline.

As an experienced hiker in the Big Bend region, I was still amazed at the marvelolus plants neither I nor others have ever seen. This guide is a MUST if you really want to see the hidden beauty of this rugged region.

Big Bend National Park, which is located in southwest Texas along the Mexican border, contains more than 800,000 acres (which is larger than the state of Rhode Island). Due to its unique location, this park is sometimes referred to as three parks in one because it includes mountain, desert, and river environments. A short drive can take you from the Rio Grande River and its canyons, to a mile high mountain basin or the Chihuahuan desert. As a result, plant life within Big Bend National Park is highly diverse.

While book does contain a lot of information on the many of the common plants found in the park, the book primary focus is to provide information on those plants that are often overlooked by other guidebooks. Each of the hundreds of plants featured in the book has at least one high resolution photograph that accompanies the text that allows the reader/adventurer to easily identify the plant and its flowers.

Finally, unlike many guide books which fit into the back of your pocket, the book is a standard sized book, which allows for large sized pictures to be included.

Exceptional book for the southwest plant lover. Not an exhaustive study of all the plants in that area but a nice crisp focus on exceptional, interesting or the unusual ones. Photography is dead on the money. Highly recommended.

Devoted to the plants of Big Bend National Park this book also captures the stark beauty of the park. After brief sections on the preface, acknowledgement and design of the book, the book opens by explaining the environment in the short chapter headed, "Big Bend, The Land of Extremes." Along with rainfall rate, temperature extremes, elevation changes of thousands of feet, and other facts of interest the author also writes of the ecological diversity and the human influence on the park from the earliest hunters to modern time as well as the history of park itself.

That is followed by a brief section on how plants are named and a section on plants helpfully organized under the various family names. Page numbers are also noted for the family plant names making it easier for readers to find the pages grouped together for a certain family plant name.

Page 35 begins the actual heart if the book with a plant name, a close up color photograph and an easy to read and understand text on the plant. The text for each plant covers a description of the plant, where it is found, and some interesting history on the plant such as its reputation for inflicting damage on people and car tires (Lechuguilla), what the Aztecs used it for (Havard Agave) and other interesting information.


More than 250 pages later after a color picture of a beautiful Spanish dagger, the appendices begin. Appendix A is devoted to the status of the plants and how endangered they are in Texas. Appendix B is devoted to selected locations in the park such as Boot Canyon, Casa Grande, Panther Pass, and many others and the names of plants found at each location. Appendix C is devoted to the author's suggestions concerning photographing plants and necessary equipment. All of the pictures in the book were taken by the author and he explains how to achieve the quality photographs he does. Appendix D is a brief two page explanation of what sources were used for the names of the plants and why.


A glossary of terms, a list of sources for more information on the park, reference materials and an index brings this beautiful and easy to use book to a close. Designed for people who want to know what they are looking at in the park, this book is superbly done in text and photographs and is easy to understand. Not only does it depict many of the plants within the park, numerous photographs also capture the surrounding countryside and the beauty of the park. This is a must have for your next trip.


Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2008

Photographer Gerry Ellis spent 2 years with the orphaned elephants of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at the Nairobi National Park in Kenya in order to document the rescues, daily lives and preparation to return to the wild for these young elephants who have fallen victim to natural and unnatural disasters. In the summer of 1999, prolonged drought and increased ivory poaching brought brought more orphaned baby elephants to the Trust in one season that it had seen in the entire previous decade. Gerry Ellis followed, photographed, and got to know 8 of the young elephants who were one month to one year old when they arrived at the Wildlife Trust. Through more than 100 photographs and accompanying text, we meet the "Orphan 8", learn of the challenges of raising them, observe as the youngsters recover from their injuries and fear, adjust to life at the Trust, develop relationships with one another and with their human keepers, and, after 2 years, move to Tsavo National Park, where they will eventually be released into the wild. An essay by Gerry Ellis introduces each of the book's 6 chapters. Detailed explanations accompany all photographs -not as captions, but full-sized text. I've long been a fan of Gerry Ellis' fine art nature photography, but "Wild Orphans" is fantastic photojournalism and more personal work than I have seen from Ellis before. Ellis' love for this project shows. Admirers of elephants and those concerned with their fate -or that of African wildlife in general- won't want to miss "Wild Orphans".

I love this book. The text was written by the photographer. The photographs alone are priceless. I think it is also a very valuable contribution to the ongoing oftentimes contentious debate about human intervention in the animal kingdom. This book makes an eloquent statement that there are times when it is appropriate to intervene, save the lives of the animals and educate humans on the importance of maintaining animal habitat in the process.

What I enjoyed the most was the gradual realization of the author that we are all connected - human and animal. We have created the conditions that are killing these animals through our unsound environmental practices. There is no conscionable way to turn our backs on the animals that are being forced to live in what we have created. We must admit our responsibility for the environmental chaos we have created and help where we need to. To simply look the other way as these elephants die and throw out the excuse that it's "nature", "the law of the land" or worse yet "survival of the fittest" is inhuman.

It is extremely touching. For those of you who can't tolerate another anthropomorphic happy-meal animal book, some die as they are being rescued and some after.

The information on GLOBIO and the work they are doing world wide is a valuable teaching tool for children.

Bought this for my niece, she loves it. Beautiful photography.

The photography is amazing and that alone is worth getting this book. However the stories behind each picture and story of each member of the Orphan 8 are extremely touching, and provide a wonderful insight between humans and elephants. It will leave you in awe of the difference the wonderful people at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust make in this endeavor to help save the African Elephant.

For some people this book is a substitute for visiting Yosemite. I suppose that is legitimate. For Neill this book is clearly act of devotion to something he loves, even adores. For me the portfolios are pure art. In them Neill shows me ways of looking at things I never imagined. The contrast of snowy shore and black water. El Capitan veiled in mist and inky trees. Half Dome grey and majestic foregrounded by a glowing tree. Neill is especially good with the color black. I love the way he sometimes offers up a deep green that shades into black.

Not every photo is a masterpiece, but a high percentage of them are. They are stylized without being candy-coated, like the works of so many other landscape photographers. They condition consciousness so that after looking at them I see even my humdrum little suburb in a new way. This effect is surely due in part to the majesty of the subject, but it is mostly the achievement of William Neill. I revere this book and recommend it to any lover of beauty. Go to Mr. Neill's website and see the pictures for yourself.

The greatest portfolio of Yosemite I've seen. Mr. Neill is a very influential photographer.

A long time fan of William Neill's amazing photography, this book is a work of love. It is obvious in the beautiful images that his passion for Yosemite is revealed, page by page. Yosemite is one of the most visited and most photographed national parks in the US. Made famous by the images by Ansel Adams, among others, Half Dome and El Capitan have been photographed by millions every year for decades. Just when you think that every possible image and perspective has been taken, Mr. Neill's book opens your eyes up to more unique and varied possibilities.

To truly reveal the magic that is Yosemite, you must explore it during all the seasons, time and time and time again over the years. Mr. Neill clearly did as this book explores the beauty and uniqueness that is Yosemite through all those seasons, all the weather. With each page memories and enchantment flood the soul as I remember standing in the same spot, but seeing it anew through the magic of his camera, surrounded by the magic of the place. Even if you've never visited Yosemite, you will come away a friend with this book.

I highly recommend it to everyone who visits or considers visiting Yosemite. If you are thinking about a book that represents some of the magic that is nature and the wild in the United States to give to a friend from a foriegn land or someone city-bound, this book will feel like a hike through the woods and some magical place.

William Neill has done it again! Be sure and check out the rest of his wonderful books. I highly recommend "By Nature's Design" and "The Color of Nature" books. His images are timeless.

While Yosemite's splendor is introduced to the reader in the photographs, it is impossible to really capture the beauty of this great park with just a picture. The beauty of this book is a combined effort of excellence in photography and prose which sings the praises of this absolutely amazing corner of the world.

I highly recommend this book for those heading to Yosemite, want help in remembering a trip, or, for those of you not fortunate enough to have the chance to get there (go-go-go!), you'll read it and book the next flight!

An unforgettable read.
Without a word and thus with incredible strength. It's not a political message, it's not an argument with solutions to problems.
It's just an extremely strong and human message.
A book I wish more people would read.

This book rekindled my interest in B&W photography...and since I live near a major zoo, also zoo photography. Not every photo is of the same quality, but in this book are the most singularly beautiful B&W images I have ever seen! The layout and quality are tops. I LOVE THIS BOOK. Now having said that, I must admit I love zoos...and thank heavens for them for keeping alive some of nature's most wonderful creatures which have been suffering terribly in recent years in the wild. The damage done to wildlife conservation by the Sierra Clubs and the PETAs of the world cannot be understated. So, I do not agree with her message but I love her spectacular images.

As youngsters most of us felt excited when we went to zoos to see "wild" animals. This book shows us how things may look like from the other side of the cage/barrier. The Images are stunning not only for their artistic beauty but also the message they convey: unforgettable yet heart-breaking. The composition and lighting of the black and white prints are just great.

Never have I seen a collection of photography like this book. The book not only shows the beauty of all sorts of animals but also depicts the harshness of the reality they face each day living in a zoo. The contrast between nature's awesome creatures and man's desire to put them on display is a haunting story. This photographer tells it well.